Pennsylvania is fortunate to have dozens of hiking trails of varying length and challenge. The flipside of that abundance and opportunity is the necessity of maintaining those many trails. Some trails, for example the Appalachian, with several maintaining clubs, the North Country Trail, likewise with a couple maintaining clubs, and the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, with a cadre of volunteer “ridge runners” (including this writer), all have dedicated groups maintaining and promoting those paths. Many trails, however, are not so fortunate as to have a dedicated maintenance group(s).
Enter the Keystone Trails Association (KTA). The KTA ranges far and wide in its efforts to ensure quality hiking in PA, tending, for example, continuously and doggedly to major upkeep/building projects such as the Mid-State Trail (Great Eastern Tr.) or, smaller scale, to cutting in a short trail in the Bear Run Nature Reserve. Beyond an impressive maintenance schedule — statewide — the KTA also and importantly does critical advocacy work, helping protect trails from the irrevocable damage of gas drilling, logging and other insults to the heritage of the citizens of PA.
Without exception, my work with the dedicated army of volunteer members of KTA has proven my good fortune. These are motivated, exceptionally hard-working and trail savvy people, selflessly ensuring that others might have priceless outdoor moments.
Pennsylvania is politically established as a commonwealth. And, indeed, the splendid hiking trails of PA are common wealth. Except for those trails noted — and a few others — those with dedicated maintenance groups, many trails in PA would, without the herculean efforts of KTA, become ragged to impassible. KTA, along with like organizations, takes the lead in protecting that common wealth.
Keystone Trails Association, a volunteer-directed, public service organization is a federation of membership organizations and individuals dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania, and to representing and advocating the interests and concerns of the Pennsylvania hiking community. I have been a member for years now and love it and the work they do, so important to our trail system and environment!