President's Trailhead, May 2026 - Wayne Gross

President's Trailhead

Dear Hiker and Trail Enthusiast,

Spring is soon here, and hikes and KTA Trail care are in full swing as we continue to celebrate 70 years of KTA.

Our new Executive Director, Holly Smith, started the job running. With a busy transition period with Brook Lenker, we received news that the owner was selling the KTA office building. Holly, Brook, and the Board members searched for a new location for the KTA office. We are now in offices shared with the Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture in Harrisburg, temporarily until the Scott Farmhouse renovations are completed. My thanks to the staff and all the volunteers who helped move the office equipment and materials.

The Scott Farm Master Plan was finally completed, and Holly, Sarah, Karen, and Board Members have actively put together at least five very significant grant applications to help fund the rehabilitation of the Scott Farm facility over the last several weeks. It was a major lift by all and a testament to Holly’s efforts right out of the gate in her new position. We hope to hear good news on these grants soon.
If all goes well, KTA will take ownership of the Scott Farm this summer.

A special thanks to all our staff for a fantastic Spring KTA Hiking Weekend in the Laurel Highlands. With 200 people in attendance and over 40 hikes and activities, it was a fantastic weekend. Hopefully, all plan to attend the Fall Keystone Hiking and Outdoors Weekend in the Susquehanna Riverlands. 

Plan your hikes for 2026 to earn one of the many hiking awards this year. Check out our website for the details regarding each hiking award. In addition, throughout the coming year, please consider your fellow hikers and clubs for nomination for Certificates of Achievement, KTA Leave No Trace Award Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year, and the KTA Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement. You can also plan to take on a 100-Mile Trail Challenge during the year.

There is a full list of 2026 KTA events, activities, and trail care opportunities through the rest of the year. Please visit our website and add these events to your calendar, sign up for one or more, and bring a friend.  

See you at the trailhead and on the trail.

For the trails and those who wander on them!

Thanks
Wayne E. Gross
President, Board of Directors 
Keystone Trails Association
The Statewide voice of Pennsylvania Hikers