KTA Hiking Weekends feature 3 days of hiking, camaraderie, and looking ahead to the future of PA's trails.
What to expect
Each day, participants break into smaller groups and head out on guided hikes, led by local hiking club members who know the trails and keep you on the right path. You can join just for the hikes or stay with us for the whole weekend to enjoy the fellowship and evening programs. (See the full agenda below.)
About the hikes
Typically, we aim to have six hikes offered Friday afternoon, eight or more hikes offered Saturday, and eight or more hikes offered on Sunday. Most hikes will be within 15–45 minutes away from the retreat center, but no more than an hour. A mix of hike distances and difficulties are offered across the weekend, generally in the range of 2–10 miles, although there can be outliers! We try to keep each group under 15 people for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
Where you'll stay
Lodging (either a hotel-style room, bunk stay, or campsite) will be provided at Twin Pines Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center in Stroudsburg, PA. "Twin Pines is located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. This 205-acre facility is the continuation of a camping program which began in the early 1920's in Allentown, Pennsylvania." No pets allowed.
Each day, participants break into smaller groups and head out on guided hikes, led by local hiking club members who know the trails and keep you on the right path. You can join just for the hikes or stay with us for the whole weekend to enjoy the fellowship and evening programs. (See the full agenda below.)
About the hikes
Typically, we aim to have six hikes offered Friday afternoon, eight or more hikes offered Saturday, and eight or more hikes offered on Sunday. Most hikes will be within 15–45 minutes away from the retreat center, but no more than an hour. A mix of hike distances and difficulties are offered across the weekend, generally in the range of 2–10 miles, although there can be outliers! We try to keep each group under 15 people for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
Where you'll stay
Lodging (either a hotel-style room, bunk stay, or campsite) will be provided at Twin Pines Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center in Stroudsburg, PA. "Twin Pines is located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. This 205-acre facility is the continuation of a camping program which began in the early 1920's in Allentown, Pennsylvania." No pets allowed.
Who should attend this event?
Anyone who enjoys group-hiking while exploring PA's trails is welcome to attend! You do not need to be a member of KTA to join us. In fact, this is a great opportunity to see what KTA is all about and make a few new friends.
Anyone who enjoys group-hiking while exploring PA's trails is welcome to attend! You do not need to be a member of KTA to join us. In fact, this is a great opportunity to see what KTA is all about and make a few new friends.
Weekend Agenda
Friday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Check-in
1:00 PM: Hikes depart
6:00 PM: Dinner (on your own)
8:00 PM: Program: "100 Years of the Appalachian Trail" by Jim Foster: The concept of a hiking trail from Georgia to Maine began in 1921 with a famous article by A.T. visionary Benton MacKaye. Jim Foster will present a talk with pictures on the first century of the Appalachian Trail. He'll include the founders, those who built the original Trail and sustained it over the years, along with several important hikers. Jim is a volunteer and life member of KTA, a long time A.T. volunteer and a "2000 Miler" who hiked the entire Trail in 2007.
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Check-in
1:00 PM: Hikes depart
6:00 PM: Dinner (on your own)
8:00 PM: Program: "100 Years of the Appalachian Trail" by Jim Foster: The concept of a hiking trail from Georgia to Maine began in 1921 with a famous article by A.T. visionary Benton MacKaye. Jim Foster will present a talk with pictures on the first century of the Appalachian Trail. He'll include the founders, those who built the original Trail and sustained it over the years, along with several important hikers. Jim is a volunteer and life member of KTA, a long time A.T. volunteer and a "2000 Miler" who hiked the entire Trail in 2007.
Saturday
8:00 - 3:00 PM: Check-in
8:00 - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Hikes depart
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Council Meeting
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Program by the Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Pocono Black Bear program by Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center
8:00 - 3:00 PM: Check-in
8:00 - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Hikes depart
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Council Meeting
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Program by the Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Pocono Black Bear program by Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Hikes depart
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Hikes depart
Registration Information
There are three types of lodging available at Twin Pines, each type includes all programs plus meals: breakfast, bagged lunch, and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and bagged lunch on Sunday.
You are also welcome to join us just for day activities.
- Standard rooms have twin size bunk beds and range in size from 4 person to 10 person bed rooms, plus private bath. Minimum 2 to a room, may be matched with roommate(s) based on availability. Linens are not provided.
- Hemlock lodge rooms are hotel style with one queen bed and one twin bed. Sold out.
- Tent Camping sites, bring your own tent. Platforms may be available. Sites are located near a shower house which may be open based on weather/temperature, portable toilets will be available if the shower house is closed. Children under 18 register at a lower price, must be accompanied by an adult.
You are also welcome to join us just for day activities.
- Guided Hikes are available each day. Choose from a selection of trails, led by local experts. No meals included.
- Saturday Program includes dinner and presentations by the Kittatinny Ridge Conservation Landscape and Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center.
- Council Meeting on Saturday afternoon. Several hikes will be planned to return in time for the meeting so council members may sign up for both. No meals included.
