This event is complete.
The Keystone Trails Association will host its Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend from October 13-15, 2017, at Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat in Weikert, Union County.
Participants will enjoy hiking, a variety of nature activities, meals, meetings, and camaraderie at our annual Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend. Not sure what a KTA Hiking Weekend is all about? Read this first.
Yes, this Fall Weekend will be special: In addition to hikes exploring some of the best hiking in the state, the activity schedule for the weekend is jam-packed full of hikes, non-hikes, and family fun - this October, Be a Hiking Tourist with KTA!
Participants will enjoy hiking, a variety of nature activities, meals, meetings, and camaraderie at our annual Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend. Not sure what a KTA Hiking Weekend is all about? Read this first.
Yes, this Fall Weekend will be special: In addition to hikes exploring some of the best hiking in the state, the activity schedule for the weekend is jam-packed full of hikes, non-hikes, and family fun - this October, Be a Hiking Tourist with KTA!
OUR HOSTING HIKING CLUB
KTA member clubs/organizations host our Spring and Fall Hiking Weekends by planning and guiding hikes and other excursions throughout the weekend. In October, we’re teaming up with the Mid State Trail Association to provide incredible hiking experiences for participants. “The Mid State Trail Association seeks out remote, quiet natural corridors for placing the Mid State Trail, constructs and maintains only foot paths, and acts to protect the quiet, wild and scenic, natural and cultural resources of the corridor through which the trail passes. Within a natural setting, hikers enjoy a diversity of experiences. We recognize the importance of those areas with significant historic, cultural, geological, or other features of interest to hikers, and work to have the foot path visit those features, where feasible. At times, sections of the foot path may be, unnecessarily, in non-natural areas or on non-natural surfaces. Our goal is to re-locate these sections to remote, primitive natural places.”
The 2017 Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend will be located in the State College Region, the heart of the MST. MST in this Region passes Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests; Penn Roosevelt, Poe Valley, Poe Paddy State Parks; and Alan Seeger and Detweiler Run Natural Areas through Huntingdon, Centre, Mifflin, and Union Counties.
“Highlights: Beautiful views and amazing natural features mark State College Region. A monument (erected 2003) marks MST's 1969 birthplace near Little Flat Fire Tower. Volunteers of Penn State Outing Club, and many others led by MST's Founder, Tom Thwaites, headed out of town up Tussey Mountain to clear trail over the rocky ridgetop as MST grew in both directions through the "Seven Mountains." The Mid State Trail Association was formed in 1982 to guide the MST's continued growth and secure its future.”
A huge thank you to Ed Lawrence, KTA Trail Care Chair, and the MSTA for organizing the Hike Schedule and for maintaining this beautiful footpath!
KTA member clubs/organizations host our Spring and Fall Hiking Weekends by planning and guiding hikes and other excursions throughout the weekend. In October, we’re teaming up with the Mid State Trail Association to provide incredible hiking experiences for participants. “The Mid State Trail Association seeks out remote, quiet natural corridors for placing the Mid State Trail, constructs and maintains only foot paths, and acts to protect the quiet, wild and scenic, natural and cultural resources of the corridor through which the trail passes. Within a natural setting, hikers enjoy a diversity of experiences. We recognize the importance of those areas with significant historic, cultural, geological, or other features of interest to hikers, and work to have the foot path visit those features, where feasible. At times, sections of the foot path may be, unnecessarily, in non-natural areas or on non-natural surfaces. Our goal is to re-locate these sections to remote, primitive natural places.”
The 2017 Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend will be located in the State College Region, the heart of the MST. MST in this Region passes Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests; Penn Roosevelt, Poe Valley, Poe Paddy State Parks; and Alan Seeger and Detweiler Run Natural Areas through Huntingdon, Centre, Mifflin, and Union Counties.
“Highlights: Beautiful views and amazing natural features mark State College Region. A monument (erected 2003) marks MST's 1969 birthplace near Little Flat Fire Tower. Volunteers of Penn State Outing Club, and many others led by MST's Founder, Tom Thwaites, headed out of town up Tussey Mountain to clear trail over the rocky ridgetop as MST grew in both directions through the "Seven Mountains." The Mid State Trail Association was formed in 1982 to guide the MST's continued growth and secure its future.”
A huge thank you to Ed Lawrence, KTA Trail Care Chair, and the MSTA for organizing the Hike Schedule and for maintaining this beautiful footpath!
LOCATION AND HEADQUARTERS
The 2017 Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend will be held at the Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat in Weikert, Union County, PA, and the surrounding area. “Wesley Forest is nestled at the base of White Mountain in the western end of Buffalo Valley, and adjacent to Penns Creek, famous for its excellent trout fishing waters. This is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors in a secluded setting.”
The 2017 Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend will be held at the Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat in Weikert, Union County, PA, and the surrounding area. “Wesley Forest is nestled at the base of White Mountain in the western end of Buffalo Valley, and adjacent to Penns Creek, famous for its excellent trout fishing waters. This is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors in a secluded setting.”
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Subject to change.
Thursday
5:00 PM: Check-in at Wesley Forest with KTA (Exclusively for those who stay in a Lakeside Cabin or camp - extra night FREE)
Friday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM: Check-in at Wesley Forest with KTA
10 AM: Special Morning Hike departs
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Hikes and Activities
7:00 PM: Potluck Dinner
8:00 PM: Campfire
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Check-In at Wesley Forest with KTA
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast - Dining Hall
8:00 AM: Early Morning Activities Depart
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Hikes and Activities
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: KTA Board of Directors Meeting - Dining Hall
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: KTA Council Meeting - Dining Hall
6:00 PM: Dinner - Dining Hall
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Keystone Trails Association Fall Meeting and Awards Ceremony, with Guest Speakers - Dining Hall
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-In at Wesley Forest with KTA
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast - Dining Hall
9:00 AM: Hikes and Activities
Subject to change.
Thursday
5:00 PM: Check-in at Wesley Forest with KTA (Exclusively for those who stay in a Lakeside Cabin or camp - extra night FREE)
Friday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM: Check-in at Wesley Forest with KTA
10 AM: Special Morning Hike departs
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Hikes and Activities
7:00 PM: Potluck Dinner
8:00 PM: Campfire
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Check-In at Wesley Forest with KTA
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast - Dining Hall
8:00 AM: Early Morning Activities Depart
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Hikes and Activities
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: KTA Board of Directors Meeting - Dining Hall
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: KTA Council Meeting - Dining Hall
6:00 PM: Dinner - Dining Hall
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Keystone Trails Association Fall Meeting and Awards Ceremony, with Guest Speakers - Dining Hall
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-In at Wesley Forest with KTA
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast - Dining Hall
9:00 AM: Hikes and Activities
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
Click HERE for the Weekend Activity Schedule! To pre-register for your activities, send an email to Brynn Furnace, Program Administrator, at [email protected] with your preferred hike(s) in the following format:
Day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday); Activity # (listed on hiking schedule); Name of Activity
Once you sign up for a Weekend Package (hikes and activities, meals, lodging) or pay the Hiking Weekend Registration Fee (hikes and activities), you are welcome to sign up for as many days and items on the schedule as you like, or none at all. How much you participate is up to you.
Click HERE for the Weekend Activity Schedule! To pre-register for your activities, send an email to Brynn Furnace, Program Administrator, at [email protected] with your preferred hike(s) in the following format:
Day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday); Activity # (listed on hiking schedule); Name of Activity
Once you sign up for a Weekend Package (hikes and activities, meals, lodging) or pay the Hiking Weekend Registration Fee (hikes and activities), you are welcome to sign up for as many days and items on the schedule as you like, or none at all. How much you participate is up to you.
LODGING
Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat offers several accommodation options, including:
Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat offers several accommodation options, including:
Penns Creek Lodge and Annex: The Lodge and Annex are situated on the lower grounds, alongside Penns Creek. Holding up to 42 guests in 7 rooms. Each room has 3 bunk beds and a shared bathroom in the hall. This beautiful, old lodge features a large lounge area with woodstove and refrigerator.
Hemlock and White Pine Lodges: These newer lodges are located centrally, with a quick walk to the dining hall and other meeting areas. Each lodge has 8 rooms with 1 bunk bed and a single bed per room. Restrooms and showers (gender specific) are located in the hallways. Hemlock and White Pine Lodges both have a large lounge area with woodstove, refrigerator, and snack area.
Lick Run Cabin: This cabin is situated on the lower grounds, alongside Penns Creek. This charming cabin can sleep up to 10 people and has its own bathroom. The main room has 4 bunk beds and a wood stove. Two single beds are located up an angled ladder to the loft. Take advantage of the screened-in porch by relaxing to the lovely sounds of Penns Creek.
Weikert Run Cabin: This cabin is situated on the lower grounds, alongside Penns Creek.
This quaint cabin has 3 bunk beds and can sleep up to 6 people.
It has its own bathroom and large porch.
RESERVED!
Minister’s Cabin: This cabin is situated on the lower grounds, alongside Penns Creek. Sleeping between 2 and 5 guests, the main floor has a single top and double bottom style bunk bed and up a straight ladder are two single mattresses. This cozy cabin, featuring a woodstove, writing desk, and kitchenette, would make a great couple’s get-away or family cabin.
Minister’s Cabin: This cabin is situated on the lower grounds, alongside Penns Creek. Sleeping between 2 and 5 guests, the main floor has a single top and double bottom style bunk bed and up a straight ladder are two single mattresses. This cozy cabin, featuring a woodstove, writing desk, and kitchenette, would make a great couple’s get-away or family cabin.
*Special Deal* Rent a Lakeside Cabin or camp for the weekend, and stay an extra night FREE! Special hiking options will be available Friday morning that you won’t want to miss!
Lakeside Cabins: These rustic cabins may be unheated, but they do have electricity! Each cabin has 4 bunk beds and 1 single bed, sleeping up to 9 guests. Cabins are a very short walk from the shared bathhouse and feature a view of the beautiful lake.
Camping: Camping will be located centrally with easy access to the dining hall and other meeting areas. Campers will use bathrooms and showers located in the Hemlock and White Pine Lodges. No hook-ups available.
Lakeside Cabins: These rustic cabins may be unheated, but they do have electricity! Each cabin has 4 bunk beds and 1 single bed, sleeping up to 9 guests. Cabins are a very short walk from the shared bathhouse and feature a view of the beautiful lake.
Camping: Camping will be located centrally with easy access to the dining hall and other meeting areas. Campers will use bathrooms and showers located in the Hemlock and White Pine Lodges. No hook-ups available.
KTA's Find-A-Roommate Online Forum
KTA is inviting members to use the KTA Find-A-Roommate Online Forum. The discussion is intended for those who wish to room with one or more other people to save money on lodging. The forum facilitates finding each other and making a plan to share, before completing the registration form. KTA will monitor the forum, please be kind.
Once you and your future roommate(s) have agreed to share a room, sign up online or complete the REGISTRATION FORM for the type of room you plan to share. Include the name(s) of your roommate(s) when you sign up ONLINE or complete the REGISTRATION FORM. Please wait to complete the form until you have found your roommate(s). Thank you!
LINK TO FORUM
KTA is inviting members to use the KTA Find-A-Roommate Online Forum. The discussion is intended for those who wish to room with one or more other people to save money on lodging. The forum facilitates finding each other and making a plan to share, before completing the registration form. KTA will monitor the forum, please be kind.
Once you and your future roommate(s) have agreed to share a room, sign up online or complete the REGISTRATION FORM for the type of room you plan to share. Include the name(s) of your roommate(s) when you sign up ONLINE or complete the REGISTRATION FORM. Please wait to complete the form until you have found your roommate(s). Thank you!
LINK TO FORUM
COST BREAKDOWN
Please remember- Keystone Trails Association is a non-profit organization. Our events are fundraisers for the cause of providing, preserving, protecting, and promoting hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
Weekend Packages includes 2 nights lodging (Friday & Saturday, with a special option for those in the Lakeside Cabins!), 6 meals (Friday Potluck; Saturday breakfast, lunch, & dinner, and Sunday breakfast & lunch), and the Hiking Weekend Registration Fee. All prices are per person except Lick Run, Weikert Run, and Minister’s Cabins.
All registrants must provide their own personal bedding (sleeping bags or sheets), pillow, blankets, towels, and toiletries.
Penns Creek Lodge and Annex: Private room with 3 bunk beds, sleeping up to 6 in a room. Shared bathrooms.
Single Occupancy: $385
Double Occupancy: $285 ea.
Three to Six: $185 ea.
Child (4-17): $50 ea.
White Pine and Hemlock Lodges: Motel-Style Dorm Rooms with 1 bunk bed and a single bed, sleeping up to 3 in a room. Bathrooms (gender specific) are shared and located in the hall.
Single Occupancy: $275
Double Occupancy: $225 ea.
Triple Occupancy: $175 ea.
Child (4-17): $50 ea.
Lick Run Cabin: Private cabin with 4 bunk beds in the main room and 2 single beds up an angled ladder to the loft. Sleeps 4-10. Private bathroom.
Total: $800
Weikert Run Cabin: Private cabin with 3 bunk beds in the main room. Sleeps 3-6. Private bathroom.
Total: $600
Minister’s Cabin: Private cabin with 1 double bed bottom, single bed top style bunk bed and 2 mattresses up a straight ladder to the loft. Sleeps 2-5. Private bathroom. Perfect for a couple or a family with children.
Total: $450
Lakeside Cabins: Rustic cabins are unheated, but do have electricity! Each cabin has 4 bunk beds and 1 single bed and can sleep up to 9. Cabins are a very short walk from the shared bathhouse.
*Special Deal* Rent a Lakeside Cabin for the weekend, and stay an extra night FREE! Special hiking options will be available Friday morning that you won’t want to miss!
Single Occupancy: $285
Double Occupancy: $250 ea.
Three to Nine: $185 ea.
Child (4-17): $50 ea.
Camping: No hook-ups available. Bathrooms and showers (gender specific) available in The Hemlock and White Pine Lodges, situated near the camping area.
Camp Rate: $115 ea.
Child (4-17): $35 ea.
A La Carte Options
If you live nearby, or would like to stay and eat somewhere else, we have you covered!
Hiking Weekend Registration Fee: $20, covers all hikes and most of the activities for the entire weekend.
1-Day Hiking Registration Fee: $10 for adults, free for youth ages 4-17.
Saturday Dinner and Evening Program Only: $25 for adults, $10 for youth ages 4-17.
Meals and Hiking Only: $80 for adults, $60 for youth ages 4-17. Covers all hikes as well as two breakfasts, two lunches, and Saturday dinner.
Please remember- Keystone Trails Association is a non-profit organization. Our events are fundraisers for the cause of providing, preserving, protecting, and promoting hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
Weekend Packages includes 2 nights lodging (Friday & Saturday, with a special option for those in the Lakeside Cabins!), 6 meals (Friday Potluck; Saturday breakfast, lunch, & dinner, and Sunday breakfast & lunch), and the Hiking Weekend Registration Fee. All prices are per person except Lick Run, Weikert Run, and Minister’s Cabins.
All registrants must provide their own personal bedding (sleeping bags or sheets), pillow, blankets, towels, and toiletries.
Penns Creek Lodge and Annex: Private room with 3 bunk beds, sleeping up to 6 in a room. Shared bathrooms.
Single Occupancy: $385
Double Occupancy: $285 ea.
Three to Six: $185 ea.
Child (4-17): $50 ea.
White Pine and Hemlock Lodges: Motel-Style Dorm Rooms with 1 bunk bed and a single bed, sleeping up to 3 in a room. Bathrooms (gender specific) are shared and located in the hall.
Single Occupancy: $275
Double Occupancy: $225 ea.
Triple Occupancy: $175 ea.
Child (4-17): $50 ea.
Lick Run Cabin: Private cabin with 4 bunk beds in the main room and 2 single beds up an angled ladder to the loft. Sleeps 4-10. Private bathroom.
Total: $800
Weikert Run Cabin: Private cabin with 3 bunk beds in the main room. Sleeps 3-6. Private bathroom.
Total: $600
Minister’s Cabin: Private cabin with 1 double bed bottom, single bed top style bunk bed and 2 mattresses up a straight ladder to the loft. Sleeps 2-5. Private bathroom. Perfect for a couple or a family with children.
Total: $450
Lakeside Cabins: Rustic cabins are unheated, but do have electricity! Each cabin has 4 bunk beds and 1 single bed and can sleep up to 9. Cabins are a very short walk from the shared bathhouse.
*Special Deal* Rent a Lakeside Cabin for the weekend, and stay an extra night FREE! Special hiking options will be available Friday morning that you won’t want to miss!
Single Occupancy: $285
Double Occupancy: $250 ea.
Three to Nine: $185 ea.
Child (4-17): $50 ea.
Camping: No hook-ups available. Bathrooms and showers (gender specific) available in The Hemlock and White Pine Lodges, situated near the camping area.
Camp Rate: $115 ea.
Child (4-17): $35 ea.
A La Carte Options
If you live nearby, or would like to stay and eat somewhere else, we have you covered!
Hiking Weekend Registration Fee: $20, covers all hikes and most of the activities for the entire weekend.
1-Day Hiking Registration Fee: $10 for adults, free for youth ages 4-17.
Saturday Dinner and Evening Program Only: $25 for adults, $10 for youth ages 4-17.
Meals and Hiking Only: $80 for adults, $60 for youth ages 4-17. Covers all hikes as well as two breakfasts, two lunches, and Saturday dinner.
REGISTRATION
To register for the 2017 Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend, complete the REGISTRATION FORM and mail check or money order to the KTA office or sign up ONLINE. Registrations must be received by October 6, 2017.
If you would like to commute and JUST hike with us, pre-registration is NOT necessary.
We will have staff and volunteers on site ready to help you sign up for hikes. Some non-hiking activities will require advance registration and additional fees.
Weekend Package Pricing is for KTA members; if you are not currently a member of KTA, you will need to join ($15 individual, $20 family) or renew your membership ($30 individual, $35 family) in order to register at the member price. To learn about your current member status, please contact Brynn Furnace, Program Administrator, at [email protected]. Thank you!
To register for the 2017 Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend, complete the REGISTRATION FORM and mail check or money order to the KTA office or sign up ONLINE. Registrations must be received by October 6, 2017.
If you would like to commute and JUST hike with us, pre-registration is NOT necessary.
We will have staff and volunteers on site ready to help you sign up for hikes. Some non-hiking activities will require advance registration and additional fees.
Weekend Package Pricing is for KTA members; if you are not currently a member of KTA, you will need to join ($15 individual, $20 family) or renew your membership ($30 individual, $35 family) in order to register at the member price. To learn about your current member status, please contact Brynn Furnace, Program Administrator, at [email protected]. Thank you!
DIRECTIONS TO WESLEY FOREST CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER (Taken from their website)
WESLEY FOREST
PO Box 35, 58 Wesley Forest Lane
Weikert, PA 17885
Phone: 570-922-1348
E-Mail: [email protected]
It is strongly suggested that a GPS or Map Quest is NOT used for directions to Wesley Forest as the directions given are NOT accurate. The directions as mentioned below are a quicker, more direct route to travel.
FROM HARRISBURG: Travel north on Rt. 15 turning left onto Rt. 104 just beyond Liverpool. Follow Rt. 104 to Mifflinburg, turning left on Rt. 45 West. Follow Rt. 45 to Rt. 235 south toward Laurelton. At the intersection at Lincoln Park Fairgrounds turn right onto Hassenplug Road for 1.5 mile. At the stop sign turn right onto Weikert Road and continue for six miles. In Weikert, turn left, crossing Penns Creek. You have arrived. Follow the signs to either Penns Creek (on the right) or up the hill one fourth mile and to the left to Hemlock Lodge, White Pine Lodge, Lakeside Cabins and the Dining Hall.
FROM LEWISBURG: Travel west on Rt. 45 for 18 miles to Rt. 235. Turn left onto Rt. 235 south toward Laurelton. At the intersection of Lincoln Park Fairgrounds turn right onto Hassenplug Road for 1.5 miles. At the stop sign turn right onto Weikert Road and continue for six miles. In Weikert turn left, crossing Penns Creek. Follow the signs to either Penns Creek (on the right) or up the hill one fourth mile and to the left to Hemlock Lodge, White Pine Lodge, Lakeside Cabins and the Dining Hall.
FROM STATE COLLEGE: Travel east to Boalsburg and pick up Rt. 45 east. Travel approximately 35 miles and turn right onto Rt. 235 south. At the intersection of Lincoln Park turn right onto Hassenplug Road for 1.5 miles. At the stop sign turn right onto Weikert Road and continue for six miles. In Weikert turn left, crossing Penns Creek. You have arrived. Follow the signs to either Penns Creek (on the right) or up the hill one fourth mile and to the left to Hemlock Lodge, White Pine Lodge, Lakeside Cabins and the Dining Hall.
If you haven't registered, you can still sign up to participate in activities. Find KTA Staff at Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat at least 30 minutes before the activity you're interested in is scheduled to depart. Directions to the camp are above. Follow signs to "Registration." There is a fee to participate in activities with us.
WESLEY FOREST
PO Box 35, 58 Wesley Forest Lane
Weikert, PA 17885
Phone: 570-922-1348
E-Mail: [email protected]
It is strongly suggested that a GPS or Map Quest is NOT used for directions to Wesley Forest as the directions given are NOT accurate. The directions as mentioned below are a quicker, more direct route to travel.
FROM HARRISBURG: Travel north on Rt. 15 turning left onto Rt. 104 just beyond Liverpool. Follow Rt. 104 to Mifflinburg, turning left on Rt. 45 West. Follow Rt. 45 to Rt. 235 south toward Laurelton. At the intersection at Lincoln Park Fairgrounds turn right onto Hassenplug Road for 1.5 mile. At the stop sign turn right onto Weikert Road and continue for six miles. In Weikert, turn left, crossing Penns Creek. You have arrived. Follow the signs to either Penns Creek (on the right) or up the hill one fourth mile and to the left to Hemlock Lodge, White Pine Lodge, Lakeside Cabins and the Dining Hall.
FROM LEWISBURG: Travel west on Rt. 45 for 18 miles to Rt. 235. Turn left onto Rt. 235 south toward Laurelton. At the intersection of Lincoln Park Fairgrounds turn right onto Hassenplug Road for 1.5 miles. At the stop sign turn right onto Weikert Road and continue for six miles. In Weikert turn left, crossing Penns Creek. Follow the signs to either Penns Creek (on the right) or up the hill one fourth mile and to the left to Hemlock Lodge, White Pine Lodge, Lakeside Cabins and the Dining Hall.
FROM STATE COLLEGE: Travel east to Boalsburg and pick up Rt. 45 east. Travel approximately 35 miles and turn right onto Rt. 235 south. At the intersection of Lincoln Park turn right onto Hassenplug Road for 1.5 miles. At the stop sign turn right onto Weikert Road and continue for six miles. In Weikert turn left, crossing Penns Creek. You have arrived. Follow the signs to either Penns Creek (on the right) or up the hill one fourth mile and to the left to Hemlock Lodge, White Pine Lodge, Lakeside Cabins and the Dining Hall.
If you haven't registered, you can still sign up to participate in activities. Find KTA Staff at Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat at least 30 minutes before the activity you're interested in is scheduled to depart. Directions to the camp are above. Follow signs to "Registration." There is a fee to participate in activities with us.
