Meet a PA Hiker: Stephanie

👋 Meet Stephanie, a KTA supporter from Philadelphia, PA! 

Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you?
A: "Hiking has been a way to connect with the people I love, away from technology and distractions. I am a mom of nine kids, and sharing the outdoors with my family has been an excellent way to connect and share with them my adventurous side. Hiking and trail running was also a way that my sister and I stayed connected, we even did the Frozen Heart 50k and the Keystone Trail Challenge 50k. My sister died in 2020, and sharing those miles of trails with her has become a priceless memory. Every time I do the Keystone Trail Challenge, I am honoring her memory. 

Hiking is also a sweet time of solitude. It's been a way to get out of my busy home and recharge. I am convinced that if more people hiked regularly, the mental health field would not be so busy. "

Q: What type of hiking do you typically prefer most often?
A: "I would love to do a multi-day hike, but full day and regular short hikes have been what I do most. My goal is to stay in shape and plan for bigger hiking trips either with the family or with friends."

Q: When did you start hiking?
A: "I've always loved the outdoors and even did some backpacking in high school, but I was also on the track team so I saw myself as more of a runner. It wasn't until my husband and I took our kids to Canada that I fell in love with hiking. Even so, it took several years and a few more babies being born before I became a regular hiker. I started competing in Spartan races at 46 and then fell in love with 25k and 50k. Now in my 50s, I still see myself as a runner, but hiking definitely gets more time and appreciation."

Q: What are you currently excited about in your hiking life?
A: "I love the answers above! Where can I learn Wilderness First Aid? Right now, I am immersed in being a grandmother and homeschooling mom so I feel that there is a ton I would love to do, but have been limited in what I can explore. My bucket list is long!"

Q: Which hiking trails do you enjoy/recommend that are near where you live?
A: "The Philadelphia area has a beautiful trail area called Wissahickon Valley. I know most of them by heart."

Q: Which hiking trails do you recommend (anywhere in PA)?
A: "Wissahickon (also called Forbidden Drive) is amazing! Valley Forge also has some nice views and interesting historical sites. Ringing Rocks, Jim Thorpe, PA Grand Canyon ... too many to list."

Q: What do you value most about KTA's mission?
A: "I'm a holistic coach so I am super excited about KTA's mission. People need to have regular movement and to be in nature. They need to know how beneficial it is and definitely way more economical than gyms."

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. 

---