NEWS RELEASE
Keystone Trails Association
101 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Curt Ashenfelter
Executive Director
(717) 238 7017
Harrisburg (April 8, 2009)
KTA TO HOST 25-MILE HIKING/TRAIL RUNNER CHALLENGE EVENT IN SUSQUEHANNA GORGE
Annual recreational event scheduled September 12.
HARRISBURG (April 8, 2009) — Hikers and trail runners from the Northeast will have a chance to test their endurance and strength of will on the scenic rolling hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge September 12 when the Keystone Trails Association hosts the 25-mile Susquehanna Super Hike in York and Lancaster counties.
“The daunting hike on the Mason-Dixon and Conestoga Trails alternates breathtaking vistas with steep descents into dark, scenic hollows followed by strenuous climbs to the next vista,” said KTA President Thyra Sperry. “Prepare yourself for the steep hills, rocky terrain and deep ravines of the Susquehanna Super Hike, an arduous, undulating and challenging course”
The event course will traverse both sides of the Susquehanna River in York and Lancaster counties. Hikers and trail runners will begin at the York Hiking Club clubhouse near the Otter Creek Campground and end at the Pequea Campground.
“At least eleven significant climbs with 4,203 feet elevation gain and 4,191 feet elevation loss for a total elevation change of 8,394 feet are encountered along the route,” said Event Coordinator Paul Shaw.
Just a few of the highlights include Urey Overlook, historic Lock 12, crossing the Susquehanna River on the Norman Wood Bridge, Face Rock Overlook, Kelly’s Run, the Pinnacle Overlook and Wind Cave. In this timed event, participants are required, for safety reasons, to reach each checkpoint within a certain time period and to complete the hike in no more than 12.5 hours.
The registration fee is $50 for participants registering on or before August 22 and includes bus transportation to the starting point, snacks and beverages at several checkpoints along the route, a picnic dinner at the finish , a one-year membership to KTA and a t-shirt. After August 22, the registration fee is $65; on-site registration is $80. To register visit www.kta-hike.org.
Two training hikes are scheduled for later in the spring. The first training hike is Sunday, May 17 on the Mason Dixon Trail. Meet 9:00 am at the K-Mart parking lot along Rt. 15 in Shamokin Dam, Snyder County or 11:15 am at the Lock 12 parking lot near the west entrance to the Norman Wood Bridge on Rt. 372 in York County. Bring water, lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes. For more information, contact Paul Shaw at pshaw@ptd.net. or call 717-238-7017.
The second training hike is Sunday, June 14 on the Conestoga Trail. Meet 9:00 am at the K-Mart parking lot along Rt. 15 in Shamokin Dam, Snyder County or 11:15 am at the Pequea Creek Campground parking lot along Rt. 324, east of the village of Pequea. Again, for more information, Contact Paul Shaw.
For information about the Super Hike, contact KTA at (717) 238-7017 or check the website: www.kta-hike.org.
