 As we hike, communication is happening all around us, even if we’re not a participant.
When we listen to nature, we hear sing-along tunes of birds, chitter chatter of squirrels and chipmunks, the humming of insects, or perhaps the occasional greeting from a far off coyote. Trails can be a place that offer silence when we need to retreat. Going for a solo hike can be a great way to clear your head while enjoying the solitude offered within the natural cathedral of abundant trees. However, trails can also be a runway for creative conversations. Observing all the different parts of an ecosystem working together, we may feel inspired and reminded of the importance of connection with others. “Besides enjoying the physical benefits of hiking that everybody knows about,” shares Pradip, member of and KTA Representative for Chester County Trail Club, “hiking in a group gives one extra and very valuable benefits of social interactions.” Hiking with a friend or group is a special kind of experience that sparks fresh ideas within the infinite space of the forest, valleys, and path ahead. 20 hiking-themed conversation starters Next time you’re hiking with a friend, try one of these 20 hiking-themed conversation starters:
Hiking trails provide a neutral space where relationships, cross-cultural conversational skills, and communities can be strengthened. Trails are one of PA’s greatest assets, can aid in improving overall well-being and physical and mental health, and even benefit our state's economy through outdoor recreation opportunities. Keystone Trails Association is committed to preserving, protecting, promoting, and providing recreational hiking opportunities and trails in PA. You can help!  KTA’s Trail Academy features webinars and in-person events hosted by outdoor industry leaders, conservation experts, and KTA staff to maintain safer trails, develop wiser hikers, and create happier forests. [PRESS RELEASE] Mechanicsburg, PA: Keystone Trails Association’s new Trail Academy series features educational webinars and in-person training events to maintain safer trails, develop wiser hikers, and create happier forests. Events are hosted by Keystone Trails Association (KTA) staff members, outdoor industry leaders, conservation experts, and/or members of KTA. “Our new Trail Academy is an effort to support each individual wherever they are in their hiking journey,” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “It’s also a great opportunity to collaborate with and feature some of Pennsylvania’s incredibly talented conservation and outdoor recreation professionals.” The Keystone Trails Association is a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. “Because we serve the whole state, we regularly meet brand new hikers who are searching for a safe place to go on their first hike,” shares Holly Tritt, Manager of Communications and Membership at KTA. “At the same time, we’re connected to hikers and trail club leaders who have been hiking or maintaining trails for decades and are looking for ways to advance their skill set.” KTA’s Trail Academy educational webinars and in-person training events are grouped into three categories of outdoor skills, maintenance and safety, and hiking topics. Sessions cover a variety of topics such as “What hikers need to know about invasive plants in PA”, “Wilderness First Aid”, “Hiking trails and road crossings”, and “Choosing a hiking trail”. “Topics like Leave No Trace, invasive species, and trail care best practices are crucial for the health of our trails and the safety of hikers in PA,” shares Lenker. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to introduce these concepts to new hikers and to provide training for our members to continue providing excellent hiking experiences in PA.” View KTA’s Trail Academy training events online at www.kta-hike.org. Questions about KTA’s Trail Academy? Contact Holly Tritt, KTA Manager of Communications and Membership at tritt@kta-hike.org. About Keystone Trails Association: The Keystone Trails Association offers a robust trail care program with volunteer opportunities available on PA trails, serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in PA’s capital, and offers a wealth of hiking opportunities throughout the year that both long-time hikers and the next generation of hikers can enjoy together. ###  The KTA Trail Challenge is an event for adventurous trail runners and hikers that highlights the wild river hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge. [PRESS RELEASE] Mechanicsburg, PA: Keystone Trails Association will host their 15th KTA Trail Challenge 25K Run/Hike on Saturday, September 9th, 2023 within Susquehannock State Park and along the Conestoga Trail. The Keystone Trails Association is a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. “We’ve been returning to the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape (SRCL) for this event every year since 2009. ” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “When you’re on the Trail Challenge Course, you’re immersed in raw beauty and rugged nature, but the cities of Lancaster and York - with abundant cultural opportunities - are close by. The SRCL region is rich in history and features some of PA’s most iconic hiking trails.” The daunting 25K course alternates between breathtaking vistas with steep descents into dark, scenic hollows followed by strenuous climbs to the next vista. Although the event is timed, the challenge is not to "win" or "come in first," but to complete the arduous course within the time allowed. “We’ve improved this year’s Trail Challenge in multiple ways,” shares Casey Schneck, KTA Manager of Events and Publications. “We do our best to make changes based on suggestions and feedback from participants. It’s our goal to have recurring runners and hikers!” These changes include a course reroute resulting in little time spent on pavement; eliminating the need to wait for the shuttle bus; achieving Trail Sisters approval to provide an equal race-day experience for female participants; and multiple start time options to accommodate the diverse skill levels of runners and hikers. “We pride ourselves on providing hiking opportunities that help train hikers in best practices. The KTA Trail Challenge is a chance for hikers to test their skills!” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “ For many participants, the KTA Trail Challenge is the ultimate test of physical fitness and mental toughness.” Runners and hikers who complete both the KTA Trail Challenge and the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Ironmaster's Challenge will receive a special, collaborative Iron Mettle Medal. Learn more and register for KTA’s Trail Challenge 25K Run/Hike at www.kta-hike.org. Questions about KTA’s Trail Challenge? Contact Casey Schneck, KTA Manager of Events and Publications at ktaadmin@kta-hike.org. KTA thanks this year’s Trail Challenge sponsors for their support: Brookfield Renewable and Pennsylvania American Water, as well as the assistance of numerous local partners. About Keystone Trails Association: The Keystone Trails Association offers a robust trail care program with volunteer opportunities available on PA trails, serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in PA’s capital, and offers a wealth of hiking opportunities throughout the year that both long-time hikers and the next generation of hikers can enjoy together. ###  These events total 60+ miles of hiking! Thanks to our KTA members, August is full of guided hiking opportunities throughout PA! There are dozens to choose from, so be sure to check your local hiking group's website or social media for a full list of upcoming events. Why hike in a group? Jeffrey, member and KTA representative of the Lancaster Hiking Club, says, "One of the things I like about group hiking is the knowledge I've gained over the years: knowledge about such myriad topics as what to pack/what not to pack, identifying fauna and flora, what's new in hiking gear, how to take care of myself when I"m in the woods, and getting to places that I may not have visited before and or even heard of. I like the feeling of safety I feel when I hike with experienced hikers, because if I have an accident or medical situation I'll have plenty of help. Someone always has a bandage or an aspirin in their pack. And of course, there's the camaraderie and life-long friendships." Featured August Hikes (60+ miles total!)
In August, you can also come hike with KTA! These hikes give a preview of our upcoming Trail Challenge 25K course. We've split the course preview into two longer-distance day hikes along the Susquehanna River gorge.
Pinnacle Overlook to Susquehannock State Park (~8.6 miles) August 5, 2023, 9am | Susquehannock State Park Led by a KTA guide, you'll hike the first half of the course, 13.8 KM, at a moderate pace. Meet at Susquehannock State Park Hawk Point Pavilion – follow the road to the second parking lot. Learn More & Register Pequea Campground to Pinnacle Overlook (~7 miles) August 12, 2023, 8:30am | Susquehannock State Park Led by a KTA guide, you'll hike the second half of the course, 11.2 KM, at a moderate pace. Meet at Pinnacle Overlook. Learn More & Register  The KTA Awards Committee seeks nominations for four awards that recognize outstanding individuals and clubs. The awards will be presented at the Fall meeting on October 21.
Award Categories Include: 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 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.
For the three 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 blwiemann@gmail.com by September 15, 2023. |
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