President's Trailhead August 2026 - Wayne Gross

Dear Trail Enthusiast,
Fall is a wonderful time to get out on the trail and bring a friend along. The changing weather and brilliant autumn colors remind us that change is a constant part of both the natural world and our organization.

I want to thank each of you for your efforts to further KTA’s mission to provide, preserve, protect, and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Through trail maintenance with your clubs and throughout the state, advocacy on issues affecting our trails, and simply by leading hikes and inviting others to explore, you are making a difference at the grassroots level. I have seen so many hikes and trail care events sponsored by our member organizations. Keep up the great work!

Fall Trail Care 
KTA’s Trail Care program continues in full swing, with several trail care events remaining this fall. I encourage you to participate in one or more of these events, even if you can only join us for a single day. Every helping hand makes a difference. Visit the KTA website for details and upcoming opportunities.

Remembering Joe Healey
We were extremely saddened by the passing of Joe Healey. Joe stepped in to fill the very “larger-than-life” boots of Thomas Thwaites as chair of the KTA Trail Care Committee after Tom stepped down following many years of service.

During Joe’s tenure as chair, KTA obtained a trailer for our Trail Care program, and Joe was instrumental in securing the grant that made the purchase possible. He and his wife, Lorraine, were active members of the Susquehanna Trailers Hiking Club. Their club was also a strong presence at KTA Hiking Weekends, often attending with the largest club representation.
KTA and the entire trail community mourn Joe’s passing and extend our thoughts and prayers to Lorraine and their family.

Nominate a Volunteer or Club
It is time to begin nominating members and clubs for KTA’s annual service awards. Awards include Certificates of Achievement, Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year, the Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Leave No Trace Award.

These awards will be presented at the KTA Hiking Awards and Volunteer Celebration on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art.

Please visit the KTA Hiking Awards webpage for nomination information and submit your nominations by Sunday, November 1, 2026.

We have some of the greatest volunteers in Pennsylvania’s hiking community. Please consider nominating an individual or club you believe deserves recognition.

And while you are thinking about awards, make sure you submit for your own hiking award or encourage others who have completed hiking trails to submit for theirs. In particular, please encourage youth and teenagers to work toward the Teen Hiker Award. The hiking awards are listed on the KTA website, so check them out and hike toward earning one this year.

Upcoming KTA Events
We have several important events coming up this fall.

Hike Harrisburg — Monday, September 28
Join KTA at the Pennsylvania State Capitol for Hike Harrisburg. Registration is free and helps us plan for the event. Register for Hike Harrisburg.

Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend — October 22–25
Join us for KHOW in the Susquehanna Riverlands for a weekend filled with hikes, bike rides, boat tours, Underground Railroad walks, yoga, and much more. Come celebrate Pennsylvania’s outdoors and hiking community with us.

Please note that the remaining hotel room blocks expire on September 21. Camping is also available at Susquehannock State Park. Register for KHOW and plan to join us for the weekend.

KTA Pennsylvania Hiking Awards and Volunteer Celebration — Saturday, November 21
Join us at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, PA, as we celebrate the individuals and volunteers who share a passion for exploring and supporting the incredible hiking trails Pennsylvania has to offer.

There is a full calendar of KTA hikes, events, training courses, activities, and Trail Care opportunities.

There is so much to do this fall, so visit the KTA website, sign up for an activity, and bring a friend along.

An Update on Scott Farm
On Thursday, September 3, the National Park Service and the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy held the closing to transfer the Scott Farm property from the NPS to the CPC. This land transfer benefits the Appalachian Trail, the National Park Service, KTA, the hiking community, and citizens throughout the Commonwealth. This is a win for everyone.
The KTA Board completed the Scott Farm master plan earlier this year, and the plan and exhibit maps were available for viewing during KTA’s Spring Hiking Weekend.
Grant applications have been prepared by a special team seeking significant funding to remodel the Scott Farm farmhouse and facilities. Our vision is to transform the property into KTA’s future offices and a trail center serving those hiking the Appalachian Trail as well as those accessing the Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail for canoeing and kayaking.
The Board and staff are working hard and are excited to bring this project to fruition for the benefit of hikers and the broader outdoor community.
In addition to pursuing significant grant funding, we are seeking additional donations for the Scott Farm capital campaign. Please consider including a gift to this important project in your planned giving this year.

Celebrating 70 Years of KTA
This year marks the 70th anniversary of KTA. I invite you to join me in making a special President’s Appeal donation of $70 to KTA in support of our mission.

Your gift to the Keystone Trails Endowment Fund can also make a lasting impact on our mission, including supporting the member club mini-grants that have been awarded over the past several years. Consider making a gift to the Keystone Trails Endowment Fund this year. Learn more about the Keystone Trails Endowment Fund.

Thank You
On behalf of the Board and the membership, I want to thank our Executive Director, Holly, and all of our staff for the wonderful work they are doing to further KTA’s mission.
Thank you for everything you do for Pennsylvania’s trails and the people who enjoy them.
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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