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HIKING WEEKEND REGISTRATION END TOMORROW!
 Finally! Spring has sprung! Yes, it snowed a bit for many of us on the very first day of spring (Mother Nature has a sense
of humor, after all), but most Pennsylvanians (our apologies to those in the Northern Tier!) no longer have to scrape the
car windows, salt the sidewalk, or worry that their children will turn into kidcicles during the 10-minute wait for the
school bus. Learn more.
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DICK'S DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR MATCH
There's still time to double your donation to KTA! Life Member Dick Martin has generously agreed to match up to $2,000 in contributions. Maximize your gift to PA's trails! Just let us know in the memo line of your contribution that YOU want to be a part of Dick's Dollar-for-Dollar Match! Click here to donate today!
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THE PASSING OF A KTA STALWART
By Maurice Forrester, KTA Life Member
 It has been a good many years since George Spring of Williamsport, Lycoming County, was active in KTA affairs, but his leadership in the KTA's early years was vital to keeping the fledgling hiking organization from falling apart as it struggled with its many growing pains. Read more.
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SURVEYING YOUR OUTDOORS USE
By Dan Glass, KTA Representative, Standing Stone Club
Hello, outdoors people! I recently joined the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in a volunteer capacity as the Representative for Trail Walkers. To help me advocate for YOUR interests, please take this 5-minute survey about how you use PA's parks and outdoor facilities. |
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100-MILE PROFILE: DENISE ERICH
by Sue-Ann Roades
 Growing up, Denise "Dee" Erich, from Penfield, Clearfield County, remembers following paths in the woods-paths that seemed to call out for her to follow them and to which she responded by seeing where they went. Dee started actively hiking 15 years ago. She fell in love with the challenges, the scenery, and the exercise. Read more. |
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TRAILBLAZERS AWARDS
We will soon be soliciting nominations for the following awards: Volunteer of the Year, Footpath of the Year, and KTA Hiking/ Maintaining Club of the Year, to be recognized at our November 13th Trailblazers Awards Banquet at the Allenberry Resort Inn in Boiling Springs. Stay tuned for more information!
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COMING HOME BY HEADING OUT: 1ST TIME ON THE NCT
by Steve Zwolinski, KTA Student Intern
 It's been said that it's often the great outdoors where one can truly find freedom and openness. We might never really discover the world beyond the 4 walls of indoor "imprisonment." For hikers and campers, the fresh air, the scent of the forest, the starry sky, the chill in the air, and just the freedom of being outdoors can all be irresistible. Read more. |
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IN MEMORIAM: THOMAS T. THWAITES, 1931-2014
Reprinted with permission from the Mid State Trail Association's Brushwhacker
In the late 1950's when Tom relocated from the mid-west to Rochester, New York to pursue his doctorate studies he naturally gravitated to the company of other hikers and together they would take excursions around the Empire State. At some point, a member of the group suggested that they try exploring the hiking possibilities to their south, in the Keystone State. As Tom recounted it, the rest of the hikers just smiled knowingly to themselves at the naiveté of such a recommendation, as one replied, "But don't you know that Pennsylvania is paved". Read more. |
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14TH ANNUAL PA HIKING WEEK
 DCNR has once again teamed with the Keystone Trails Association (KTA) to offer nearly 100 organized, guided hikes and trail-walks throughout Pennsylvania during Pennsylvania Hiking Week, from Saturday, May 30, 2015 through Sunday, June 07, 2015, and encompassing National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6. Learn more. |
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HIKING IN THE POLAR VORTEX
by Dan Glass, KTA Representative, Standing Stone Trail Club
 Every year, the winter offers a cold, howling wind that comes through the mountains, valleys, forests, and fields. Over the past 2 years, this wind has been called the "polar vortex." When I was a kid, they just called this "winter," but back then, I also walked uphill both ways over sheets of solid ice on an 8-mile journey to get to school. Read more. |
MAKING PROMISES TO DO NOTHING BUT
By Eric Fies, Leave No Trace Master Educator
Standing in the shadow of the Colosseum, marveling at its timeless architect ural magnificence, the sounds of traffic along the Piazza del Colosseo fade and you are transported back in time, a pilgrim among the Romans. Bathed in perfect Italian sunshine, you approach the incredible arched entrance, the roar of 50,000 spectators inside electrifies the very air you breathe, elevates your heart rate, and calls you in to observe the contrived spectacle of the games. Then, abruptly, you are forced back to the present with the unwelcome sight of 2 tourists carving their initials into the 2,000-year-old structure with a coin to snap a selfie and impress their friends. Read more.
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TRAIL CARE TOM: A TRIBUTE TO TOM THWAITES
by Wanda Shirk, President, KTA Board of Directors
Every weekend at the trailhead, you could see him arrive.
He was the Pennsylvania Creeper,* but fully alive.
He was known as the Father of the Mid State Trail.
And beside this legend every other will pale-BIG TOM!
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FILM FESTIVAL WINNER ANNOUNCED
The KTA's second annual Membership Celebration and Film Festival was a resounding success, with nearly 120 trail enthusiasts and over a dozen outdoors organizations in attendance. Between 4 fantastic films were testimonials about the KTA's advocacy and trail care efforts, and a memorial to trail legend Tom Thwaites was presented. Drew Elliot's film, Best of Pennsylvania-1000 Steps Hiking Trail, won the KTA Film of the Year award-an engraved hiking stick. View the winning film here.
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REALITY TV FOR HIKERS: THE EAGLE'S NEST
The Pennsylvania Game Commission's "Eagle Cam" allows Pennsylvanians to glimpse the day-to-day life of one of our most treasured species of birds: the bald eagle. |
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JEFF'S JAUNTS: BARTLETT MTN BALDS
by Jeff Mitchell, KTA Board of Directors
 This past weekend, I pulled myself from the couch, forced boots on my feet, threw myself into my car, and drove to SGL 57. But I was concerned. The last time I went to the balds, it was a year ago. I battled over 2 feet of powder that my snowshoes were helpless against. I was afraid of those same conditions. Read more. |
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SOUTH MOUNTAIN SPEAKER SERIES
The lasting legacy of historic local mills of the Cumberland Valley will be the topic of the next South Mountain Speakers Series event, scheduled for March 26 at the Cumberland County Historical Society in Carlisle. Learn more. |
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CONSERVATIONISTS MEET WITH NEW CABINET
By Jim Foster, Secretary, KTA Board of Directors
I represented KTA recently on a coalition of 19 environmental and conservation groups. Some of the others included Audubon Pennsylvania, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Penn Future, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Read more. |
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PGC MEETS WITH SECONDARY USERS
by Jim Foster, Secretary, KTA Board of Directors
On March 17, Butch Davey and I represented the KTA at a meeting at the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) headquarters. The subject was concerns the PGC has about the use of State Game Lands (SGLs) by individuals it calls "secondary users" (hikers, trail bikers, bird watchers, snowmobilers, equestrians, and others) who are not the primary intended users of SGLs-hunters and trappers. Read more. |
SUSQUEHANNOCK SLACKPACK: 3 SPOTS LEFT!
The beloved 85-mile Potter Country loop known as the Susquehannock Trail System (STS) is a "must-do" for any serious Pennsylvania hiker. The logistics will all be handled for hikers
on 2015's STS Spring Slackpack, from April 24 to May 1. Read more.
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A-100 HIKING CHALLENGE
The Allegheny National Forest Chapter of the North Country Trail Association will hold the annual Allegheny 100 Hiking Challenge (A-100) from June 12 to 14, 2015. The adventure covers the 100-mile stretch of the North Country Trail that passes through the Allegheny National Forest. Learn more. |
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ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM
The Governor Pinchot Group of Sierra Club has scheduled an Environmental Rights Symposium on Sunday, April 12, at 3 PM. Featured speakers include John Childe, Franklin Kury, and John Dernbach. The event will take place at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Second St., Harrisburg. For more information, contact Barbara Pennell. |
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OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA
by Joyce Appel, KTA Rep, Butler Outdoor Club
The Butler Outdoor Club's annual Outdoor Extravaganza will be held on Memorial Day weekend (May 22-25, 2015) near McConnells Mill State Park and Moraine State Park. Learn more. |
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CONGRATULATIONS, SATC AWARD WINNERS
By Cindy Radich, SATC President
At our annual banquet on Saturday night, we awarded prizes for the Photo Contest, the 60 Point Challenge, and announced the Giant Boot recipient. Read more. |
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ATC BIENNIAL UPDATE
Registration for the 2015 Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Biennial begins on April 15. Click here to register . There are a limited number of dorm rooms available, with other housing options available nearby. |
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REPRESENT KTA AT WETLANDS FESTIVAL
Central PA hikers! On April 25, you have an opportunity to promote PA's trails while having a great time at Wildwood Park's Wetlands Festival! Sign up for a 2-hour (or longer!) shift at KTA's informational table, and spend the rest of the day exploring this terrific festival. Bring the kids! If you can help for a few hours between 10 AM and 4 PM, please let us know. Thank you!
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ARE YOU ATTENDING THE ATC BIENNIAL?
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is seeking volunteers to assist with the 2015 Biennial Conference. Learn more.
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SUPER VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SUPER HIKE 
Volunteers are needed for the Susquehanna Super Hike & Ultra Trail Run 25K/ 50K on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Many positions are available including registration, parking, checkpoints, trail sweeps, and more. Over 100 volunteers are needed, and group volunteer opportunities are available. Click here to register! |
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SEEKING HIKE LEADERS FOR PA HIKING WEEK
Calling all hike leaders! You are now able to add your local hikes to the PA Hiking Week
schedule. We are hoping to offer over 100 hikes across Pennsylvania, between May 30 and
June 7, and need your help to do so. Learn more about how you can help!
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Memorial for Tom Thwaites: 2 PM, April 4, 2015, Unitarian-Universalist Church, 780 Waupelani Drive Extension, State College, PA.
Prowl the Sproul Hiking and Camping Weekend: July 24-26, 2015. Western Clinton County, PA. Details will be posted online by May 1.
Fall Meeting & Hiking Weekend: October 16-18, 2015, Doubling Gap Center, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. Details will be posted online by August 1.
Trailblazers Awards Banquet: November 13, 2015, Allenberry Resort Inn.
Save the date! Spring Meeting & Hiking Weekend: April 8-10, 2016, Wellsboro, Tioga County.
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