President's Trailhead January 2026 - Wayne Gross

Dear Hiker and Trail Enthusiast,
Happy New Year!

Winter's cold and stillness sometimes deter us from our favorite trail. Consider joining a winter hike with a local hiking group to explore the wonders of this season. The woods may seem dormant as it prepares for spring. Likewise, as an organization, we are preparing for a fulfilling spring, summer, and fall of activities. 

Our Staff, Board, and Committees have a busy year ahead with grant initiatives, completion of the master plan for the Scott Farm, and capital funds raising, Trail Care Program, implementation of additional strategic plan goals, trips, hikes, webinars, training, hiking weekends, advocacy, club support, and much more.

We have the opportunity to plant the seeds for our organization's future success and future "hiking fruits".  Continuing to grow our endowment fund is important to providing long-term financial stability to our organization. Over the past couple of years, interest disbursements from principal earnings have supported our Club Grants program and general operations.

Please consider making a donation to The Keystone Trails Endowment Fund this year as a lasting legacy to KTA's mission. KTA organizational member clubs and other groups may also make contributions to the fund. Consider making a donation in honor or memory of a club member who has made a difference in your club or the hiking community.  

An application is available at the KTA website. Even if you can't make a donation at a set giving level, all contributions to the fund add up over time. The principal remains in the endowment fund. The earnings from the fund's investments support KTA's mini-grants to clubs and the organization's general operations. 

Consider KTA in your estate planning to make a positive impact on Pennsylvania Trails for future generations. Donors will be recognized at the awards presentation this fall. The Board thanks you for your contribution to this important fund.

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 this year. All but one award was presented. We even had two teenagers earn the new Teen Hiker Award! Visit our website for details on 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