KTA Trail Challenge
Course Details
START TIME: 8:15
Section 1: Start (Pequea Creek Campground) to Checkpoint 1 (Pinnacle Overlook), 11.5k
The segment between Pequea Creek Campground and the Pinnacle Overlook is the most strenuous and most rewarding of the KTA Trail Challenge, and follows the orange-blazed Conestoga Trail. Participants face this section in the morning when temperatures are lower and legs are fresher. Leave Pequea Creek Campground along Pequea Creek for just under a mile. Follow the unpaved road along Pequa Creek, lined with cottages and turn left at the Pequea Boat Club and left again, up the hill. At the second intersection, turn right on Ridge Road. Trail leaves road and turns left uphill into woods, then crosses two roads and descends to a stream and an old springhouse. The trail then climbs steeply towards the entrance to Wind Cave, one of the largest tectonic caves (formed by the movement of masses of bedrock) in the eastern US. Trail climbs, then descends to House Rock Run. Climb to House Rock Vista with excellent views and climb over rock formations, descending to Brubaker Run. Climb out of Brubaker Run and then descend to Reed Run. Climb out of Reed Run and then descend to Tucquan Run, a nature preserve and a jewel of the KTA Trail Challenge. Cross stream turn right up gorgeous Tucquan Run then reach railroad tracks and turn left. Re-enter woods and ascend steeply, eventually passing a rock overhang. Pass Lower Rock Vista with incredible views of the Susquehanna River. Continue to top of hill to Pinnacle Vista with stunning views and Checkpoint 1.
CUTOFF TIME: Must depart by 1:15 p.m.
Section 2: Checkpoint 1 (Pinnacle Overlook) to Finish Line (Susquehannock SP), 13.5k
Descend from top of hill to gas pipeline with views across the river. Continue descent to Kelly’s Run, another highlight of the KTA Trail Challenge featuring water, rocks, hemlocks and rhododendron. This area is slippery, so use caution. Ascend from Kelly’s Run to Holtwood Recreation Park with restrooms and water. Follow trail to Face Rock Overlook and remnants of the abandoned village of Holtwood. Follow trail to Rt. 372, cross and turn left, follow 372 on shoulder to River Road. Turn right onto River Road for approximately 2 miles. After crossing the Muddy Run Reservoir dam, look for signs to turn right onto unnamed road. Follow until signs indicate to climb over guardrail and descend into ravine. Cross Wissler Run (Your feet will likely get wet!) and turn right onto Rhododendron Trail, continue to finish line.
CUTOFF TIME: 6:15 p.m.
Section 1: Start (Pequea Creek Campground) to Checkpoint 1 (Pinnacle Overlook), 11.5k
The segment between Pequea Creek Campground and the Pinnacle Overlook is the most strenuous and most rewarding of the KTA Trail Challenge, and follows the orange-blazed Conestoga Trail. Participants face this section in the morning when temperatures are lower and legs are fresher. Leave Pequea Creek Campground along Pequea Creek for just under a mile. Follow the unpaved road along Pequa Creek, lined with cottages and turn left at the Pequea Boat Club and left again, up the hill. At the second intersection, turn right on Ridge Road. Trail leaves road and turns left uphill into woods, then crosses two roads and descends to a stream and an old springhouse. The trail then climbs steeply towards the entrance to Wind Cave, one of the largest tectonic caves (formed by the movement of masses of bedrock) in the eastern US. Trail climbs, then descends to House Rock Run. Climb to House Rock Vista with excellent views and climb over rock formations, descending to Brubaker Run. Climb out of Brubaker Run and then descend to Reed Run. Climb out of Reed Run and then descend to Tucquan Run, a nature preserve and a jewel of the KTA Trail Challenge. Cross stream turn right up gorgeous Tucquan Run then reach railroad tracks and turn left. Re-enter woods and ascend steeply, eventually passing a rock overhang. Pass Lower Rock Vista with incredible views of the Susquehanna River. Continue to top of hill to Pinnacle Vista with stunning views and Checkpoint 1.
CUTOFF TIME: Must depart by 1:15 p.m.
Section 2: Checkpoint 1 (Pinnacle Overlook) to Finish Line (Susquehannock SP), 13.5k
Descend from top of hill to gas pipeline with views across the river. Continue descent to Kelly’s Run, another highlight of the KTA Trail Challenge featuring water, rocks, hemlocks and rhododendron. This area is slippery, so use caution. Ascend from Kelly’s Run to Holtwood Recreation Park with restrooms and water. Follow trail to Face Rock Overlook and remnants of the abandoned village of Holtwood. Follow trail to Rt. 372, cross and turn left, follow 372 on shoulder to River Road. Turn right onto River Road for approximately 2 miles. After crossing the Muddy Run Reservoir dam, look for signs to turn right onto unnamed road. Follow until signs indicate to climb over guardrail and descend into ravine. Cross Wissler Run (Your feet will likely get wet!) and turn right onto Rhododendron Trail, continue to finish line.
CUTOFF TIME: 6:15 p.m.
Participant Instructions
- Be prepared for a challenge. This is a truly demanding course, not only for the distance, but the terrain. Most of the course is on the Conestoga Trail, with a total elevation gain of over 3,000 feet. All participants for the KTA Trail Challenge should be ready for mud, washouts, fallen trees, stinging insects, loose rocks, steep ascents and descents, gorgeous views to distract you, and possible high water at stream crossings.
- Participants are expected to carry all their own gear and necessities, including water, basic first aid, and rain gear.
- Pack expecting stinging insects, intense sun, blisters, and scrapes.
- Dress for the conditions: Light layers and wicking material for clothing. Trail shoes that are light, shed water, and give good grip. Wicking socks make for happy feet. The event is rain or shine.
- Bring extra snacks, i.e., gels/energy bars. There will be plenty of food available at the checkpoints, but it’s good to have an extra energy supply when you need it, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
- Participants are required - for safety reasons - to reach the checkpoint within a certain time period and to complete the course no later than 6:15 p.m.
- If dropping out for any reason, you must either stop and wait for the trail sweeps or proceed to the next checkpoint/aid station and alert the checkpoint leader. Do not exit the trail without alerting us or search and rescue may be deployed at your expense.
- Print out driving directions before you leave for the event. Plan extra time for your drive – unless you’ve been there before. (Scroll down for GPS Coordinates of Starts, Checkpoints, and Finish Line.) Cell phone service is intermittent at best.
- Your complimentary Keystone Trails Association membership will be effective starting the day of the event. KTA members receive our monthly digital newsletter, discounts on trail maps and guidebooks, invitations to KTA events, and updates on important trail information. Your membership (and registration fee) helps KTA to provide, preserve, protect, and promote hiking and hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
GPS Coordinates for Landmarks Along the Courses
|
Name
Pequea Creek Campground - Start Pinnacle Overlook - Checkpoint Susquehannock State Park - Finish |
Latitude
39.89540552850 39.84533901200 39.80625561860 |
Longitude
-76.35712964600 -76.34410596190 -76.28400514690 |
