Trail Running and Conservation in Pennsylvania
By Alexa Plisiewicz, Member, North Central Pennsylvania Group
If you’ve ever trail run in Pennsylvania, you’ve probably heard the nickname: Rocksylvania. And it’s earned. With its technical terrain, steep ascents, and ankle-grabbing roots, this state doesn’t mess around. From the relentless climbs at Hyner View State Park to the boulder-strewn ridgeline of Peter’s Mountain on the Appalachian Trail, Pennsylvania offers trail runners a raw, rewarding kind of challenge.
Trail running is one of the lowest-impact ways to explore Pennsylvania’s vast public lands. We’re not revving engines or carving up singletrack with tires—we’re just out there on foot, powered by grit and maybe a Honey Stinger stroopwafel or two. But loving the trails means taking care of them, and even trail runners have room to do better.
If you’ve ever run a road marathon, you’ve probably waded through a sea of paper cups, half-eaten bananas, and discarded layers in the first few miles. Some of it gets collected or donated, sure—but the sheer amount of waste generated can be staggering. In 2017, the Boston Marathon alone produced 62,000 disposable water bottles, 1.4 million water cups, and 171,380 paper brochures (Outside Magazine). Fortunately, race organizers are stepping up their sustainability efforts, like the Pittsburgh Marathon, which diverted 92% of event waste from landfills, saving 26,500 pounds of waste in 2022 (Running USA). While trail running may not generate the same scale of waste, it’s still important to be mindful. Whether you're racing a 5k or an ultra, every action we take—like tossing a gel pack or discarding tissues—adds up. We’re responsible for keeping our trails clean, no matter the distance.
Running With a Conservation Mindset
Conservation for trail runners doesn’t mean you have to start composting your socks or wearing shoes made of mushroom leather (although…cool if you do). It means making thoughtful choices that respect the land you run on. Here are a few easy ways to start:
- Stretch Your Gear’s Life: It’s tempting to swap out your trail shoes every 300 miles or so, but many models can go much farther with a little care. You can track your shoe mileage using apps like Strava, which will notify you when they’re nearing their limit, to maximize their utility. When it’s time to retire them, consider donating or recycling through programs like GotSneakers.
- Be a Trash Hawk: No wrapper left behind. One trick I use is pre-opening my nutrition, like tearing off the tops of Jelly Belly Sport Beans tabs before the race starts. I also keep a dedicated trash pocket in my running vest and make sure to empty it at each aid station, so it doesn’t overflow and leave me with stray wrappers later on.
- Stay on Trail, Even When It’s Tempting: Cutting switchbacks or skirting around mud might seem harmless, but it causes erosion and long-term damage. Yes, the slope can be treacherous — trust me, I forgot my trekking poles during the Rabid Raccoon midnight half in Beaver Falls this year and came out looking like I’d face-planted in a vat of Hershey’s chocolate. Do yourself (and the trail) a favor: stick to the path, wear trail-specific shoes for traction, and bring poles if conditions call for it.
- Race Organizers – Go Cupless! The American Trail Running Association shared tips on going cupless at races back in 2018 (check out the full guide here). Encourage runners to bring a reusable flask, hydration vest, or cups to cut down on waste. I ran the Red Hot Ultra in Moab, Utah, where the entire event was cupless, and it worked seamlessly – let’s bring this to more Pennsylvanian races!
- Support Local Trail Organizations: Groups like the Mid State Trail Association, Keystone Trails Association, and Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation help protect the trails we love, but one standout is the PA Trail Dogs. Founded in 2006 and led by Craig Fleming, the PA Trail Dogs are a volunteer group that builds, maintains, and clears trails throughout central PA. They host popular events like the Hyner Trail Challenge to support their work and even run a trail adoption program, where volunteers commit to maintaining sections twice a summer to keep them open for everyone.
Trail running doesn’t happen without trails. It’s simple but easy to forget. The more we get out there, the more we owe it to the places that make this sport possible. So, whether you’re training for your next ultramarathon in the Alleghenies or just doing a quick post-work loop in the Wissahickon, bring that conservation mindset with you.
This blog was included as part of the May 2025 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!