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EVENT #13: August 20-23, 2026
Allegheny Front Trail |
Taking a break at a vista during AFT Trail Care in 2025.
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What we have planned
Likely:
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--LOGISTICS--
Map from DCNR; modified for our use here.
IF YOU'RE COMING JUST FOR THE DAY / ARRIVING IN THE MORNING:
>Meet us at: near campsite 76-80 at Black Moshannon State Park campground, 7:30am
>Map/directions to cabin (see map above):
coordinates: 40.91718, -78.06384
street address: Campground Road, Philipsburg, PA 16866
goo.gl/maps/eoAvztfZFe2PRYWm8
>"Black Mo" is located in Moshannon State Forest, about 25 minutes from exit 158 of I-80 (if coming from the east), and 15 minutes from I-80 exit 133 (if coming from the west).
>Meet us at: near campsite 76-80 at Black Moshannon State Park campground, 7:30am
>Map/directions to cabin (see map above):
coordinates: 40.91718, -78.06384
street address: Campground Road, Philipsburg, PA 16866
goo.gl/maps/eoAvztfZFe2PRYWm8
>"Black Mo" is located in Moshannon State Forest, about 25 minutes from exit 158 of I-80 (if coming from the east), and 15 minutes from I-80 exit 133 (if coming from the west).
IF YOU'RE STAYING OVERNIGHT:
Black Moshannon State Park sites 74, 76, 77, 78, & 79
See yellow highlighted sites in map above. DCNR Bureau of State Parks has generously reserved these sites for us, in a semi-private loop.
See yellow highlighted sites in map above. DCNR Bureau of State Parks has generously reserved these sites for us, in a semi-private loop.
Options:
• Camping: bring tent, hammock, or car camp
Amenities:
•non-electric sites- plan to charge your devices in your vehicle
•restroom/showers/potable water: <300' away from campsites
You bring:
• all usual camping stuff
KTA will provide:
• firewood
• Camping: bring tent, hammock, or car camp
Amenities:
•non-electric sites- plan to charge your devices in your vehicle
•restroom/showers/potable water: <300' away from campsites
You bring:
• all usual camping stuff
KTA will provide:
• firewood
OR:
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite in Black Mo State Park or lodging nearby.
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite in Black Mo State Park or lodging nearby.
Important notes:
Cell phone coverage: Coverage maps do not show any service at the campground. Coverage on the trail and roads getting there can be VERY spotty.
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Friday night dinner is typically on your own, and we usually opt for dinner out another night (KTA's treat). Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
Camping Gear: If you're missing a piece of camping gear, or all of it, check out KTA's Gear loaner Program here. With enough notice, KTA can bring whatever you need for a fun, comfortable weekend!
Age Requirements:
Minimum: 14 years old and up (all minors must be accompanied by a guardian) unless otherwise noted. For safety purposes, minors will never be allowed to work alone or with just one other volunteer, unless it is their guardian.
Maximum: no maximum age! If you can hike a couple miles over rough terrain, we can find a task suitable for you!
Cell phone coverage: Coverage maps do not show any service at the campground. Coverage on the trail and roads getting there can be VERY spotty.
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Friday night dinner is typically on your own, and we usually opt for dinner out another night (KTA's treat). Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
Camping Gear: If you're missing a piece of camping gear, or all of it, check out KTA's Gear loaner Program here. With enough notice, KTA can bring whatever you need for a fun, comfortable weekend!
Age Requirements:
Minimum: 14 years old and up (all minors must be accompanied by a guardian) unless otherwise noted. For safety purposes, minors will never be allowed to work alone or with just one other volunteer, unless it is their guardian.
Maximum: no maximum age! If you can hike a couple miles over rough terrain, we can find a task suitable for you!
--Trail Work Details--
Work days:
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
Allegheny Front Trail:
The Allegheny Front Trail (AFT) is a 41.8-mile loop in western Centre County, built in the late 1990s to complement the Rock Run Trails System for cross-country skiers. The trail roughly encircles Black Moshannon State Park and crosses PA 504 twice.
The trail includes about three miles on the edge of the Allegheny Front, with six maintained vistas and some areas of nearly continuous views; extensive stretches of the Ridge and Valley Province to the southeast are visible. The AFT has two spurs, The Moss-Hanne Trail and Shingle Mill Trail, that originate within Black Moshannon State Park, while the AFT passes through the southern section of that park as well. (Maps included in picture slideshow below. PDF maps here).
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
- Brushcutting along Black Moshannon Creek
- Brushcutting between Hall Run and Benner Run
- Switchback repair
- Blazing
- So: using gas-powered brushcutters (like weedwackers on steroids), with others lopping and removing trimmed material from the trail; using Pulaskis, mattocks, hoes and rakes to rework the treadway; re-painting blazes, and lopping around and prepping trees for blazing. You can try your hand at any of these; we offer on the trail training,and take lots of breaks.
- We carpool to trail locations; please let me know if you are not comfortable riding with others or driving on gravel forestry roads. From the campground, drive times should be in the 15-30 minute range.
Allegheny Front Trail:
The Allegheny Front Trail (AFT) is a 41.8-mile loop in western Centre County, built in the late 1990s to complement the Rock Run Trails System for cross-country skiers. The trail roughly encircles Black Moshannon State Park and crosses PA 504 twice.
The trail includes about three miles on the edge of the Allegheny Front, with six maintained vistas and some areas of nearly continuous views; extensive stretches of the Ridge and Valley Province to the southeast are visible. The AFT has two spurs, The Moss-Hanne Trail and Shingle Mill Trail, that originate within Black Moshannon State Park, while the AFT passes through the southern section of that park as well. (Maps included in picture slideshow below. PDF maps here).
SIGN UP FOR 2026 TRAIL CARE #13- Allegheny Front Trail, Aug. 20-23, HERE!
(If you do not receive an email confirmation, your sign-up did not go through. Try going to the Google Form here, or Contact Jenn directly: [email protected])
**NEW FOR 2026: Please also sign-up for an account with DCNR on the new Conservation Volunteer website here. Once you do that, you are covered under DCNR’s workmen’s compensation umbrella when working on state forest or park land. Also, you can now earn points towards free camping! Check out their FAQs page.
•Once you submit your sign-up on KTA’s Trail Care Event website (here), Jenn will add you to the “Trail Care Team” for that private event in DCNR’s new CV system (and you’ll receive an email from DCNR confirming you’ve been added to the team/event). Then, after the event, Jenn will be inputting all your Trail Care volunteer hours; you won’t have to worry about that. Thanks in advance!
•You don't have to look for/won't be able to find the Trail Care as an "Opportunity" on DCNR's site (they're all set to "private").
•No need to fill out anything for child, etc., clearances. You can add chainsaw and first aid certifications, but not required.
(If you do not receive an email confirmation, your sign-up did not go through. Try going to the Google Form here, or Contact Jenn directly: [email protected])
**NEW FOR 2026: Please also sign-up for an account with DCNR on the new Conservation Volunteer website here. Once you do that, you are covered under DCNR’s workmen’s compensation umbrella when working on state forest or park land. Also, you can now earn points towards free camping! Check out their FAQs page.
•Once you submit your sign-up on KTA’s Trail Care Event website (here), Jenn will add you to the “Trail Care Team” for that private event in DCNR’s new CV system (and you’ll receive an email from DCNR confirming you’ve been added to the team/event). Then, after the event, Jenn will be inputting all your Trail Care volunteer hours; you won’t have to worry about that. Thanks in advance!
•You don't have to look for/won't be able to find the Trail Care as an "Opportunity" on DCNR's site (they're all set to "private").
•No need to fill out anything for child, etc., clearances. You can add chainsaw and first aid certifications, but not required.
--PHOTO GALLERY--
