👋 Meet Howard, a KTA supporter from Montgomery County!

Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you?
A: "Grew up in a very densely populated area and when I discovered the AT many years ago it opened me up to the beauty and magic of the forests of Pennsylvania."

Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often?
A: "Mostly full day hikes and night hikes "

Q: When did you start hiking?
A: "30 years ago."

Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life?
A: "I'll be leading two hikes during the KTA Spring Hiking Weekend. In the coming year, I plan to hike all the maintained sections of the Appalachian Trail that are looked after by the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club and the Allentown Hiking Club."

Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live?
A: "Wissahickon Valley Park - Wissahickon Gorge North Loop"

Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)?
A: "The Pinnacle AT Hike from Hawk Mountain Road and Port Clinton AT Hike to Eckville" 

Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission?
A: "KTA's commitment to supporting and educating hiking and trail maintaining clubs and providing timely education and information."

Do you care about providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania?
​That's why KTA is here! Help ensure this mission continues to be fulfilled. ​https://www.kta-hike.org/donate.html

Dear Member & Friends,
​
Spring is upon us! Get out for a hike and bring a friend!   

I want to thank you for your efforts in furthering our mission of providing, preserving, protecting, and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Each of you, through trail maintenance in your club and throughout the state, advocacy on issues affecting our trails, and by  leading hikes, are making a difference at a grassroots level.

There is a lot going on with KTA in 2025 as we progress on the second year of our five-year strategic plan. Efforts continue with Scott Farm planning; the site will eventually become KTA's headquarters. The Board has approved the lease of the Panther Run Cabin in Sproul State Forest as a base for our Trail Care efforts in the PA Wilds. ​Through the efforts of our Executive Director, Brook Lenker, KTA has completed an application a hopeful 2026- 2027 DCNR grant.

The Board and I wish to give a special shout out to our Executive Director, Brook Lenker, who has been navigating us through the many changes that have been occurring - all for the better.

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

We have our upcoming KTA Spring Hiking Weekend at Raystown Lake on April 25-27, 2025. A few activities still have space available. Please take an opportunity to go to our website and sign up by April 14 to attend. Hoping to see you there.
​
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