​President's Trailhead

Dear Hiker and Trail Enthusiast,

Spring is soon here! The maple sap is flowing here in the Poconos – a harbinger of a Pennsylvania spring yet to come. Get your boots and gear ready for spring hiking.

In 2026, we are celebrating 70 years of KTA. From its small beginnings as the start of an Association to help coordinate the efforts among the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs to an expanded mission of providing, preserving, protecting, and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. It just seems like yesterday that my wife was hauling two large, decorated cakes that she had made to the 50th anniversary at the Penn Wells Hotel 20 years ago. 

We welcome Holly Smith as Executive Director as she takes over leading the day-to-day operations of KTA, “a boat under full sail,” from Brook, who has “trimmed our sails” to set us on a full speed course.

Plan your hikes for 2026 in order to earn one of the many hiking awards this year. Check out our website for the details regarding each hiking award. In addition, throughout the coming year, please consider your fellow hikers and clubs for nomination for the KTA Service Awards: Certificates of Achievement, KTA Leave No Trace Award Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year, and the KTA Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement. Also, we hope you plan to take on our 100-Mile Trail Challenge during the year.

There is a full list of 2026 KTA events, activities, and trail care opportunities. Please visit our website and add these events to your calendar, sign up for one or more, and bring a friend.  

See you at the trailhead and on the trail.

For the trails and those who wander on them!


Thanks
Wayne E. Gross
President, Board of Directors 
Keystone Trails Association
The Statewide voice of Pennsylvania Hikers

Dear Hiker and Trail Enthusiast,

I hope you have been enjoying hikes in the snow and cold this winter.

February brings change here at KTA. This month, we wish our Executive Director,  Brook Lenker, a fond farewell as he retires at the end of February. We wish him well as he pursues some hobbies and his writing. During his tenure, the KTA staff has grown from two to six very talented employees. He has been instrumental in obtaining many grants and sponsorships for our programs and mission, including four DCNR grants. He has built partnerships across many areas and organizations, putting KTA at the forefront of many initiatives. Personally, I have enjoyed our three years of weekly Thursday calls as we navigated many of the hurdles that have arisen for KTA along the way, and I count him as a friend. Happy trails, Brook!

We welcome Holly Smith as our new Executive Director. She officially starts on February 17. Following a review of almost four score resumes, virtual interviews, and in-person interviews by the Executive Director Search Committee, the Committee made its final recommendation to the Board of Directors. I want to give Karen Lutz a special shout-out for chairing this Committee and for all the efforts of the Committee members.

The second half of February will be a time of transition as Holly steps in to fill the big "hiking boots" that Brook has made for KTA over the last almost five years. 

Holly grew up outside Pittsburgh and earned her BS in environmental education and her MS in geoenvironmental studies from Shippensburg University. She was an environmental educator and program coordinator with Audubon, a Master Watershed Steward Coordinator with Penn State Extension, a program manager, and then a director at the Center for Land Use and Sustainability at Shippensburg University. She resides in Carlisle with her family. The Board of Directors, KTA members, and staff are excited to welcome Holly to the helm of KTA as we continue on the next leg of KTA's adventure and mission to provide, protect, preserve, and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.

Through the efforts of the Scott Farm Master Planning Committee and KTA's consultants over the last several years, it appears that 2026 will bring significant action and progress toward the Scott Farm becoming closer to becoming KTA's headquarters. The Scott Farm Master Plan is being finalized and will be available for viewing at the KTA Spring Hiking Weekend. I hope this raises more excitement for this special project. The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation successfully assisted KTA in obtaining a Local Share Account (LSA) grant toward the preparation of construction plans and bid documents for the farmhouse remodelling and sitework. The next big step is fundraising for the actual remodelling and construction of the farmhouse to become KTA's offices and the visitors' center.

Of course, we have a full lineup of Trail Care events, hikes, slack packs, excursions, podcasts, webinars, club support, advocacy, and training events for this year. These are exciting times for KTA. Ask a friend to join us on the "journey" this year.

My hat's off to Brook, our staff, Board members, and Committees for the many efforts they have made in making KTA what it is today.  

Pull out those maps, or better yet, purchase one of the many trail guidebooks available through KTA to plan your hikes for 2026 in order to earn one of the many hiking awards this year. We had numerous hiking awards at our recognition in 2025. All but one award was presented. We even had two teenagers earn the new Teen Hiker Award. Check out our website for the details regarding each hiking award. In addition, throughout the coming year, please consider your fellow hikers and clubs to be nominated for Certificates of Achievement, KTA Leave No Trace Award, Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year, and the KTA Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement. You can also plan to take on a 100-Mile Trail Challenge during the year.

See you at the trailhead and on the trail.

For the trails and those who wander on them!

Thanks
Wayne E. Gross
President, Board of Directors 
Keystone Trails Association
The Statewide voice of Pennsylvania Hikers

​KTA was hard at work on the Chuck Keiper Trail in Sproul State Forest, Clinton County this year. 24 hard-working volunteers contributed 508 hours while keeping this wild, rugged footpath open and enjoyable. 

We are grateful for these individuals for climbing in and out of steep hollows, hauling tools and equipment, and giving back to our public lands. 

KTA held two weekend-long events and three "CODE ORANGE" one-day events which generally turned into two-day events.

In total, 1300 feet of trail tread was improved or stabilized, 22.25 miles was cleared of brush and downed trees, and eight trail signs were hung at road crossings. Crews tackled the remaining areas of mountain laurel that had become extremely overgrown. A large portion of trail that had been decimated by storm damage was also re-opened.

The hours of work don't illustrate the camaraderie, campfires, good food, wildlife sightings, and many laughs shared by our volunteers. There's always more to be done and we look forward to making new memories on the Chuck Keiper.

In addition to KTA Trail Care events, the PA Outdoor Corps Williamsport Crew also dedicated a month to re-digging the sidehill along the eastern side of Boggs Hollow. And of course, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Angela Poleto, Sproul State Forest Recreation Forester, who has been so passionate about maintaining trails in Sproul State Forest.

Thank you to all who have contributed to the Chuck Keiper Trail! 
- Al Germann -- Regional Trail Care Coordinator - PA Wilds

Dear Hiker,

Thank you for your continued support in furthering our mission to provide, preserve, protect, and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities across Pennsylvania.

I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the stunning fall colors on our state’s many trails—especially those who joined us for KTA’s Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend in the PA Wilds. Perhaps you even spotted an elk! A heartfelt thank-you to our dedicated staff for the many hours of planning that made the weekend and its programming a success.

During the weekend, the KTA Council met to approve the 2025–2026 budget and elect new leadership:

Board of Directors
Elected for a three-year term beginning November 1:
• Trish Turo and George Conrad – First term
• Linda Enders-Roxberry and Shira Blady – Second term
• Karen Lutz – Third term
• Ben Cramer – Completing the remaining two-year term of Cyril Quatrone

This brings our Board to a total of 14 members.

2025–2026 Officers
• President: Wayne Gross
• Vice President: Karen Lutz
• Secretary: Ben Cramer
• Treasurer: Anthony Vigliano

2025–2027 Representatives-at-Large (12)
Joyce Appel, Katie Barker, Chris Brubaker, Al Chapacharis, Polly Chatterton, Jane Huston, Joe Kiczek, Ted Ligenza, Rich Odenweiler, Cyril Quatrone, Tony Robbins, and Donna Thompson.

Thank you to all for your leadership and service. Special appreciation to Nominating Committee Chair Katie Barker, Wanda Shirk, and committee members for their work in developing this year’s slate of nominees.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6:
KTA Pennsylvania Hiking Awards Celebration at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art.

This event celebrates the accomplishments of hikers, clubs, and organizations from across the Commonwealth. Awards will include:

• Certificates of Achievement
• Volunteer of the Year
• Leave No Trace Award
• Club of the Year
• KTA Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement

We will also recognize Keystone Trails Endowment donors and our incredible Trail Care volunteers. Please help spread the word, bring friends and family, and visit our website to register.

And looking ahead, May 1–3, 2026: Spring KTA Hiking Weekend in the Laurel Highlands. We hope to see you there!

As we approach year-end, please consider a contribution to the Keystone Trails Endowment Fund to help ensure a lasting legacy for Pennsylvania’s trails. Details are available on our website.

Finally, KTA is beginning the search for a new Executive Director, with the position posted as we prepare for Brook’s planned retirement in February 2026. Please share the announcement widely to help us identify exceptional candidates.

Thank you for your commitment to the trails and the people who wander them.

With gratitude,
Wayne E. Gross
President, Board of Directors
Keystone Trails Association
The statewide voice of Pennsylvania hikers

Dear Member,

Get out there and bring a friend on a hike! I hope you have been enjoying the colors of fall on one of the many hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Each of you makes a difference on Pennsylvania hiking trails and for hikers.  

We are seeking nominations for individuals and clubs for the Certificates of Achievement, Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year, and the Citation Award for lifetime achievement. Nominations for these awards are due by November 1. Surely great things are happening through our volunteers and clubs that we wish to recognize.

Make sure you plan to submit for your hiking award or encourage others who have completed hiking trails to submit for their award, especially youth and teenagers, for the new Teen Hiker Award.
The hiking awards are also listed on our website.  

Your gift to our Keystone Trails Endowment fund this year will make a positive impact in furthering our mission. In particular, toward member Club mini-grants that have been making an impact in local clubs on various trails. Plan to make a gift now. Recognition of the gifts will be made at the Award Celebration in December, along with the other hiking awards.

Be sure to register now for our KTA Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend in the PA Wilds on October 17-19th. This will be a great family event. Plan to sign up at the KTA website and bring a friend.    Register by 8:00 AM Wednesday, October 15!

On behalf of the Board and the membership, I want to thank our Executive Director, Brook, and all our staff for the excellent job they are doing to further our mission. 

For the trails and those who wander on them! See you on the Trail!


Thanks
Wayne E. Gross
President, Board of Directors 
Keystone Trails Association
The Statewide voice of Pennsylvania Hikers

​

Trish Turo is an experienced, empathetic and supportive National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Brain Health Educator and Researcher, and Registered Yoga Teacher. She received her Master’s in Health Psychology, has presented at various national health conferences, and was selected as a committee member for the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. As a behavioral health leader, she has utilized her skills to support individuals working towards their healthiest selves for over 15 years and has coached individuals and groups across a variety of digital health organizations. Trish is passionate about making health, wellness, and well-being accessible to all.

As a Central PA native, Trish has long viewed hiking and the outdoors as integral to both her personal and professional growth and continues to advocate for nature as medicine. Growing up spending weekends at Laurel and Fuller lakes in Pine Grove State Furnace Park and enjoying the Appalachian Trail, Pole Steeple, CV overlook, Hawk Rock and more, she’s experienced the healing and beauty that Central PA has to offer. Even after trips to Asheville, Yosemite (Half Dome!) and the international trip to St John’s with the KTA, Trish knows PA as home, and has a focus towards conservation and environmental protection. With two kids under 7, Trish is a dedicated “nature mom” and frequently uses the outdoors as a learning playground for her boys. She’s dedicated to educating others, has presented “Nature Yoga” and “Hiking and the Brain” at the KTA Hiking and Outdoors Weekend in October 2024, and  regularly volunteers as a KTA rep at various community events.

George is a lifelong resident of Huntingdon County and active in the local trail community as a trail user, maintainer, and advocate.  
​
George’s passion is long-distance trail running and his adventures have taken him across the country and throughout the commonwealth to explore different trails, meet new people, and experience the best of our natural world.  He has completed a number of 100-mile races and lesser distances and spends most weekends preparing for the next event.  George also enjoys leading community hikes while sharing his knowledge of local history and has partnered with various organizations to do so.

​George is the lead maintainer of the Thousand Steps section of the Standing Stone Trail and President of the Standing Stone Trail Club.  He is also a member of the Mid State Trail Association and regularly volunteers throughout Rothrock State Forest.  George works closely with the land management agencies on outdoor recreation projects and volunteers for trail races to oversee course preparations. 

As an advocate, George created the Coalition to Protect Hawn’s Peninsula that focused on land development proposals for Raystown Lake, worked to establish the Friends of the Huntingdon Borough Trails, and assisted the Coalition to Save Old Crow Wetland.  George believes that all trail users should be champions of outdoor recreation by providing sustainable trails and promoting our public lands. 

George works in the insurance industry as a test developer of state licensing examinations.  He is married to Claudia, and they have two grown children.  Simon lives in the Phoenix, AZ area and Victoria who lives in McEwensville, PA.  

​My firsthand experience with a tick-borne microscopic parasite called Babesia, which causes the disease Babesiosis, is not meant to deter people from enjoying the great outdoors and hiking our favorite trails and areas, but to educate them. I was familiar with Lyme disease, but I had never heard of this specific condition. It's rare, with fewer than 3,000 cases throughout the United States each year.

Having returned from a Scouting trip, I had unbeknownst to me been bitten by a deer tick a couple of weeks prior to the trip. Upon my return on August 8, I came down with severe flu-like symptoms of severe headaches, fever, shaking chills, nausea, constipation, and dehydration. Over the following weekend, I experienced intermittent flu-like symptoms and thought I was improving. By Monday, August 11, I knew this was no ordinary flu, so I visited my family doctor, who referred me to the hospital. After a release from the hospital ER and a day later, fainting and collapsing, I had a trip back to the hospital by ambulance. This time, many more tests.

After numerous tests, the infectious disease doctor diagnosed it as babesiosis, a tick-borne microscopic parasite that consumes red blood cell platelets from the inside out. The normal range of platelets is 149,000 to 390,000 platelets per microliter. When I came into the hospital, I had 22,000. Hiking was the furthest thing from my mind. I needed a walker to "hike" the ten feet from my bed to the bathroom and back. I was hospitalized for eight days with application of three different antibiotics and a roller coaster of many fevers, followed by a long period of my body building up the platelet count to restore energy.

Thankfully, my health is being restored, and I have done some short hikes on the AT and around the house.

I encourage you to check yourself for ticks and tick bites after every hike or outdoor adventure. Apply tick repellent as needed. I do all these things, but still contracted the parasite. Be aware of the symptoms and speak to your doctor if you believe you contracted babesia, so your medical care team can immediately start treatment with antibiotics.

Safe hiking out there. And thanks to all the well-wishes and prayers from all who knew.

Wayne 
President, Board of Directors 
Keystone Trails Association

The KTA Awards Committee seeks nominations for five awards that recognize outstanding individuals and clubs. The awards will be presented at the KTA Pennsylvania Hiking Awards Celebration on December 6 at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, PA.

​The KTA Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented to a person who has, over a period of years (not necessarily their entire lifetime), made significant contributions to the preservation of hiking trails and promoting hiking in Pennsylvania.  Service may be in the form of volunteer efforts, publications, fieldwork, or any other pursuit that has furthered the mission of the KTA. This is KTA’s highest honor.

The Thyra Sperry Volunteer of the Year Award goes to a KTA member whose recent service to KTA's mission, especially in the preceding year, is most worthy of recognition. It is named in honor of former KTA president Thyra Sperry (d. 2017) and her devoted service to KTA. 

Certificates of Achievement are awarded to individuals for extraordinary work on projects that benefit hikers and/or trails in Pennsylvania.  Nominations are made by KTA member organizations and allow clubs to nominate a volunteer who may not be an individual KTA member. The nomination should be based on recent service, especially in the past year, which serves the hiking public as a whole rather than primarily the members of the member club. 

The Leave No Trace Award recognizes a KTA member or volunteer who has superbly integrated Leave No Trace into their trail and hiking activities and excelled at teaching others about the outdoor ethics of Leave No Trace. Individuals to be considered for this award will have: taken a Leave No Trace workshop to understand better what embodies Leave No Trace; built Leave No Trace practices into their trail and hiking activities (examples include discussing how a group will follow the Seven Principles on a group hike or Trail Care event, planning a social event with zero single use plastic as part of the objective, or including Leave No Trace messaging when posting online); left public spaces better than they found them by picking up trash during hikes and outdoor activities; and taught others what they know about Leave No Trace in formal or informal settings. 

The KTA Club of the Year Award honors a club for excelling in one or more of the following areas during the previous 12-18 months.   

• Hiking Promotion: How does your club promote hiking and foot trail use, through old and new media? In what ways is your club spreading the joys of hiking?
• Trail Work: What is your club doing to build, maintain, and promote hiking trails?
• Inclusion: What efforts does your club make to include people of different age groups, foot trail user groups, backgrounds, abilities, racial groups and ethnicities?
• Philanthropy: What charitable efforts does your club make within its community? What accomplishments has your club made to benefit the broader community?

The club application for this award should include:

• A statement that tells us what makes your club so awesome and why you should be the Club of the Year.
• A maximum of 2 documents that support your application. This could include anything from an informational one-sheet to a video.

Just because your club is new or small, it doesn’t mean that it can’t leave a big footprint! Club of the Year submissions are judged on club achievements relative to the club’s size and age. A member club cannot win the award two years in a row. Please only enter one submission per member club!

For the individual awards, the nomination should include the name of the nominee, the approximate
length of the person’s service to KTA's mission, and a brief description of the individual’s contributions.

Send all nominations to Barbara Wiemann, Awards Committee chair, at [email protected] by November 1, 2025.