Thanks to everyone who attended the grand opening of Phase One on July 10th, especially the media. Take a few minutes to read and watch the coverage of the event as we continue to spread the word, raise funds for the next phases, and introduce more people to a better natural trail experience.
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Welcome to our growing trail community! As we continue expanding the Rothrock State Forest trail system, we're excited to see hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians all discovering the natural beauty our area has to offer. With more users enjoying these shared spaces, practicing good trail etiquette helps ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Golden Rule of Trail Sharing
The foundation of trail etiquette is simple: be courteous, predictable, and communicate. A friendly greeting, clear communication of your intentions, and mutual respect go a long way toward creating positive trail experiences for everyone.
Right-of-Way Guidelines
Understanding who yields to whom helps prevent conflicts and accidents:
Horses have the right-of-way over everyone. Horses can be unpredictable when startled, so always yield to equestrians. When encountering horses, step off the downhill side of the trail, speak calmly to announce your presence, and wait for the rider's guidance before proceeding.
Hikers and runners yield to horses but have the right-of-way over mountain bikers. Cyclists should slow down or dismount when approaching pedestrians, especially on narrow or blind sections of trail.
Mountain bikers yield to everyone. As the fastest-moving trail users, cyclists have the greatest responsibility to ride in control and yield appropriately. A courteous "on your left" announcement gives others time to react safely.
Best Practices for Everyone
Stay on designated trails. Cutting switchbacks and creating social trails damages the ecosystem and increases erosion. Our trails are designed to protect sensitive areas while providing great recreational opportunities.
Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace by carrying out all trash, including organic waste like banana peels and apple cores, which can harm wildlife and take time to decompose.
Keep groups small and single file. Large groups can intimidate wildlife and make it difficult for others to pass. When stopping, move completely off the trail.
Control your pets. Keep dogs on leash where required, ensure they're under voice control, and always clean up after them. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and wildlife needs protection, too.
Respect wildlife and other users' experiences. Keep noise levels reasonable, observe wildlife from a distance, and remember that many people come to the trails seeking peace and natural quiet.
Activity-Specific Tips
Mountain Bikers:Â Ride in control, especially on blind corners and descents. A bell or verbal announcement helps alert others to your presence. When stopping, move your bike completely off the trail.
Equestrians:Â When meeting other users, communicate clearly about how they should behave around your horse. Most trail users want to help but may not know proper protocol.
Hikers and Runners:Â Step to the downhill side when yielding, and don't assume mountain bikers can stop quickly on steep terrain. A friendly wave or greeting helps create a welcoming atmosphere.
Building Our Trail Community
These guidelines aren't just rules; they're ways we show respect for each other and the natural spaces we all love. Every positive interaction on the trail helps build a stronger, more welcoming community for current and future users.
Thank you for being part of our trail community and helping us maintain these incredible outdoor resources for everyone to enjoy.
On July 10th, the Rothrock Trail Alliance (RTA) welcomed community members, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, PA DCNR officials, and project supporters to announce the grand opening of the first phase of our ambitious trail system expansion in Rothrock State Forest. This event marked a significant milestone for trail users, representing years of vision, dedication, and unwavering support.
A Vision Seven Years in the Making
During the grand opening event, RTA president Jay Ziegler spoke about the seven-year journey the organization has undergone to make its vision a reality. In 2018, RTA, working in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Department of Natural Resources (DCNR), set out to enhance the public's recreational experience and develop a sustainable trail system for future generations within Rothrock State Forest. Officially joining forces with Clearwater Conservancy in 2023 only further strengthened RTA, as Clearwater has provided crucial support and expertise to see through not only the first phase of this project but also future projects.
Ziegler also remarked on the incredible perseverance required to make the new trails a reality. He recalled a time-sensitive issue that threatened to delay Phase One permanently. After a brief discussion with DCNR Secretary Dunn, the issue was quickly resolved, and the work was able to proceed. The commitment of DCNR to this project and RTA's vision have been crucial to this unprecedented project, as it is the first time a natural surface trail system of this scale has been constructed in a Pennsylvania state forest. RTA is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative in Pennsylvania, with other state forests observing our progress to implement similar projects.
Community Support Fuels Our Progress
While the community took time to celebrate the opening of the new trails, we're reminded that there is still more work to be done. While Phase One of the project is nearing completion, Phase Two, which commenced this past June, is planned for completion by year's end. Upon completion, these two phases will provide 18 miles of new trails for exploration. Phase Three is awaiting grant funding with an anticipated start in 2026, and discussions for Phase Four, scheduled for 2027, are already underway.
Each phase of this project relies on public funding; approximately $100,000 is needed for each phase to create the match funds necessary for RTA to even apply for funding grants. Every contribution, big or small, has been vital in allowing RTA to succeed in securing grants and completing each phase. The ongoing dedication from community members, businesses, and organizations is crucial to achieving full completion of this project and preserving our state forest and recreational needs for future generations.
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