Keystone Trails Association works to provide, protect, preserve, and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. This training is geared toward hiking enthusiasts, trail maintainers, outdoor educators, and those working to preserve public and private lands for recreational use.  

The majority of the course will take place outside on trails in and around the Allegheny National Forest in western Pennsylvania. We will include hands-on instruction, a grounding in how to practice Leave No Trace as an individual, and skills to teach Leave No Trace to a broader audience. This course relies on participants applying skills they are learning and co-teaching lessons during the weekend.  Attendance for the full weekend is required to receive certification.

Upon completion of the course, you will be equipped to:

• Teach low-impact methods for recreating outside
• Lead conversations on outdoor ethics and work with others to discern their outdoor ethics
• Run Leave No Trace Awareness Workshops
• Co-lead Leave No Trace Level One Trainings with a certified Level Two instructor

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Register Here!

Date: August 1-3, 2025 
August 1 from 7pm-8:30pm* (If staying on-site, please arrive no later than 5pm to check into your accommodations.) 
August 2 from 9am-5pm
August 3 from 9am-4pm 

Location: 
Olmsted Manor
17 East Main Street
Ludlow, PA 16333

Our teaching hub will be at Olmsted Manor, where overnight lodging and meals are for those staying on-site. Please note that cell phone service is exceptionally spotty in this area.
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If staying overnight, please specify if you want a room in the Lodge or the Manor House.  For those staying on-site, we will have family-style dinner at 6pm on Friday and Saturday, breakfast at 8am on Saturday and Sunday, and bagged lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday. Dietary requests can be accommodated.  

Cost: 
Keystone Trails Association Members: 

•  Before June 1- $250 commuter/$350 with lodging and food
• After June 1- $275 commuter/ $375 with lodging and food

Keystone Trails Association Volunteer: 

• Before June 1- $225 commuter/$325 with lodging and food
•   After June 1: $250 commuter/$350 with lodging and food

General Rate: 

•   Before June 1- $275 commuter/$375 with lodging and food
•   After June 1- $300 commuter/ $400 with lodging and food

Want to become a member and save?  Join KTA here.  

Cancellation, Deadlines, and Refund Policy

• Registration closes on July 15 at 8am.  
• The course is capped at 12 participants; if your plans change, please let us know immediately so we can move someone off the waitlist
• Cancellations three weeks before the training receive a full refund
• Cancellations made two weeks before the training receive a 50% refund
• Cancellations made less than two weeks before the training are refunded on a case-by-case basis

Required Materials: 

• Notebook
  
• Dress for the weather
  
• Day hiking items (a list will be emailed to participants)
  
• Snacks*
  
• If you are utilizing group lodging, please note that Friday dinner, all meals on Saturday, and Sunday breakfast and lunch are provided
  
• Reusable water bottle
  
• Leave No Trace Level 1 Course Packet (participants will receive on site)

Questions? Contact: Kate Prisby- [email protected]