08/21/2026
We still have spots open in our first-ever Hiking 101 Workshop! Plus we have more sponsors and experts hopping on board. 🥳
🗓️ Weekend Schedule
Saturday, August 29 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Classroom: Join us at the Conservancy Cabin for an interactive session covering map reading, essential gear, safety, first aid, and trail nutrition. Plus, expert guest instructor Naomi Pennington will lead us through trail mobility exercises, common injury prevention, and practical strategies for handling physical issues on the trail!
Sunday, August 30 | 9:30 a.m. Departure
The Trail: Put your new skills into practice! Meet at the Outlet Pond at 9:00 a.m. for a short drive to the Loyalsock Trailhead. We’ll embark on a scenic ~5-mile group hike to the stunning Dutchman Falls and the iconic Haystacks rock formation along Loyalsock Creek.
Bonus: Optional swim in the creek—so bring a towel!
Post-Hike Celebration: Wrap up the weekend at the Eagles Mere Inn for light bites and a complimentary drink.
🌲 Meet Your Instructors
Marty Hammond: An experienced ultrarunner and backcountry hiker, Marty has tackled extreme challenges like the Tahoe 200 (a 205-mile footrace around Lake Tahoe). Marty leads the hiking and trails committee for the Eagles Mere Conservancy and brings an infectious passion for helping beginners step onto the trail safely.
Lori Faeth: President of the Eagles Mere Conservancy, Lori grew up hiking in and around central Pennsylvania and has hiked extensively across the country. She blends deep trail experience with a strong conservation ethic, grounding the workshop in practical know-how and EMC’s mission to protect the lands we love.
Naomi Pennington, DPT, OCS: A physical therapist with 22 years of outpatient practice—including 12 years at University Orthopedic Center in Altoona—Naomi holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh and is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. A Boston Marathon finisher, high school cross country/track coach, and avid hiker, Naomi specializes in post-surgical rehab and movement analysis.
🎟️ Win Free Gear!
Thanks to our incredible sponsors—Sawyer, Purple Lizard Maps, Mountainsmith, Cnoc, and Worlds End Coffee Co.—we’ll be raffling off a stash of amazing outdoor gear throughout the weekend!
Prizes include:
-Mountainsmith day packs (valued at $110 each)
-Gear from The North Face
-Cnoc collapsible water bottles (valued at $30 each)
-A gift card to Worlds End Coffee Co.
-Sawyer water filters (valued at $17 each)
-Purple Lizard maps (valued at $20)
-Additional swag and goodies!
💻 Registration is capped at 20 people. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/QAogQiJL8aGKbPhv5
