Trail Care Story: West Rim Trail

Photo by DCNR

In May 2023, KTA hosted a trail care event to maintain the West Rim Trail. Located in the PA Wilds region, the WRT is a ~30-mile hiking trail on the western rim of the PA Grand Canyon. It is one of the 18 state forest-designated hiking trails and is blazed orange. Parts of the WRT pass through mixed Allegheny hardwoods, featuring white ash, cherry, and hemlock. In other areas, the trail winds along ridges of oak forest with abundant mountain laurel, and it also passes through boggy meadows near beaver dams.

Tom Oliver, DCNR Recreation Forester in Tioga State Forest, shares this month's exclusive trail story about the West Rim Trail: 

"I have worked pretty closely with KTA over the years here in Tioga. 

There were volunteers here this year in May working on the West Rim Trail and back in May of 2021.

In May of 2021, the volunteers worked on clearing downed trees, blazing and brush cutting mountain laurel that was crowding the trail.

May of this year was about the same minus downed trees.  I had cleared all the downed trees before their arrival. So, the crews mainly worked on brush clearing/trimming sections where the trail was getting tight.  The blazing was also finished this year!

Their work and time are incredibly valuable and appreciated.  I am the only person employed here who takes care of trails, so there is no possible way I can take care of everything myself.  Their help on West Rim Trail has improved the trail and hiking experience for all users."

Join us for trail care!
Find a trail maintenance event in your region, or travel across the state to explore a new place! View our trail maintenance schedule here.

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