From guided hikes and bike rides to boat tours, Underground Railroad walks, yoga sessions, films, and more, the weekend showcased the diverse recreational and cultural opportunities found throughout the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape.
Activities welcomed outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities and interests, creating opportunities to experience the region's natural, historical, and cultural resources in Lancaster, York, Cumberland and Dauphin counties..
"Keystone Trails Association (KTA) welcomed 190 participants to the Susquehanna Riverlands October 22–25 for its annual Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend (KHOW), a four-day celebration of outdoor recreation, local communities, and land stewardship. Returning to the Susquehanna Riverlands for the second time, the event featured 48 activities led by nonprofit partners and local businesses, offering participants a variety of ways to explore the region," said Kate Prisby, Manager of Events & Programs at Keystone Trails Association.
Local businesses also played an important role in the weekend's festivities. Columbia Kettle Works brewed a special event beer, Commonwealth Pilsner, with proceeds benefiting Keystone Trails Association.
Participants also had opportunities to explore the surrounding river towns and support local businesses throughout the weekend.
An optional Thursday extension invited participants to join KTA's Give Back to the Outdoors VIP Package, featuring a floodplain cleanup led by Kelly Ford of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Aaron Dixon of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.
The hands-on stewardship opportunity gave participants a chance to contribute directly to the health of the Susquehanna Riverlands.
Lori K. Yeich, Recreation and Conservation Manager for DCNR's Central Pennsylvania Regional Office, highlighted the important connections between outdoor recreation investments, community revitalization, and local economic development.
"It was an honor to host KTA’s Hiking and Outdoor weekend on the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail and at Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge. Participants saw how DCNR’s relationships with state agencies and counties helped build the trail and restore the bridge,” said Yeich.
"Public investment in outdoor recreation across the Susquehanna Riverlands has helped spur private investment in nearby river towns.
“Visitors stayed at Columbia’s new Hampton Inn, once a potato chip factory, and explored local businesses like Let’s Roll in Marietta. New shops-- including Common Wheel in Marietta and Half Nuts Popcorn in Wrightsville.
“Investments in trails, riverfront parks, and land conservation are helping communities thrive," Yeich added.
Visit the Susquehanna Riverlands website to learn more about this region in Lancaster, York, Cumberland and Dauphin counties.
KTA extends its appreciation to the event funders, partners, activity leaders, local businesses, and volunteers whose support helped make the weekend possible.
"We are grateful for our event funders who made Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend possible. A special thank you to the Susquehanna Riverlands Partnership, Lancaster Conservancy, Explore York and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources," said Holly Smith, Executive Director of Keystone Trails Association.
KTA extends its sincere thanks to the Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend 2026 program partners whose expertise, time, and collaboration brought the weekend to life. This year's partners included:
-- Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chester County Trail Club, Columbia Kettle Works, Conestoga River Club, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education, Lancaster Bicycle Club, Lancaster Conservancy, LancasterHistory,
-- Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Masonic Village Hiking Club, Mason-Dixon Trail System, PA Master Naturalists, PA Master Watershed Stewards, Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation, Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, Susquehanna National Heritage Area,
-- Susquehanna Trekkers, The Cycle Works, The Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County Bird Club, York County Trail Towns, and York Hiking Club.
Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend is an annual KTA tradition that brings together hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, conservation organizations, and local businesses to celebrate Pennsylvania's trails and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Through its statewide programming and partnerships, Keystone Trails Association works to provide, protect, preserve, and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.
[Posted: November 9, 2026] PA Environment Digest
