Hiking Organizations
Explore our great outdoors. Observe native plant communities to learn what plants grow best together. Some of the clubs maintain email lists for spur of the moment activities and reminders. Get involved as a hiker and volunteer to maintain trails.
Remember: Leave no trace.Carry out what you carry in. Carry out your apple cores, orange peels, and any other leftover food to avoid attracting wildlife to the trail. Wild animals need to fear humans to remain wild.
Look with your eyes only. Protect our biodiversity by staying on marked trails.
Be prepared; listen to a weather forecast; wear comfortable, rugid footwear; wear a hat; apply sunblock to exposed skin; carry water, food, jacket, first aid kit, extra socks, toilet paper/plastic bag, and a map. If you use toilet paper carry it out in a plastic bag to keep our woods clean. Consider applying insect repellant to your clothing. You may desire to bring a camera/extra battery/memory card and binoculars.
South Williamsport
Formed in 1953 to maintain the Loyalsock Trail. Today the club still maintains the trail through a series of spring work hikes. The club also leads hikes in Northeastern and Northcentral PA. Hikes range in length from 2 to 10 miles at a pace conducive to viewing wildlife and vegetation. In addition to hikes there are also x-c skiing, snowshoeing, bicylcing, and canoeing activities. Hike schedule. Email: alpineclublt@comcast.net
A non-profit organization for hikers which promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience. AHS champions conservation issues, builds partnerships between public and private stakeholders, and provides critical resources to plan, fund and develop foot trails. Note the many Volunteer Vacations and National Trails Day volunteer opportunities throughout the country.
KTA is an alliance of organizations and individuals who share a common interest in hiking in Pennsylvania and neighboring states.Their mission is to provide, preserve, protect and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.
The Mid State Trail is the longest trail in PA. Many opportunities to help with trail maintenance.
Formed in 1991 “. . .to promote the enjoyment of the natural and cultural environment by non-competitive outings events.” Activities include hiking, backpacking, x-c skiing, snowshoeing, trailwork, canoeing, bike riding, birding & wildflower walks. RVOC maintains a listserv which emails activity reminders as well as other helpful info.
"Inspired by nature, the Otzinachson works to protect our communities and the earth through environmental advocacy and education." An active hiking group with local, state, and national environmental interests. The group covers an 11 county area. Most hikes are at least 10 miles in length with a 20 minute mile pace. Other events include biking, films and educational programs. Hike schedule. Current newsletter. ATV photos saught.
Maps
Read the Online Trail Maps page to find your desired map.
Hunting Seasons for Non-Hunters
Useful information provided by PA Forest Coalition regarding various hunting seasons in our area and what to wear to be seen; safety orange visible from 360 degrees. Scroll down link to read all info.
Hunting Seasons in PA - PA Game Commission. There are many hunting seasons in PA.
Hiking Supplies
Here are a few items that personally work well when hiking or camping. Perhaps they'll work for you too:
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Boots - Arctic Sport by The Original Muck Boot Company. Keeps feet dry and warm all winter. The boot is rated -40 to 60 degrees. Many winter miles hiked in this boot without blisters. The foam lining molds to your foot. The tops roll down if you get too warm.
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Eye glasses - If you are dependent on eye glasses to read maps or see in the distance be sure to bring an extra pair in a crushproof case.
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Pants - Timberledge Zip-off pants at LLBean. SunSmart UPF 50+; deep side and rear pocks with two zippered pockets; key clip; hidden cinch closures at hem. Great year-round pants, wear winter underwear underneath in winter. Small men's size may fit women size 10 as currently only availabe in men's style.
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Sandals - Try the Keen Newport H2. The Trailhead Commuter style sandal may work too but only have experience with the Newport H2 model hiking many miles in PA and beyond. Traditional hiking boots have led to blisters on the tops of toes or heals.
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Socks - SmartWool Hiking Light Crew works for summer and the Trekking Heavy Crew for winter. For over the calf winter socks consider Under Armour ColdGear Snowboard socks or SmartWool PhD Ski Medium. They are toasty and stay up; Under Armour purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods in fall 2008; SmartWool PhD purchased at Appalchian Outdoors in State College in fall 2009.
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Toilet paper - wrap flat and keep in a recycled plastic bag so you can easily carry in/carry out. The thin narrow ones that cover newspapers work. Keep one in your pocket, keeps paper dry as well as being handy to carry used paper home.
Hiking Guides
Hiker's Guide to the Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of Ricketts Glen State Park
- Information guide provided by George P. Chamuris, Ph.D., Bloomsburg U.
- Internet Version Search by leaf type, leaf arrangement, leaf edges, ID key, name. Fine photos.
Guide to the Allegheny Front Trail
- Detailed text with some photos. No maps but recommends map sources on p.16.
- First edition, 2009, written/edited by Ben Cramer.
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