Johnstown, PA • October 20-22, 2023
PA's first community-centered outdoor recreation weekend.
Keystone Hike Fest (KTA's Fall Hiking Weekend) brings a local PA community together by highlighting its best outdoor recreation features and experts. Held in Johnstown this year, you'll be surprised by this hiking oasis in western PA! With trails that tell the town's local historic flood story, to bucket list hikes like the Laurel Highlands Trail, you don't want to miss this weekend of adventure in Johnstown!
Registration Pricing | Agenda | Hikes & Excursions | Presentations | Where to Stay | About Johnstown
Registration closes Friday, October 13th.
Learn all about Hike Fest in this podcast episode of Where Adventure Lives!
2023 Hike Fest Sponsors
Agenda
FRIDAY - October 20, 2023
12:00PM: Registration/Check-in Opens
1:00PM: Welcome Remarks
1:30PM: Friday Outings (Listed below)
8:00PM: Presentation, "The Stony Creek Transformation"
SATURDAY - October 21, 2023
7:30AM: KTA Board of Directors Meeting
7:45AM: Breakfast & Registration/Check-in Opens
9:00AM: Welcome Remarks, session 2
9:30AM: Saturday Outings (Listed below)
3:00PM: KTA Trail Store opens
4:30PM: KTA Awards Reception & Community Expo
6:15PM: Dinner
7:00PM: Keynote Presentation, "Venture Outdoors"
8:30PM: Stargazing & S'mores at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area
SUNDAY - October 22, 2023
7:45AM: Breakfast & Registration/Check-in Opens
9:15AM: Morning Seminars (Listed below)
10:30AM: Sunday Outings (Listed below)
12:00PM: Registration/Check-in Opens
1:00PM: Welcome Remarks
1:30PM: Friday Outings (Listed below)
- Return time from Friday Outings will vary depending on distance/duration of excursion
8:00PM: Presentation, "The Stony Creek Transformation"
SATURDAY - October 21, 2023
7:30AM: KTA Board of Directors Meeting
7:45AM: Breakfast & Registration/Check-in Opens
9:00AM: Welcome Remarks, session 2
9:30AM: Saturday Outings (Listed below)
- Return time from Saturday Outings will vary depending on distance/duration of excursion
3:00PM: KTA Trail Store opens
4:30PM: KTA Awards Reception & Community Expo
6:15PM: Dinner
7:00PM: Keynote Presentation, "Venture Outdoors"
8:30PM: Stargazing & S'mores at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area
SUNDAY - October 22, 2023
7:45AM: Breakfast & Registration/Check-in Opens
9:15AM: Morning Seminars (Listed below)
10:30AM: Sunday Outings (Listed below)
- Return time from Sunday Outings will vary depending on distance/duration of excursion
Accommodations
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Whether you want the comforts of a cozy hotel, to hear sounds of crickets while you sleep, or to experience Johnstown like a local, there's a place for you!
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Holiday Inn
Stay right where the action is! Hike Fest programming will take place at Johnstown's Holiday Inn located downtown. Hike Fest special booking price ends 10/6/23. |
Quemahoning Family Recreation Area
Enjoy your evenings and mornings in a quiet oasis under a canopy of trees, beside a peaceful lake with space for bonfires. Staying at the "Que" for Hike Fest is a nature lovers dream.
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Local stays
Attend Hike Fest and experience Johnstown any way you'd like!
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Accommodation costs are not included in Keystone Hike Fest registration. Please make accommodation reservations on your own. Accommodation reservations does not secure your Hike Fest registration; click here to register for Hike Fest.
Meet Johnstown, PA
Home of the award-winning Ghost Town Trail, Johnstown is a spectacular destination for outdoor fall fun!
Johnstown On Your Own
We've built time into Hike Fest for you to explore Johnstown on your own the evening of Friday, October 20. Enjoy these suggested events and activities happening around town!
We've built time into Hike Fest for you to explore Johnstown on your own the evening of Friday, October 20. Enjoy these suggested events and activities happening around town!
THINGS TO DO IN JOHNSTOWN
Animated Halloween display in Central Park from 6:30–9:00 pm with special effects, sound, and more! Learn More >
Hope Cyclery Chilleur Ride includes mixed surfaces such as pavement, rail trail and gravel. These <10 mile free bike rides are social events and welcome a variety of skills and abilities. Bring your own bike, helmet, and light and meet at Hope Cyclery in Downtown Johnstown at 6 pm. Learn More >
Stackhouse Park is located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.The park's gorgeous 250+ acres feature accessible trailsand endless opportunities to explore and appreciate nature. Enjoy the park's StoryWalk while you're there - read "The Belonging Tree"! Saturday you can hike with a board member and learn about nature photography! Learn More >
Art Off The Rails Trail is Johnstown's self-guided walking tour of downtown arts venues! Learn More >
The Johnstown Flood Museum tells the triumphant story of how the community recovered from the phenomenal storm and catastrophic flood on May 31, 1889. Learn More >
Center for Metal Arts maintains a world-class educational forging program, providing the best equipped facility deeply rooted in the traditions and history of this craft, reaching and serving the broadest possible audience of artists, craftspeople and students in the U.S. and abroad. Core to it mission its the preservation through use of the historic Cambria Iron Company facilities in Johnstown Pennsylvania. Learn More >
814 Lanes and Games offers state of the art bowling, escape rooms, arcade, virtual reality, and laser tag. Learn More >
Escape Rooms Johnstown brings adventure to downtown Johnstown through a mysterious room with a unique theme and give you exactly 60 minutes to complete the mission at hand! Learn More >
The historic State Theatre of Johnstown was built in 1926. After changing hands multiple times in its nearly century of use, it offers film and live shows while under renovations to become a mixed use arts facility for the community of Johnstown. Learn More >
Bottle Works is proud to be Johnstown’s art mecca where artists can exhibit, create, teach, and sell; musicians can perform; and visitors can explore, learn, and purchase all of the wonders of the arts! Learn More >
The Johnstown Discovery Network brings the community's rich heritage to life — tour all the local attractions plus the Center for Metal Arts with the Johnstown Heritage Pass! Learn More >
Animated Halloween display in Central Park from 6:30–9:00 pm with special effects, sound, and more! Learn More >
Hope Cyclery Chilleur Ride includes mixed surfaces such as pavement, rail trail and gravel. These <10 mile free bike rides are social events and welcome a variety of skills and abilities. Bring your own bike, helmet, and light and meet at Hope Cyclery in Downtown Johnstown at 6 pm. Learn More >
Stackhouse Park is located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.The park's gorgeous 250+ acres feature accessible trailsand endless opportunities to explore and appreciate nature. Enjoy the park's StoryWalk while you're there - read "The Belonging Tree"! Saturday you can hike with a board member and learn about nature photography! Learn More >
Art Off The Rails Trail is Johnstown's self-guided walking tour of downtown arts venues! Learn More >
The Johnstown Flood Museum tells the triumphant story of how the community recovered from the phenomenal storm and catastrophic flood on May 31, 1889. Learn More >
Center for Metal Arts maintains a world-class educational forging program, providing the best equipped facility deeply rooted in the traditions and history of this craft, reaching and serving the broadest possible audience of artists, craftspeople and students in the U.S. and abroad. Core to it mission its the preservation through use of the historic Cambria Iron Company facilities in Johnstown Pennsylvania. Learn More >
814 Lanes and Games offers state of the art bowling, escape rooms, arcade, virtual reality, and laser tag. Learn More >
Escape Rooms Johnstown brings adventure to downtown Johnstown through a mysterious room with a unique theme and give you exactly 60 minutes to complete the mission at hand! Learn More >
The historic State Theatre of Johnstown was built in 1926. After changing hands multiple times in its nearly century of use, it offers film and live shows while under renovations to become a mixed use arts facility for the community of Johnstown. Learn More >
Bottle Works is proud to be Johnstown’s art mecca where artists can exhibit, create, teach, and sell; musicians can perform; and visitors can explore, learn, and purchase all of the wonders of the arts! Learn More >
The Johnstown Discovery Network brings the community's rich heritage to life — tour all the local attractions plus the Center for Metal Arts with the Johnstown Heritage Pass! Learn More >
Speakers & Presentations
FRIDAY - October 20, 2023
8:00PM, Presentation
"The Stony Creek Transformation"
8:00PM, Presentation
"The Stony Creek Transformation"
- Find out how the revitalization of the Stony Creek transformed Johnstown's culture, wildlife, and tourism!
SATURDAY - October 21, 2023
7:00PM, Keynote Presentation
"Our Venture Outdoors: Creating a Shift"
Valerie Beichner, President & CEO of Venture Outdoors
7:00PM, Keynote Presentation
"Our Venture Outdoors: Creating a Shift"
Valerie Beichner, President & CEO of Venture Outdoors
- Venture Outdoors and American Canoe Association State Director will share the story of how Venture Outdoors in Pittsburgh shifted focus, leadership, mission and programming to create greater belonging in outdoor experiences and industry.
SUNDAY - October 22, 2023
All Sunday seminars begin at 9:15AM
"Exploring Your State Parks and Forests"
Pam Metzger, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
"Introduction to Wilderness First Aid"
Keith Williams, VP of Engagement and Education, Lancaster Conservancy
"Introduction to Trail Running"
Johnstown Running Club
"Trail Yoga by the lake at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area"
Adriann White
"Trail Maintenance: A Hands-on Experience"
Mike Cook, Friends of the Inclined Plane Trails & Jenn Ulmer, Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, Keystone Trails Association
"Introduction to Geocaching"
Mike Hammers
All Sunday seminars begin at 9:15AM
"Exploring Your State Parks and Forests"
Pam Metzger, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
- How can you make the most out of your visits to Pennsylvania's state parks and forests? Find out in this session!
"Introduction to Wilderness First Aid"
Keith Williams, VP of Engagement and Education, Lancaster Conservancy
- Safety is key for hiking in PA. This course will provide 101-style training to care for some of the most common hiking issues.
"Introduction to Trail Running"
Johnstown Running Club
- Want to try trail running but not sure how to get started? The Johnstown Running Club will teach you everything you need to know to stay safe and choose a trail that will suit your experience level.
"Trail Yoga by the lake at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area"
Adriann White
- Get a great morning stretch and wake-up doing Alignment-Based Yoga with Adriann White. We'll center our focus, settle into our breath and our bodies, and safely explore our individual abilities to move and stretch, in preparation for afternoon hikes. Beginners and all levels of yoga experience are welcome. Please bring your yoga mat (and strap/blocks, if you like); a few loaner mats will be available. If Mother Nature cooperates, we'll enjoy our yoga practice outdoors (a backup indoor location will be available if outdoor conditions are unfavorable).
"Trail Maintenance: A Hands-on Experience"
Mike Cook, Friends of the Inclined Plane Trails & Jenn Ulmer, Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, Keystone Trails Association
- If you love hiking, you'll love trail care! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to work one-on-one with KTA's Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training during this trail care project suitable for beginners.
"Introduction to Geocaching"
Mike Hammers
- Enjoy adventure? Love being outdoors? Seek out hidden "treasures" all around the world with geocaching - which may become your next favorite hobby! Learn the basics in this session.
Hikes & Excursions
We believe hiking is for everyone. That's why Hike Fest offers a mix of guided hikes that includes options suitable for beginners, seasoned hikers, and trails that make it easy to access, enjoy, and experience the outdoors. Need help choosing your hikes/excursions? Contact KTA.
Friday, 10/20
All Friday excursions depart at 1:30PM
All Friday excursions depart at 1:30PM
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Option 1:
Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail, downtown Johnstown 3.1 miles | easy Option 2: Pathway to the Falls Trail, Lorain/Stonycreek 2.2 miles | moderate Option 3: Bog Trail, Gallitzin State Forest 2+ miles | easy |
Option 4:
Point Trail, Gallitzin State Park 2.8 miles | moderate Option 5: Wolf Rocks Overlook, Forbes State Forest 4 miles | moderate |
Saturday, 10/21
All Saturday excursions depart at 9:30AM
All Saturday excursions depart at 9:30AM
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Option 1:
Morning Workout on Inclined Plane Trails 3 miles | challenging Option 2: Clear Shade Wild Area, John P Saylor Trail 6 miles | moderate Option 3: Path of the Flood Trail 10 miles | moderate; flat Option 4: Laurel Highlands Trail 5 miles | moderate Option 5: Charles F. Lewis Natural Area 5.5 miles | moderate Option 6: Blue Knob State Park: Lookout Loop and more! 8 miles | moderate |
Option 7:
Quemahoning Family Recreation Area 3 miles | easy Option 8: Map of the Earth Trail, Lorain/Stonycreek 4.84 miles | moderate Option 9: Lost Turkey Trail 3.2 miles | moderate Option 10: Bike Ride on the Ghost Town Trail (rentals available) 14 miles | easy, flat/gravel Option 11: Kayak Paddle at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area 2 hrs | easy |
Sunday, 10/22
All Sunday excursions depart at 10:30AM
All Sunday excursions depart at 10:30AM
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Option 1:
Trail Run at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area 6 miles | moderate Option 2: Yellow Creek State Park TBD | TBD Option 3: John Saylor Trail Epic Hike 12 miles | moderate Option 4: Flight 93 Memorial 2.2 miles | very easy Option 5: Wolf Rocks Loop 5.8 miles | moderate |
Option 6:
Laurel Highlands Trail 10 miles | moderate Option 7: Whitetail Trail, Lorain/Stonycreek 1.7 miles | easy Option 8: County Line Trail, Gallitizin State Forest 7.3 miles | moderate Option 9: Introduction to Geocaching, Lorain/Stonycreek N/A | easy–moderate, Lorain/Stonycreek |
Registration closes Friday, October 13th.
We believe hiking should be accessible for all. Contact KTA about scholarship options at ktahike@kta-hike.org.
Accommodation costs are not included in Keystone Hike Fest registration. Please make accommodation reservations on your own.
We believe hiking should be accessible for all. Contact KTA about scholarship options at ktahike@kta-hike.org.
Accommodation costs are not included in Keystone Hike Fest registration. Please make accommodation reservations on your own.
*Agenda, events, and excursions are subject to change.
