Keystone Trails Association Honors Trail Champions at Annual Celebration

The Keystone Trails Association (KTA) is set to honor the unwavering commitment of its volunteers, club leaders, and hiking enthusiasts who tirelessly maintain and protect Pennsylvania's extensive trail network.

 

This special event will take place on December 6 at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, Dauphin County.

 

Each year, KTA's Trail Care volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to building, repairing, and preserving footpaths across the Commonwealth.

 

This celebration shines a spotlight on the individuals whose efforts make this work possible.

 

The ceremony also honors those who have served KTA in other significant ways, as well as hikers from across the state who have achieved notable hiking feats.

 

The 2025 KTA Hiking Awards and Volunteer Celebration, presented by Pennsylvania American Water, will commence at 5:00 p.m. at the Ned Smith Center, located at 176 Water Company Road in Millersburg, PA.

 

This gathering brings together hikers, partners, and supporters statewide to recognize individuals who elevate Pennsylvania's trails through stewardship, education, leadership, and a profound love of hiking.

 

Brook Lenker, Executive Director of KTA, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "We are thrilled to bring our annual awards celebration to the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art and appreciative to have Pennsylvania American Water as our title sponsor."

 

He added, "Hiking brings out the best in people. Hikers invest in exploration, conservation, and service. This event highlights extraordinary accomplishments, and we invite everyone to come and share in the celebration. Our emcee, Dr. Nathan Reigner—PA’s Director of Outdoor Recreation—adds extra poignancy to this special night."

 

This year's honorees include:

 

Leave No Trace Award – Mary Patterson: Recognized for her outstanding commitment to outdoor ethics, co-leading KTA’s first Leave No Trace Level One Training, and serving as Pennsylvania’s State Representative of the program and a dedicated Leave No Trace Ambassador.

 

KTA Club of the Year – Susquehannock Trail Club: Honored for completing its decade-long plan of major trail improvements—including a tenth shelter, new bridges, and extensive maintenance—while sustaining a thriving hiking, stewardship, and community engagement program.

 

KTA Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement – Sharon Southhall: Awarded for her decades of leadership with the Lebanon Valley Hiking Club and long-standing dedication to KTA, Trail Care, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s hiking community.

 

KTA Certificate of Achievement – Delores “Dee” McGrath: Celebrated for her exceptional service to the Chester County Trail Club as Vice President, communications lead, hike scheduler, trail steward, and a welcoming, reliable presence on countless outings.

 

Thyra Sperry Volunteer of the Year Award – Tony Barr: Honored for his transformative leadership on the Mid State Trail—elevating the Everett Region, leading major KTA hikes and outreach efforts, and exemplifying dedication as a trail manager, educator, and outdoor enthusiast.

 

For those interested in joining the celebration, registration details are available on the KTA Hiking Awards and Volunteer Celebration webpage. Please note that registration closes on December 3.

 

The Keystone Trails Association offers a robust Trail Care program with volunteer opportunities available on Pennsylvania trails, serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in Pennsylvania’s capital, and offers a wealth of hiking opportunities throughout the year that both long-time hikers and the next generation of hikers can enjoy together.

 

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