With a total of 780 miles and 18 state forest hiking trails behind them, two Pennsylvania residents have earned recognition from a statewide hiking organization and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry.

Jeffrey C. Brethauer of Lancaster and John C. Monn of Carlisle, Cumberland County, are the recipients of the State Forest Trails Award.

DCNR and the Keystone Trails Association unveiled the award, earned by hiking all 780 miles of the 18 state forest hiking trails, four years ago. The hikers will be honored at the association’s annual fall meeting, September 29, at Blue Knob Ski Resort, Claysburg, Blair County.

“DCNR teamed up with the trails association to recognize individual hiking achievements while, at the same time, drawing attention to the vast wealth of hiking opportunities offered in this state,” said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. “These award-winners blazed paths that are sure to be followed by others.”

Brethauer and Monn will each receive a certificate, patch and ceremonial wooden walking stick at the KTA’s annual meeting.

Regardless of completion time, the award recognizes anyone hiking all of Pennsylvania’s 18 state forest hiking trails, totaling 780 miles. There is no requirement on sequence, direction, speed or length of time to complete the system.

“Whether completion takes several months or several years, the challenge and the accomplishment merit a strong salute from fellow hikers and DCNR,” said Secretary DiBerardinis. “Though some forest trails may be too challenging for some, sections of others can serve as portals to healthy days afield and new adventures outdoors.”

The 18 trails generally are longer and more rugged than other hiking opportunities offered in Pennsylvania’s state forests and parks. Most of the trails were formerly part of the local trail networks, logging roads, tram railways and carriage paths. Many sections are designated for hiking use only and each trail has its own map or guidebook.

Most of the trails are maintained by volunteer hiking groups, such as the KTA and affiliated clubs, with support from DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry. The 18 trails making up the state forest hiking trail system are:

· Baker Trail, one mile in Kittanning State Forest, Clarion County;

· Black Forest Trail, 42 miles in Tiadaghton State Forest, Lycoming County;

· Bucktail Path, 34 miles in Elk State Forest, Elk County;

· Chuck Keiper Trail, 50 miles in Sproul State Forest, Clinton County;

· Donut Hole Trail, 90 miles in Sproul State Forest, Clinton County;

· Golden Eagle Trail, nine miles in Tiadaghton State Forest, Lycoming County;

· John P. Saylor Memorial Trail, 18 miles in Gallitzin State Forest, Somerset County;

· Lost Turkey Trail, nine miles in Gallitzin State Forest, Somerset County;

· Loyalsock Trail, 48 miles in Tiadaghton and Loyalsock State Forests, Lycoming and Sullivan counties;

· Mid State Trail, 173 miles in Buchanan, Rothrock, Bald Eagle, Tiadaghton and Tioga state forests through central Pennsylvania;

· Old Loggers Path, 27 miles in Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County;

· Pinchot Trail, 23 miles in Lackawanna State Forest, Luzerne County;

· Quehanna Trail, 75 miles in Moshannon and Elk state forests in Cameron, Clearfield and Elk counties;

· Rocky Knob Trail, four miles in Michaux State Forest, Cumberland and Adams counties;

· Susquehannock Trail, 83 miles in Susquehannock State Forest, Potter County;

· Thunder Swamp Trail, 26 miles in Delaware State Forest, Pike County;

· Tuscarora Trail, 38 miles in Buchanan and Tuscarora state forests, Franklin, Fulton, Cumberland and Perry counties; and

· West Rim Trail, 30 miles in Tioga State Forest, Tioga County.

DCNR has developed several hiking-related programs, including Pennsylvania Hiking Week, a 10-day collection of more than 100 organized hikes in cities, suburbs, forests and parks throughout the state.

For more information on recreation in state forest lands, hikers can visit the DCNR State Forest Recreation webpage or contact Matt Beaver at 717-783-7941.

8/31/2007