by Sara Haxby, KTA Program Administrator
(photo credit: Sara Haxby)
We had our first ever Trek the Tiadaghton Hiking Weekend! A few dozen adventurous hikers gathered with KTA staff at Little Pine State Park, Lycoming County, on Friday, April 13. It had rained most of that morning, including when Joe and Sara, KTA’s staffers, sent off the Mid State Trail slackpackers. In the afternoon, though, just as folks were arriving for their first hike of the weekend, the rain stopped, the clouds opened, and we had sun—a nice, warm sun without too much heat. Perfect spring hiking weather. The hikes varied from some of the most challenging in the state to a level jaunt around Little Pine Lake. What a gorgeous park!
That night, we gathered at Happy Acres Restaurant, in nearby Waterville, around a big table so everyone could gab and chow down on the generous portions the kitchen served up. After dinner, at the Organized Group Tenting Area KTA reserved at the park, we gathered again for a campfire. As the night chill descended, we were calmed by the sound of Little Pine Creek rushing along after a good rainfall. And for those who stuck around at the fire, Wanda Shirk, KTA Board President, regaled us with her incredible story of Survivor, season 10. With the creek lulling us to bed, we then retired to ready ourselves for the big day of longer hikes.
In the morning, the group gathered again at Happy Acres and chose which hikes they were up for. The Tiadaghton foresters led their groups up the mountainsides, happy to share their beloved trails.
(photo credit: Sara Haxby, Tiadaghton State Forest Resource Management Center, Waterville, Lycoming County)
The weekend continued like other KTA Hiking Weekends, with a big posthike dinner, more camaraderie, more gathering around the campfire, more stories of views, trials, and trails. The rugged terrain around Little Pine State Park is not the easiest place to hike in the state. But thanks to the winning organization of Ben Sands, Tiadaghton recreation forester, there were hiking choices for every ability level, every day.
(All remaining photos are credited to Ben Sands and Angela Poleto, DCNR)
Sunday’s breakfast provided a hearty base for the last day of hiking. New friends and old friends said their goodbyes, and the Tiadaghton foresters invited KTA to host the weekend again next year. I hope you’ll be there, too.
Here are the animals and birds spotted during the weekend:
• Bald eagles
• Baltimore orioles
• Bears
• Deer
• Golden eagles
• Grouse
• Indigo bunting
• Pileated woodpecker
• Rattlesnake
• Snapping turtle
• Turkeys
Oh, and did I forget to mention the hail and snow?
