The Highlands Conservation Act boundary nearly tripled when it was reauthorized in 2022. When the Highlands Region was originally protected in 2004, it covered 3.5 million acres and 320 municipalities across four states. Now, the boundary is 10.2 million acres and includes 877 towns. A map of the HCA boundary, within Pennsylvania, can be found here. Now, all 877 municipalities are eligible to apply for grant funding that can be used to acquire land for conservation and outdoor recreation

The Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Hike Challenge begins on May 1st! It’s time to start planning your first hike. While there are many potential routes you can take on the Highlands Trail, but we have some favorite spots. Morlatton Village to French Creek State Park via Schuylkill River Trail and Big Woods Trail (10 miles) This hike begins at the Morlatton Village Trailhead on the Schuylkill River Trail in Douglassville, PA. Spend some time walking through the historic Colonial-era Morlatton Village. The