Held April 30–May 3, and based out of the historic Summit Inn Resort in Fayette County, the event welcomed 200 participants across 41 programs, making it one of KTA’s largest Spring Hiking Weekends in recent decades.
The weekend marked the 50th anniversary of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
The “Give Back to the Outdoors Extended Weekend,” new for 2026, allowed for early arrivals to participate in stewardship projects on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning before the main programming began.
“The Summit Inn, combined with the partners in the Laurel Highlands region, the talented staff, and the enthusiastic attendees, made this one of KTA’s most successful spring hiking weekends,” said Holly Smith, Executive Director, Keystone Trails Association.
“This was such a fantastic introduction to KTA’s hiking community, and I loved meeting hikers from all over Pennsylvania and beyond. This event truly highlighted the outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, businesses, and partnerships throughout the Laurel Highlands region.”
“Keystone Trails Association’s 2026 Spring Hiking Weekend in the Laurel Highlands was one of the organization’s largest events in recent decades,” said Kate Prisby, Manager of Events & Programs, Keystone Trails Association.
“From April 30–May 3, 200 people explored this Conservation Landscape under sunny skies, rainy weather, and even some brief snow.
“‘It was awesome; I can’t wait to come back; this weekend was top-notch,’ were all passing comments as participants came in and out of the Summit Inn!”
The weekend’s success reflected a true community collaboration.
Local outfitters, volunteer trip leaders, nonprofit partners, and the team at Go Laurel Highlands all contributed to delivering a seamless, high-quality experience for attendees from across Pennsylvania.
Spring Hiking Weekend was made possible, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Robert Waters Economic Development Fund of the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies and the Fayette County Tourism Grant Program through Go Laurel Highlands.
Funding was also provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grant program (C2P2).
Looking Ahead
KTA’s next event, the Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend, will be held October 22–25, 2026, in the Susquehanna Riverlands.
Spring Hiking Weekend 2027 will take place April 29–May 2, 2027, in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Lodging reservations can be made today on the KTA website.
Registration details will be announced online.
The Keystone Trails Association offers a robust trail care program with volunteer opportunities available on PA trails, serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in PA’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.
Related Articles This Week:
-- DCNR Grants News: Ghost Town Trail Completes 32-Mile Loop; South Mountain Partnership Meets; Funding Opportunity; 2026 River Sojourns
-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Now Accepting Entries To 2026 Freedom To Explore Photo Contest [PaEN]
-- PA House Passes Resolution Directing State Officials To Do An Assessment On How To Better Protect Bees, Butterflies, Fireflies And Other Native Pennsylvania Insects [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy May 12 Conservation Conversation Webinar On How To Protect Your Land With A Conservation Easement
-- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader Editorial: Parks Offer Crucial Hands-On Learning Opportunities
-- Singletracks.com: New 37.5 Mile Mountain Bike Trail Expansion Coming To Ohiopyle State Park In Fayette County
-- Observer- Reporter: $2.8 Million Needed To Reopen Montour Trail Tunnel
-- LancasterOnline: Bird Flu Discovery At Conowingo Dam Closes Parts Of 2 Trails
-- The Nature Conservancy- PA News: Tannersville Bog Bursting With Life! Healthy Forest Stewardship; World Migratory Bird Day
-- York Daily Record: How DEP Controls PA’s Biting Black Flies: ‘It’s An Ongoing Thing’
[Posted: May 7, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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