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TOOL CARE WORKSHOPS |
**NOTE: Special work days of Friday and Saturday ONLY, approximately 8-4. Then Sunday is the Tool Care Workshop (more info on that coming soon).
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What we have planned
Project types and sites to be determined after scouting by Al and Tiadaghton foresters. May include:
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--LOGISTICS--
Google aerial view of Jersey Mills Ranger Station (noted with red placemark). The two buildings with lighter-colored roofs in between the Pine Creek Rail Trail and PA 414 are the Tiadaghton State Forest maintenance buildings.
IF YOU'RE COMING JUST FOR THE DAY / ARRIVING IN THE MORNING:
>Meet us at: the Jersey Mills Ranger Station, 7:30am
>Watch for KTA signs. It is directly off PA-414, behind the newer Maintenance Buildings. You'll cross the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
>Map/directions to cabin (see general area map above- GET circled in northern part, Jersey Mills in southern part of map):
coordinates: 41.36039, -77.41006
nearby street address: 33 Callahan Run Road, Waterville PA 17776
maps.app.goo.gl/TY3pezkpSadSUPjM8
>Located in the mountains of Tiadaghton State Forest in Lycoming County, about 30 minutes north of Jersey Shore, and 3.3 miles/5 minutes north on PA-414 at the 414/44 split north of Waterville. This was a former forest ranger's house and is available to the state forest for uses such as this. It is directly on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a stellar 60-mile trail that follows Pine Creek from Jersey Shore to Ansonia.
>Meet us at: the Jersey Mills Ranger Station, 7:30am
>Watch for KTA signs. It is directly off PA-414, behind the newer Maintenance Buildings. You'll cross the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
>Map/directions to cabin (see general area map above- GET circled in northern part, Jersey Mills in southern part of map):
coordinates: 41.36039, -77.41006
nearby street address: 33 Callahan Run Road, Waterville PA 17776
maps.app.goo.gl/TY3pezkpSadSUPjM8
>Located in the mountains of Tiadaghton State Forest in Lycoming County, about 30 minutes north of Jersey Shore, and 3.3 miles/5 minutes north on PA-414 at the 414/44 split north of Waterville. This was a former forest ranger's house and is available to the state forest for uses such as this. It is directly on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a stellar 60-mile trail that follows Pine Creek from Jersey Shore to Ansonia.
IF YOU'RE STAYING OVERNIGHT:
Base Camp = Jersey Mills Ranger Station
Tiadaghton State Forest has generously allowed us to stay at this property. It worked out very well in 2024 and 2025.
Base Camp = Jersey Mills Ranger Station
Tiadaghton State Forest has generously allowed us to stay at this property. It worked out very well in 2024 and 2025.
Amenities:
• 2 bedrooms with 2 sets of bunk beds in each
• full kitchen
• living room
• bathroom/shower, plus another shower downstairs
• heat if it's chilly
• 2 bedrooms with 2 sets of bunk beds in each
• full kitchen
• living room
• bathroom/shower, plus another shower downstairs
• heat if it's chilly
- You bring:
- • all bedding & pillow, toiletries
OR:
Car camp (sleep in vehicle), or Tent/hammock near cabin
Can use cabin kitchen and bathroom, etc.
Car camp (sleep in vehicle), or Tent/hammock near cabin
Can use cabin kitchen and bathroom, etc.
OR:
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite or lodging nearby.
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite or lodging nearby.
Important notes:
Please contact Al Germann, KTA Trail Care Coordinator for PA Wilds, at [email protected], or Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
Cell phone coverage: There is minimal coverage- about one bar/4G at Jersey Mills Ranger Station - enough to send/receive texts and emails, but not pictures. 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!
Please contact Al Germann, KTA Trail Care Coordinator for PA Wilds, at [email protected], or Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
Cell phone coverage: There is minimal coverage- about one bar/4G at Jersey Mills Ranger Station - enough to send/receive texts and emails, but not pictures. 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--
Map generated in caltopo depicting the T Squared Trail (the more southern yellow trail). It connects the Donut Hole (orange trail to the south) to the Black Forest Trail (orange trail to the northeast).
Work days:
**NOTE: Special work days of Friday and Saturday ONLY, approximately 8-4, Camping available starting Thursday >3pm. Sunday is the Tool Care Workshop (more info on that here).
Description of work:
Located in the PA Wilds region, in Clinton and Lycoming Counties, the 5.5-mile T Squared Trail connects two venerable long-distance trails, the Black Forest and Donut Hole Trails. It was creatively named T Squared to honor legendary PA hiking icon Tom Thwaites. In addition to penning PA hiking books, Tom was the founder of KTA Trail Care and is considered the father of the Mid State Trail.
The trail is described in detail with turn-by-turn directions in the out-of-print Guide to the Donut Hole Trail by Ben Cramer. Per Ben, "Around the turn of the millennium, plans were hatched to create a distinct trail connecting the DHT and BFT. Segments of several previously-existing trails were tied together with some newly-constructed segments and a couple of very brief road walks, thus creating a consistent connecting trail...The T-Squared Trail is yellow-blazed and sometimes you will see "T2" painted on trees."
From the 13th Edition of Pennsylvania Hiking Trails, also authored by Ben, "Leading away from the DHT, The T-Squared Trail passes through a small grove of hemlocks before switching back to the top of the ridge, following a beautifully constructed CCC trail. After passing through dense laurel, the trail goes down Mill Hollow, and then switchbacks up to the top of the ridge again. Next it heads into Rock Run, crosses Dry Run Road and then Benson Road, and finally goes down into Baldwin Branch Hollow to reach the Black Forest Trail."
In addition to connecting the DHT and BFT, one could use the T2 trail to make loops incorporating the DHT, BFT and Susquehannock Trail with the South or North Link Trails. The T2 is also used to access the 1.2-mile Baldwin Point Trail and a spectacular vista.
**NOTE: Special work days of Friday and Saturday ONLY, approximately 8-4, Camping available starting Thursday >3pm. Sunday is the Tool Care Workshop (more info on that here).
Description of work:
- Definitely needs reblazing!
- 0.6-mile section to brushcut/DR mow
- We may also be working on other yellow-blazed hiking trails in the vicinity in Tiadaghton State Forest.
- We carpool to trail locations; please let me know if you are not comfortable riding with others or driving on gravel forestry roads. From base camp, drive times should be in the 30-35 minute range.
Located in the PA Wilds region, in Clinton and Lycoming Counties, the 5.5-mile T Squared Trail connects two venerable long-distance trails, the Black Forest and Donut Hole Trails. It was creatively named T Squared to honor legendary PA hiking icon Tom Thwaites. In addition to penning PA hiking books, Tom was the founder of KTA Trail Care and is considered the father of the Mid State Trail.
The trail is described in detail with turn-by-turn directions in the out-of-print Guide to the Donut Hole Trail by Ben Cramer. Per Ben, "Around the turn of the millennium, plans were hatched to create a distinct trail connecting the DHT and BFT. Segments of several previously-existing trails were tied together with some newly-constructed segments and a couple of very brief road walks, thus creating a consistent connecting trail...The T-Squared Trail is yellow-blazed and sometimes you will see "T2" painted on trees."
From the 13th Edition of Pennsylvania Hiking Trails, also authored by Ben, "Leading away from the DHT, The T-Squared Trail passes through a small grove of hemlocks before switching back to the top of the ridge, following a beautifully constructed CCC trail. After passing through dense laurel, the trail goes down Mill Hollow, and then switchbacks up to the top of the ridge again. Next it heads into Rock Run, crosses Dry Run Road and then Benson Road, and finally goes down into Baldwin Branch Hollow to reach the Black Forest Trail."
In addition to connecting the DHT and BFT, one could use the T2 trail to make loops incorporating the DHT, BFT and Susquehannock Trail with the South or North Link Trails. The T2 is also used to access the 1.2-mile Baldwin Point Trail and a spectacular vista.
SIGN UP FOR 2026 TRAIL CARE #25- T Squared Trail, Nov. 5-7 BELOW!
(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--
