Established in 1956, Keystone Trails Association has been working to protect and promote Pennsylvania’s hiking trails for 60 years. Over time, Keystone Trails Association has continued to grow and expand its advocacy efforts and trail programs. Today, Keystone Trails Association has firmly established itself as a force and voice for hikers throughout the commonwealth.

In the beginning, Keystone Trails Association was formed as a coalition of local trail clubs that maintained the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. The local trail clubs wanted to cooperate on projects like publishing an Appalachian Trail guide to Pennsylvania and building a series of shelters along the trail. Early efforts included the publication of Pennsylvania Hiking Trails - now in its 13th edition - and launching a hiking awards program.

Growing statewide concerns for Pennsylvania’s other long distance hiking trails soon encouraged Keystone Trails Association to expand its focus beyond the Appalachian Trail. In 1978, Keystone Trails Association incorporated and also applied for 501(c)3 nonprofit status, which was approved in 1981. New member services were soon offered and additional focus was directed to advocacy issues. More support was also provided for trails on the ground. Keystone Trails Association was now in a position to serve as an umbrella group for trail clubs across the state as well as a growing number of individual members.

In 1999, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) named Keystone Trails Association “Conservation Volunteer Group of the Year” in recognition of many years of work on hiking trails in the Sproul State Forest. Continue reading to learn more about how Keystone Trails Association works to protect and promote hiking trails throughout Pennsylvania.