When Tom Thwaites began his quest almost 4 decades ago to figure out a link trail for the Appalachian Trail’s (AT’s) potential land issues, he was trying to determine a solution to keep one of America’s major trails traversable. Through the hard work of many men and women, the link trail became a reality, but it wasn’t an easy mission to become the 80-plus-mile trail that people can hike today. In fact, the link trail—stretching from Cowans Gap State Park, Fulton County, to Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon County—nearly became the victim of overgrowth and lack of maintenance. However, true heroes stepped up to the plate to restore the trail, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) selected that trail—known as the Standing Stone Trail—as the 2016 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year.

At the third annual Trail of the Year Celebration, held at Greenwood Furnace State Park on May 31, Park Manager Mike Dinsmore was the first of many to speak, both officially and just in general. Those familiar with the Standing Stone Trail Club know how much Mike helps the club maintain the trails; however, one thing making the day even more special was how everyone got to stand and be recognized for his or her accomplishments, no matter how big or small. With such a humble group of people, this wasn’t easy. These industrious go-getters have been known to refuse to lend their names from some of the trail’s prime locations rather than take individual credit for the group’s work. In a world of constant social media attention and “me-itis,” such humility is unique and very refreshing. However, on this day, the group’s Old-Timers beamed with pride.

Not only is the Standing Stone Trail a survivor, but it’s established a place in the pantheon of Pennsylvania’s hiking trails due in large part to the Old-Timers, the great trail maintainers of the past and present.

Affectionately named, the Old-Timers are the core club members who bust their humps several times a month to maintain the trail—rerouting sections, picking up trash, cleaning up graffiti, shifting and stabilizing rocks, and just dreaming about what the trail can be while making it even better than that. Without them, the trail would not be what it is today—a major hiking destination that more and more outdoor recreationalists are using.

Speakers such as Club President Jim Garthe, Club Vice President George Conrad III, and Life Member Mike Sausser (a vocal advocate for the trail when nobody knew whether it had any life left) reflected on the club’s past, present, and future to the many people attending. These included State Senator Jim Eichelberger Jr. Jim Foster, representing the DCNR’s Trail Advisory Committee, presented the award with lavish praise. DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn continued the praise as she formally presented the club with a beautiful plaque and poster.

At the end, KTA Executive Director Joseph Neville spoke about day hikes and Trail Care Week events. Two hikes followed—one small and one slightly longer—to take in the highlights of this spectacular trail, including the vistas south of the state park.

So, with that, the possibility that became a reality was there—the Standing Stone Trail is the 2016 Trail of the Year. Perhaps this recognition will entice hikers and would-be hikers to join our club and inspire the current membership. As we grow, we’ll make improvements up and down the trail. Hikers will leave only footprints while taking only pictures; later, they’ll tell their friends—through stories and photos—about everything this great trail has to offer.

Perhaps our trail will also inspire maintainers of other trails to spruce up their footpaths and enter them as future Trail of the Year nominees. Perhaps these trails are hidden gems—tucked away in little-known, remote areas of the state or not written about in any guidebook—that, as nominees, will be revealed to more people—both hikers and would-be hikers.

As club secretary, I feel that the Standing Stone Trail is special. It represents all the beauty that a rugged Pennsylvania trail should have; hikers love it enough to keep it free from litter and vandalism; and maintainers do their best to keep it in tip-top shape. In fact, these Herculean efforts allow the trail to be enjoyed and recognized for all the recreational offerings that it can provide. To keep things this way, we need more volunteers. We hope you’ll join us in these efforts to keep our trail—and all the great Pennsylvania trails—awesome!

STANDING STONE TRAIL - TRAIL OF THE YEAR 2016