What to expect
Join us April 25-27, 2025 at Lake Raystown Resort and get outdoors. The weekend will showcase regional hikes, environmental stewardship activities, an outdoor-themed book discussion, bike rides, guest speakers, dog-friendly activities, and more.
​(See the full agenda below.)
Where you'll stay
We've secured discounted rooms through March 10. Book the room of your choice by contacting the lodge directly at: (814) 658-3500 extension 0. When you call, be sure to say you are booking through the Keystone Trails Association block rate; this will ensure you get a discount. Please note, our discounted rates expired after March 10; bookings made after that date will be at a higher price.  If bringing your dog, please inquire with the lodge staff about their dog policy before booking.
Who should attend this event?
Anyone who enjoys being outdoors is welcome to attend! You do not need to be a member of Keystone Trails Association to join us. In fact, this is a great opportunity to see what KTA is all about and make a few new friends.

Spring Hiking Weekend 2025 Agenda

Friday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Program Check-in at the Conference Center Lobby
(Lodging check-in times vary depending on the type of lodging; on your way to the Conference Center, stop by the Resort Center to see when you can check-in to your overnight accommodations)
2:00 PM: Friday Activities Depart from Lake Raystown Resort (see schedule below) 
6:00 PM: Dinner in River Birch Ballroom: Napoleon vegetable stack with tomato caper puttanesca, salad, side dish, roll, & dessert
8:00 PM: Program in River Birch Ballroom: "History of the Thousand Steps Trail" by George Conrad, President of the Standing Stone Trail Club
Saturday
8:15-8:45 AM: Program Check-in at the Conference Center Lobby
7:45 - 8:45 AM: Breakfast in River Birch Ballroom: breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, cheddar cheese and side of potatoes  
9:00 AM: Saturday Activities Depart from Lake Raystown Resort (see schedule below); bagged lunch provided
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Council Meeting in River Birch Ballroom
4:30 - 5:30 PM: To My Daughter: Book Discussion with KTA Author​, Stuart Thompson
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner in River Birch Ballroom: ½ roasted chicken with fresh herbs, salad, veggies, roll, & dessert
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Program in River Birch Ballroom: "Environmental Restoration: Stories of Hope" by Celina Seftas, Raystown Field Station Director of Sustainability and former Conservation District Manager
Sunday
7:45 - 8:45 AM: Breakfast in River Birch Ballroom: French toast with maple syrup, country smoked sausage, & potatoes 
8:15-8:45 AM: Program Check-in at the Conference Center Lobby
​9:00 AM: Sunday Activities Depart from Lake Raystown Resort (see schedule below); bagged lunch provided

Spring Hiking Weekend 2025 Daily Programming 

Friday, April 25
Activities depart from Lake Raystown Resort at 2:00 PM; all are within half an hour drive. Carpooling is encouraged.  

The Thousand Steps Hike -  2.4 miles, 2 hours, difficult hike, out and back hike
We will take our time as we climb the steps and learn about the industrial history of the area. Once on top, we will make our way over to the inclines used to lower quarried rock off the mountain and then head to Ledge Quarry for a great view.  Sturdy footwear and trekking poles are suggested.
This hike is suitable for all ages. 
Hosted by George Conrad, Standing Stone Trail Club
 
Dog Lovers Hike on Terrace Mountain Trail- 3 miles, 2 hours, easy, out-and-back hike   
Grab a leash and your dog for a hike right from the resort heading south through mature hardwood forest along Lake Raystown.  Bring snacks and water for you and your pet, and don't forget doggie bags.
This hike is suitable for all ages and is dog-friendly; one leashed-dog per handler. 
Co-hosted by Keystone Trails Association staff and special guests @gotlost.onpurpose & @trek.withfrek

Railroads & Coal Mines Hike- 1 mile, 1.5 hours, easy hike                                                                                      Built in 1875, the railroad and adjacent mines operated until 1956. Your guided hike includes viewing buildings, ruins, and the former sites of coal mines. The tour will explore different eras of industrial heritage and the environmental impacts from coal mining. Afterwards, tour the museum and take a 3-mile ride on a railbike (a bike made specifically for riding on railroad tracks). Please note, this hike is taking place with special permission from landowners whose property we'll traverse. Donations are encouraged.  
This event is suitable for all ages and dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed.  
Hosted by Friends of East Broad Top

Mountain Biking for Beginners- 2 hour ride, for beginners and experienced cyclists
The Allegrippis Trail is a series of loops making up 32 miles. The trails are machine-cut, leaving them free of rocks and roots- perfect for beginners looking to try mountain biking. Rothrock Outfitters will provide bike and helmet rentals at the trailhead before taking folks on a guided ride.  There will be a primer on general skills and fundamentals before hitting the trails!  Helmets are required. Bring water and athletic clothing. ​Rentals are $50 or bring your own bike and helmet. 
​This event is suitable for all ages.
Hosted by Rothrock Outfitters 

Pack Mules Primer- Hands-on educational program featuring pack mules! Work with our two pack mules, Barney and Marshall as you learn how pack mules can assist in trail work to carry supplies into isolated work sites and areas with motorized restrictions. See a camping demonstration, including how pack mules carry camping gear. We'll also discuss safety around equestrians and how to approach or pass them during a hike or bike ride. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Equine Council and funded in part by a DCNR grant and private donations. This event is outdoors, but under a roof if it rains.
This event is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.
Hosted by Jay Zeigler, Trail Stewardship Alliance 

Cliffs Trail Hike- 1.5 miles, 1 hour, easy to moderate, loop hike 
This popular hike includes geological formations and has a short climb to multiple, rewarding views above the Juniata River and borough of Huntingdon. Sturdy footwear, ample water, and trekking poles are suggested.
This event is suitable for all ages and is dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed.  
Hosted by Welles Lobb, Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter

History of the Thousand Steps Trail- 1 hour, after dinner program
Delve into the history of the silica industry in Huntingdon County and the creation of the Thousand Steps.  The Thousand Steps has transformed from its intended use to becoming part of the Standing Stone Trail and is a popular hiking destination.  Several artifacts and old photographs will help tell the trail’s story.  Hear the story from 7:30-8:30pm.  This event is suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible.

Presented by George Conrad, lead maintainer of this section of the Standing Stone Trail, President of the Standing Stone Trail Club, and Vice Chairman of the Huntingdon County Active Transportation Committee. He is a member of the Mid State Trail Association and section maintainer.  George’s passion is long distance running.  He has competed all over the country in ultramarathon races, including several trail runs of 100 miles or more.   

Saturday, April 26
Activities depart from Lake Raystown Resort at 9:00 AM (unless otherwise specified); all are within half an hour drive. Carpooling is encouraged.  

Flag Pole Hill Hike- 6 miles, 3 hour, easy to moderate, loop hike 
Begin and end your hike at Standing Stone Coffee, a local landmark. Walk sidewalks for the first mile before getting on trails that run through the Baker-Henry Nature Preserve. Wooded trails will take us to Juniata College's iconic Peace Chapel. Optional post-hike beverages and snacks at Standing Stone Coffee.  Sturdy footwear and ample water is recommended.
This event is suitable for ages 12 and older and is dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed.    
Hosted by Welles Lobb, Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter
​
Maple Run Section of Mid State Trail Hike- 5 miles, 3-4 hours, more difficult, out-and-back hike   
Follow a beautiful mountain stream as it gradually descends through Maple Run, a locally known source of wild populations of brown trout. Along the way, hikers will be able to note the highlights of this area, especially geologically interesting rocks and stream-side plants.  Our group will move at a moderate pace on terrain that includes rocks, roots, and uneven ground along the trail corridor. We will descend and ascend approximately 600 feet.  Trekking poles are reccomended. 
Hosted by Kristin Joivell & Kevin Busko, Mid State Trail Association
​
Trough Creek State Park Hike- 3.7 miles, 2 hours, moderately difficult, loop hike
This hike passes by some of the most visited sites in Trough Creek State Park. Cross a suspension bridge, climb to Balanced Rock, pass Rainbow Falls, and take in geologic formations.  This hike has some rugged terrain.  Sturdy footwear and trekking poles are suggested.
This hike is suitable for all ages.
Hosted by George Conrad, Standing Stone Trail Club

Tatman Run Gorge / Terrace Mountain Trail Hike- 6.5 miles, 3.5 hours, moderate, out-and-back hike
Hike a portion of the long-distance Terrace Mountain Trail, through the grounds of Lake Raystown Resort and then north to Tatman Run and its deep gorge. Our route takes us to views of Raystown Lake. 
This hike is suitable for all ages and dog-friendly.  Dogs must be leashed.
Hosted by Ben Cramer, Keystone Trails Association Member  

Lincoln Caverns Exploration & Bat Program- 4 hours, tour and optional 1-mile easy hike
Learn about the formation of caves, what lives in caves, and cave conservation. Our tour includes a special program on bats and why bat populations are on the decline in PA (and what you can do as an outdoor explorer to be a part of the solution). After the tour, participants are invited to hike the 1-mile nature trail.
This event has an additional, discounted, fee and is suitable for all ages. Adults- $23.00, teens- $21.00, and children- $16.50. Payment required during online registration. 
Hosted by Lincoln Caverns

Trough Creek Terrace Mountain Trail Hike- 7.1 miles, 4 hours, moderately difficult, out-and-back hike This hike has over 1400 feet of elevation gain as you traverse the hillsides of Raystown Lake.
This hike is suitable for all ages and dog-friendly.  Dogs must be leashed.​ 
Hosted by Joe Nanfara, Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter

Kayaking Cove Exploration- 3 hours (noon-3:00 PM), for beginners and experienced paddlers
Explore some of the nearby coves and an island on this kayak trip.  It's a great opportunity for wildlife viewing too. Please note that this event starts later to allow it to warm up a bit before getting on the water. If it rains, this event will be moved to Sunday at noon.  Kayaks (solo and tandem) and life preservers are available to rent for $35, or bring your own. Life preservers are required. Bring a towel and a spare change of clothes in the car in case things get wet.
This event is suitable for all ages.
Hosted by Rothrock Outfitters 

Intro to Archery- 2 hours (2:00-4:00pm), archery workshop
Join Trough Creek State Park naturalist, a National Archery in the Schools Program certified instructor, as we develop the basics of archery. Lean how to safely shoot a bow and maybe pick up a new hobby.  It ends in time to return to Lake Raystown Resort to attend the To My Daughter book discussion. 
This event is suitable for those ages 10 and older.
​Hosted by Trough Creek State Park

Council Meeting- 2 hours (3:00-5:00 PM), organizational meeting
Representatives of organizational members of KTA, at-large representatives elected by the KTA Board of Directors, KTA committee chairs, and members of the Board of Directors come together to share updates and make recommendations to the Board on various matters pertaining to the mission of KTA.
This event is suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible.
Hosted by Keystone Trails Association 

To My Daughter: Book Discussion with the Author- 1 hour (4:30-5:30 PM)
Hiking, and other outdoor activities, bring muscle awareness and a certain thoughtfulness.  Hiking is physical exercise, and equally important mental exercise.  Our boots trod forest floor, while our eyes and ears scan our surroundings.  Our brains meld all of it into meaning.  As a means of providing a legacy for my daughter, I collected accounts of personal outdoor involvements, primarily hiking, and coupled them with “lessons learned.”  The older outdoor enthusiasts among us will recognize the lessons immediately. The younger among us may be getting a first glimpse.  Join a guided discussion of the book after you return from your outdoor adventure; copies can be purchased at KTA’s online store.  
This event is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.  
Presented by Stuart Thompson, Keystone Trails Association Member

Environmental Restoration: Stories of Hope- 1 hour, after dinner program 
In a world dominated by alarming environmental news, stories of success often feel few and far between.  Hear about restoration techniques and projects from the central Pennsylvania region, showcasing the collaborative efforts using a layered approach for projects that combine streambank restoration with riparian reforestation and agricultural conservation practices, demonstrating how these initiatives are helping Pennsylvania meet Chesapeake Bay water quality goals while enhancing local economies and environmental quality.  Join us 7:30-8:30pm.  This event is suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible.

Presented by Celina Seftas, Director of Sustainability for Juniata College and the former District Manager for the Huntingdon County Conservation District.  Celina has over 15 years of experience with conservation land management, overseeing environmental regulations and government programs, and fostering partnerships in the community to achieve environmental improvements.    

Sunday, April 27
Activities depart from Lake Raystown Resort at 9:00am. Drive times are specified below so you can pick something on your travel route home.

Old Logger's Trail Hike- 5.2 miles, 3 hours, moderate, loop hike
Cross wooden bridges and take in views of Raystown Lake as we cover 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
This event is suitable for all ages and dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed.
20 minutes north of Lake Raystown Resort.
Hosted by Joe Nanfara, Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter

Penn-Roosevelt State Park Hike - 5.6 mile, more difficult, lollipop hike                               
This route traverses Rothrock State Forest to Broad Mountain with an elevation gain of 750 feet.  This rugged hike will pass scenic views and unique habitats on the route up, and on our return via Mid State, Tar Pit, and Broad Mountain trails. Study footwear, trekking poles, and sufficient water are recommended. 75 minutes northeast of Lake Raystown Resort.  
Hosted by Welles Lobb, Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter

Shale Barren Hike- 1 mile, 3 hours, easy, loop hike, and educational program
Join Raystown Field Station researchers on the Raystown Lake preserve operated by Juniata College.  Our tour begins at the historic farmhouse, one of few remaining homesteads from before the damming of Raystown Lake, to learn about the history of the station and the land, and take a walk along the shale barrens trail. This area provides critical habitat for various species including the Eastern fence lizard, which we will discuss with local researchers. Afterward, try our maple syrup over pancakes, made from our very own sugar grove since 1925. Wear close-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water.
This event is suitable for all ages and dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed.
​15 minutes north of Lake Raystown Resort. 
Hosted by the Raystown Field Station

Standing Stone Trail Run from Rocky Ridge Natural Area- 5.1 miles, 1.5 hours, difficult, shuttle trail run 
Kick-start the week with a trail run over strenuous terrain gaining 1053 feet as we pass rock formations, sinkholes, and several small streams. The run includes Hunters Rocks, State Game Lands 112, and the Standing Stone Trail.  We will meet at the finishing spot for this trail run and then shuttle to the beginning at Rocky Ridge Natural Area.  Runners should carry water, a snack, and a hat with them.
45 minutes northeast of Lake Raystown Resort. 
Hosted by George Conrad, Standing Stone Trail Club

Drab Corner to Lake View Hike: Mid State Trail Hike- 5.5 miles, 3 hours, difficult, out-and-back hike
Scenic views await us on PA's longest footpath. Traverse rugged landscape before reaching an overlook at Mt. Tussey. 
​Participants should bring water, lunch, and shoes/poles suitable for navigating rocky terrain.  
​30 minutes northwest of Lake Raystown Resort. 
Hosted by the Pete Fleszar, Mid State Trail Association

Live Staking & Lower Trail Exploration- 1.5 hour tour and optional trail exploration on your own
Tour riparian restoration work and help install live stakes along the Juniata River stream bank. Then head out for a hike/bike/run along the 16.5 mile Lower Trail on your own. This rail trail boasts an array of birds, rare plant species, and is designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service. 
This event is suitable for all ages and dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed.  The Lower Trail is wheelchair accessible.
35 minutes north of Lake Raystown Resort.
​Hosted by the Raystown Field Station

Rothrock Trail Project Sneak Peek Hike- 3 miles (approximately), moderate, out-and-back hike
Rothrock Trail Alliance has a contractor in Rothrock State Forest starting the first phase of our 53-mile natural surface single track trail. This will be a guided hike to the work site with a discussion of how we made the vision a reality with help from DCNR. Learn about legal documentation issues, design, community involvement, permitting, funding and sustainable construction techniques. This 7-year project is a DCNR pilot project being copied in other state forests.  We will meet at Musser Gap trailhead and hike on a section of finished trail that was our grant match, and then we will continue the hike to the location of our contractor.
This event is suitable for all ages and dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed.  
​1 hour northeast of Lake Raystown Resort. 
Hosted by Jay Zeigler, Rothrock Trail Alliance

Shorb's Summit Hike- 9.1 miles, 6 hours, very difficult, out-and-back hike
This trail starts at the parking lot off William Penn Highway and leads to Shorb’s Summit in State Game Land Number 112.  Very steep ascents with stone steps and rocky stretches will reward us with scenic views.  Trekking poles are suggested.  
40 minutes northwest of Lake Raystown Resort.
Hosted by George Cagle, Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter

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