May Trail Care Events: Volunteers Needed

by Ed Lawrence, KTA Trail Care Coordinator

If you’ve ever hiked the Chuck Keiper Trail Loop in Sproul State Forest, the challenging and scenic Black Forest Trail in Tiadaghton State Forest, or any trail in Hickory Run State Park, you know what it means to experience some of the best hiking in Pennsylvania. Now, take the next step and help keep these trails open and in good condition by attending one (or more) of the Trail Care Events scheduled for May. 
 
Volunteers will gather on Saturday, May 12, at Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County, for a Code Orange workday. This will be KTA’s first time helping maintain the trails at Hickory Run, so we want to make it a successful and enjoyable day in the park. 
 
Both the Chuck Keiper Trail and the Black Forest Trail are regularly part of the Trail Care schedule because there are always maintenance needs on these footpaths. This year, members of the Middle Branch Camp, off Pennsylvania Route 144 south of Renovo, Clinton County, have graciously agreed to allow volunteers to base the Chuck Keiper Trail work weekend—May 3-6—at their cabin in the heart of the trail. The Black Forest Trail crew—May 17-20—will again be staying at the base of the Pump Station Fire Tower, off Pennsylvania Route 44 south of the village of Black Forest, Lycoming County. 
 
The more people we have participating in these events, the more we can accomplish on behalf of the trails and hiking community. Also, participants will be well on their way to earning their KTA Volunteer Trailhead hat for 2018. For more information, see the work schedule or contact the event leaders.