The following is a list of hiking clubs that help maintain, manage, promote, protect and preserve hiking trails throughout the central Pennsylvania region. By joining any of these groups you will gain a greater understanding of the effort and discipline required to create and maintain the trails which are so beneficial to our region.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy – Works with volunteers to protect and manage the Appalachian Trail so it can be enjoyed by future generations.

Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club – builds, maintains, and manages the Appalachian Trail in the Cumberland Valley of Central Pennsylvania.

Day Hikers of Central PA – a MeetUp group for people who enjoy heading out for the day and exploring Central PA places even though they might not have the time or the gear for overnight backpacking.

Duncannon Outdoors Club – family oriented outdoor activities held on the third Saturday of each month lead by a seasoned hiker with hike leader training and experience in planning and instructing children’s outdoor activities.

Keystone Trails Association – a federation of organizations and individuals dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania, and to representing and advocating the interests and concerns of the Pennsylvania hiking community.

Mountain Club of Maryland – a Baltimore-based volunteer organization centered on hiking which supports Leave No Trace principles, works on local trails and on the Cove Mountain section of the Appalachian Trail.

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (North Chapter) – In PA, PATC maintains 39 miles of AT and 22 miles of side trails from Pen Mar Park at the MD-PA border to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. They maintain a 110 mile section of the Tuscarora Trail, that runs from Hancock, MD toward Harrisburg, PA, passing through 3 state parks and 2 state forests.

Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club – maintains a 20-mile section of the A.T. from PA-225 on Peters Mountain north to Rausch Gap. They provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about nature through hiking and other outdoor recreational activities, build and maintain trails and shelters for public use and aid in the conservation of wild lands and wildlife.

Susquehanna River Trail Association – promotes sustainable use of the Susquehanna River and its surrounding watershed in partnership with private individuals, environmental and recreational organizations, and government agencies. SRTA also works with others to form a continuous water trail the length of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries.

Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Club – a group of people in Central Pennsylvania and surrounding areas who share a love of the outdoors and an interest in walking, biking, swimming or cross country skiing. We range in age from babies in backpacks to folks in their 80’s, and we come from all walks of life.

York Hiking Club – promotes hiking, advocates appropriate use of outdoor recreational assets and maintains a section of Appalachian Trail along Peters Mountain from the Clarks Ferry Bridge to Rt 225. Members include all kinds of people of all ages who share an interest in hiking and walking.

Remember that all of these clubs devote countless volunteer hours to keeping the trails safe and accessible so people like you and I can enjoy them. Please give serious consideration to joining a hiking club in your area, it’s fun and rewarding.