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Trail News

Meet a PA Hiker! Meet Kevin!

12/30/2024

 
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👋 Meet Kevin, a KTA supporter from Lower Merion Township!

Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you?
A: "Easy access. Diverse variety of trails.  Lots of history. "

Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often?
A: "Backpacking "

Q: When did you start hiking?
A: "Decades ago"

Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life?
A: "I’m starting the AT in Georgia this year and plan on trekking back to PA by the summer.  Next year,
I’ll resume the adventure in PA and hike to Maine. "

Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live?
A: "I like to do day hikes in nearby Ridley State Park. "

Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)?
A: "Loyalsock, Black Forest, Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, AT, Black Forest, Old Logger’s" 

Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission?
A: "Everything!​​"

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

Meet a PA Hiker! Meet John

12/30/2024

 
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👋 Meet John, a KTA supporter from Boiling Springs, Pa!

Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you?
A: "The next mile with its imaginary anticipation; the last mile for its unexpected rewards."

Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often?
A: "Of late, exploring side treks from main trails. "

Q: When did you start hiking?
A: "1952-1960 and again 1972-current."

Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life?
A: "Exploration and discovery with buddies."

Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live?
A: "AT, Michaux SF, Tuscarora SF, PaConservancy Trails (LeTort Spring, Cove Mtn} Gettysburg Battlefield, SouthMiddleton parks)"

Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)?
A: "AT, State Forest Trails (particularly those associated with KTA's SFTA), State Park Trails" 

Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission?
A: "Creation and Maintenance of PATrails via Hiking Clubs and volunteers​.​​"

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

Meet a PA Hiker! Meet David

12/30/2024

 
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👋 Meet David, a KTA supporter from Allegheny!

Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you?
A: "It's where I grew up, playing in the woods, hunting, fishing! I moved to Arizona after highschool and lost touch with nature. I moved back home and realized we have one of the most beautiful states in the Union."

Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often?
A: "Full day and multi day "

Q: When did you start hiking?
A: "2005"

Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life?
A: "Planning a thru hike of the Mid State trail."

Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live?
A: "Lick Hollow to Pine Knob Lookout."

Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)?
A: "Ricketts Glen." 

Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission?
A: "Preservation of our Open Spaces in the state.​​"

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

Happy Holidays - A Year End Message

12/9/2024

 
The holidays are a time for joyous reflection. Our association is a bourgeoning evergreen in the Keystone wonderlands. You are the ornaments that make us special, the lights upon our needles, the stars for whom we reach. 
We deeply appreciate the support, involvement, and enthusiasm of so many people in making 2024 an epic year for KTA. The organization achieved many milestones, including: 
  • Celebrating a successful 40th anniversary year for the Trail Care program
  • Adopting and implementing the first year of a five-year strategic plan 
  • Beginning master site planning for the Scott Farm, future home of KTA
  • Distributing 11 mini grants to trail and hiking clubs to help in their endeavors throughout the Commonwealth
  • Developing a hiking guidebook to the rugged and beautiful PA Wilds region
  • Purchasing a plug-in hybrid van Through the generous bequest of the George Probst estate (look for KTA on the roads as well as the trails!)
  • Diversifying funding with grants from DCNR, the RK Mellon Foundation, and other important partners
  • Continuing growth of the Keystone Trails Endowment fund with new donors and donations 
  • Launching a new hiking award for teenagers
  • Offering numerous outings, programs, and trainings as well as an international hiking trip
  • Hosting a well-attended spring hiking weekend in the Poconos and our first-ever Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend, held in the Susquehanna Riverlands 
  • And so much more
In 2025, we will further grow and diversify KTA's membership and volunteer base, spearhead new ways to promote PA's hiking trails and local trail clubs, and foster more partnerships for programming, stewardship, and advocacy.  Together, we create a thriving community of hikers who relish conservation and the great outdoors. 
At year’s end, take a moment to think about the many superb hiking opportunities we have in Pennsylvania. Consider the effort required of countless individuals and organizations to make these experiences possible. The dedication is truly inspiring. 
KTA is a passionate constituency with a can-do vibe. Our noble mission is made manifest through your generosity. During the holiday season, please consider a monetary gift to help us illuminate the glories of hiking and hiking trails for many seasons to come.  Please make your secure donation at www.kta-hike.org/donate
If you are unable to make a financial contribution, you can assist in other ways. Consider volunteering at a Trail Care event, serving as a hike leader, or being an ambassador at a KTA exhibit. Try getting involved with a local group that connects people to the tranquility and bounty of nature. The spirit of giving can be exercised in honor of this wintry occasion or at any time throughout the year, but whenever it happens, we are filled with gratitude. Thank you for your benevolence.  
Happy Holidays,
Wayne E. Gross
President, Board of Directors, Keystone Trails Association

Brook Lenker
Executive Director, Keystone Trails Association


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  • About
    • News >
      • Newfoundland 2024 Trip Report
      • Newsletter Archive
      • Meet PA Hikers
      • Trail Care Stories
    • Contact
    • About KTA
    • Work For KTA
    • Strategic Plan
    • Volunteer with KTA
    • Our People
    • Our Story
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Press
    • Multimedia
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Advocacy >
      • Kids Trail Ambassador Program
    • Donate >
      • Monthly Giving: Keep Trails Alive
      • Planned Giving: The Heritage Society
      • Giving for the Future: Endowment Fund
      • Hike to Give: 100-Mile Trail Challenge
    • Membership
    • Events >
      • KTA Philadelphia Group Hike
      • KTA Leave No Trace Level One Training
      • Wales 2025
      • Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend 2025 >
        • KHOW 2025 Program Lineup
      • 2026 St. John Trail Care >
        • 2026 St. John Lottery Interest Form
      • Backpacking for Beginners 2025
  • GET OUTDOORS
    • KTA Gear Loaner Program
    • Trails
    • Pennsylvania Hiking Trail Trailers
    • Maps
  • Trail Care Program
    • FAQs Trail Care
    • Report a Trail Issue
    • 2025 Weekday Trail Cares
    • #10 WRT
    • #11 CKT CO
    • #12 Pinchot
    • #13 BTP
    • #14 CKT CO
    • #15 GET
    • #16 CKT weekend
    • #17 2025 Trail Love ANF
    • #18 GPSP/MDTS
    • #19 CKT weekend
    • #20 A.T. section
    • Trail Love Events
    • KTA’s A.T. Section
  • Hiking Awards
  • Store
  • CLUBS
    • Hiking Clubs
    • KTA Grants-to-Clubs
    • Report Club Hours