Meet a PA Hiker Series! : Meet Michael!

👋 Meet Michael, a KTA supporter from Carlise!

Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you?
A: "Pennsylvania has a such a wide variety of terrain that makes exploring through hiking always interesting.  We have mountains with incredible vistas (one of my favorite types of hiking destinations).  We also have fairly flat farmland, marsh preserves and wetlands, some incredible urban hiking areas like Fairmount Park and the Wissahickon in Philadelphia where you are hard pressed to know that you are actually in a city because the woods are so thick and beautiful.  And, of all things, you have PA history, pretty much anywhere you hike.  The general history of the state is amazing enough, but if you begin to learn the local history where you hike, it opens a world of wonder and awe for what settlers and native Americans lived through, and how people lived and endured through difficult times.  Coming across ruins or old stone walls in the middle of nowhere is always fascinating to me - thinking about the people who were there at one time and how they lived, and that those ruins, at one time, were a brand new house for a hopeful family full of dreams. "

Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often?
A: "I most often engage in day hikes on the weekends.  I am an avid trail running as well and sometimes my hikes will be to scout new trails to run on.  I want to get into doing more multi-day backpacking trips as well."

Q: When did you start hiking?
A: "I have always wanted to do more hiking through most of my life. I finally decided in 2008 to actually start doing it consistently and to go on hiking vacations."

Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life?
A: "I'm excited to explore the Tuscarora State Forest.  I live in the Cumberland Valley between Tuscarora and Michaux.  I have spent a lot of the last 3 years exploring Michaux.  I love Michaux, but the little I have been up to Tuscarora has shown me that there seems to be a much more remote feel there, which I really like.

Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live?
A: "All the hiking trails in Michaux State Forest, I would recommend, as well as day hikes, or multi-day hikes on the Appalachian Trail.  I would recommend Flat Rock in Colonel Denning for an incredible 180+ degree vista of the Cumberland Valley.  In Michaux, I would also recommend checking out Hammonds Rocks and Chimney Rocks - incredible geological features in the area. "

Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)?
A: "Outside of my immediate area, I would always recommend Hawk Mountain and Pinnacle and Pulpit near Hamburg.  If you like waterfalls, make sure you hike in Delaware Water Gap, outside Stroudsburg - there are waterfalls everywhere, even if they are not on a map!" 

Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission?
A: "KTA has brought a lot of awareness of hiking opportunities in PA, as well as, working to maintain trails as well.  I think these things are important for the community on the trails and to show new people the beauty of hiking in PA.​"

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

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