Keystone Trails Association welcomes three new staff members, expanding its presence throughout Pennsylvania

KTA’s newest employees reside in Lancaster, Bedford, and Lock Haven, making the organization more accessible for developing powerful strategic partnerships

Mechanicsburg, PA: The Keystone Trails Association, a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new staff members: Al Germann as Regional Trail Care Coordinator in the PA Wilds, Kate Prisby as Manager of Events and Programs, and Haley Feaster as Manager of Communications and Development.

Once an all-volunteer organization with only a few staff, KTA is transitioning to a staff-driven organization destined to expand its reach and impact on the hiking community and trails preservation in Pennsylvania.

“These new hires are a proactive, strategic response to our leaders who are investing more resources into elevating outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania,” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “KTA will now more than ever be an amplifier for the importance of hiking and hiking trails across the commonwealth.”

Al Germann brings experience in trail stewardship and a passion for exploring the state’s great outdoors to a new position focusing on the extensive trail network in the PA Wilds region, assessing trail conditions, and organizing maintenance activities as KTA’s first Trail Care Coordinator.

Kate Prisby, with a background in education, program management, volunteer recruitment, and conservation leadership, will serve as KTA’s Manager of Events and Programs. In this role, she will orchestrate outings and other programs that offer memorable trail adventures and teach hiking etiquette, safety, and skills – ensuring that hikers of all demographics and experience levels feel comfortable and respected on PA’s trails.

Haley Feaster, an entrepreneur with a resume steeped in advocacy and communications, will expand KTA’s network of partners and continue to build awareness of KTA’s mission as Manager of Communications and Development. She brings a wealth of energy and ideas to her new post.  

“KTA is equipped with an incredibly talented staff,” says Lenker. “We’re looking forward to great success as we begin implementing KTA’s five-year strategic plan that will work in harmony and support aspirations for a strong and sustainable outdoor recreation economy.” 

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. 

Keystone Trails Association to Host Special “Trail Love” Maintenance Event in the Michaux State Forest on National Trails Day

​KTA has been awarded a generous Mini-Grant from the South Mountain Partnership to organize a collaborative hiking trail maintenance event within the Michaux State Forest.

Mechanicsburg, PA: Keystone Trails Association, a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania, will be hosting a new “Trail Love: Michaux State Forest Edition” maintenance event on Saturday, June 1, 2024, celebrating National Trails Day and the 40th anniversary of its Trail Care Program.

Trail Love will be a lively and festive trail maintenance blitz at sites throughout the forest. Volunteers will have a variety of projects to choose from including options that are accessible and accommodating for any level of maintenance experience. 

“Trail Love will be a fun way to welcome first-time volunteers and elevate our seasoned regulars!” shares Jenn Ulmer, Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training at KTA. “We’re honored to have so many great partners coming together to host trail maintenance projects at the event including PA DCNR, surrounding Friends groups, Pennsylvania Parks & Forest Foundation, and Appalachian Trail Conservancy, just to name a few.”

A South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant was awarded to the Keystone Trails Association for the planning and development of Trail Love during the September 2023 Power of the Partnership Celebration.

“Pennsylvania’s conservation landscapes, like the South Mountain, are critical to the preservation of our state’s hiking trails,” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “South Mountain Partnership is doing incredible work to promote the Michaux State Forest. We’re excited to collaborate with them on this event and hope it helps people feel more invested and connected to the South Mountain region.”

Volunteers for Trail Love will have the option to camp out the Friday evening before the event at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, can enjoy complimentary meals on Saturday (including a special cookout), and will receive a free commemorative t-shirt. 

Learn more about and volunteer for Trail Love: Michaux State Forest Edition at:
www.kta-hike.org/michauxtraillove 

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. 


This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. The grant was awarded through the South Mountain Partnership, with management oversight of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

We are a partner of the South Mountain Partnership, an alliance of organizations working to preserve and enhance the cultural and natural assets of the South Mountain Landscape in Central Pennsylvania. To learn more about the Partnership, please visit www.southmountainpartnership.org.

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Coming soon: a brand-new, first-of-its-kind hiking guide to the PA Wilds! Plus, you can submit your favorite trails to be considered for the book!

We could not be more honored and excited to be working with PA Wilds on this project! 

As the press release states, "Lace up your hiking boots! The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship has partnered with the Keystone Trails Association (KTA) to develop and publish a Pennsylvania Wilds-branded hiking guidebook for the Pennsylvania Wilds region."

Brook Lenker, KTA Executive Director, had this to say about the project under development: “KTA members have always valued the PA Wilds region because it is packed with some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful hiking trails. The mention of names like the Black Forest, Susquehannock, and Quehanna – just a few of the signature footpaths in the PA Wilds – evoke excitement and anticipation for so many hiking enthusiasts. For decades, our volunteer-driven Trail Care Program, now in its 40th year, has helped to maintain these and other area trails and we will soon be hiring a Regional Trail Care Rep in the PA Wilds. Needless to say, we’re honored and excited to be part of this project and promote these hiking gems!”

Read the full press release here:
https://www.pawildscenter.org/blog/pa-wilds-center-keystone-trails-association-hiking-book-feedback/

Mechanicsburg, PA: Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are invited to mark their calendars and save the date for Keystone Trails Association’s very first Hike Fest to be held October 20-22, 2023 in Johnstown, PA.

The Keystone Trails Association is a statewide organization committed to providing, protecting, preserving, and promoting hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.

“Hike Fest is a true expression of what PA’s trails can accomplish for our state,” shares Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA. “We’re coordinating with businesses and organizations from around Johnstown to come together and create a community-wide outdoor recreation experience that focuses on caring for the environment, enjoying nature sustainably, and developing meaningful connections with people - all centered around PA’s hiking trails.”

Hike Fest will include excursions to popular and lesser-known hiking trails of varying distances and difficulties; educational sessions for Wilderness First Aid, trail care, and trail running; opportunities to explore the variety of local museums and shops in the heart of Johnstown; optional camping; plus other activities like kayaking, yoga, and biking.

Thousands of tourists gather in Johnstown, PA, every year to set foot on its Ghost Town Trail (a DCNR Trail of the Year award-winner), cruise through the mountains during the Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally (now in its 25th year), and dance the night away during Polkafest (celebrating 25 years). 

In recent years, Johnstown and the surrounding region have channeled significant investments toward trail development and outdoor recreation amenities. The area is becoming a noteworthy trails destination.

“With its tourism momentum, signature trails, and history of hosting successful community events, Johnstown was a natural fit for our inaugural Hike Fest,” says Lenker, “We’re grateful for the warm welcome from the many businesses and organizations involved in making, what we believe, will become an annual traveling event in KTA’s offerings.”

Partners and sponsors participating in Keystone Trails Association’s Hike Fest include Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Visit Johnstown, Lorain/Stonycreek Hiking Trails, Venture Outdoors, Johnstown Running Club, Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., Friends of the Inclined Plane Trail, PA Parks and Forests Foundation, Friends of Yellow Creek State Park, and the Lancaster Conservancy.

Registration for Hike Fest is now open at https://www.kta-hike.org/fallhikefest.html

Interested in getting involved with Hike Fest? Contact Casey Schneck, KTA Manager of Events and Publications at [email protected].

This event is funded in part by Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Robert Waters Economic Development Fund.

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. 

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This edition included a special dedication to Maurice Forrester, Jr. who was a long time editor of this guidebook in addition to his many other contributions to the success of KTA.

We wish to thank the Audobon for providing a Kittatinny Ridge Mini-Grant to the Keystone Trails Association to assist in the printing of this edition of the guidebook.

Thank You
Wayne E. Gross
PA AT Guide Editor and
Chair, Publications Committee

The KTA Trail Challenge is an event for adventurous trail runners and hikers that highlights the wild river hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge.

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[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 [email protected].

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. 

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