With a heavy heart, the Pennsylvania hiking community grieves the loss of a trail legend, Thomas T. Thwaites, who passed away on December 25. Tom was a physics professor at Penn State University, faculty advisor to the Penn State Outing Club, author of a series of hiking books, including "50 Hikes in Central PA," and one of Keystone Trails Association's most dedicated advocates. Perhaps most famously, Tom was the architect of the Mid State Trail, whose 526 kilometers traverse central Pennsylvania from New York to Maryland.
Condolence cards may be sent to his wife, Barbara, at H119 Foxdale Village, 500 E. Marilyn Ave., State College, PA 16801. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's name to the Mid State Trail Association or Keystone Trails Association are welcome.
Please click here to access Tom's obituary.
“Why do large numbers of hikers venture into the wet, wild woods with biting insects and stinging nettles, on trails lined with roots and studded with rocks? There is something different and deeply appealing about hiking in the out-of-doors. The wilder and more beautiful the land, the better the hiking. Clearly, these experiences are spiritual. It is the deep, but bright, secret of hiking. Spiritual experience is essential to our well-being, so hiking remains popular.” — Tom Thwaites
Above: Thomas Thwaites,at a Keystone Trails Association hiking weekend in Wellsboro, PA. Photo courtesy of John Eastlake.