The Appalachian Mountain Club, alongside several conservation and recreation organizations, as well as local, state, and county governments, leads the effort to develop the Pennsylvania Highlands Trail. This Strategic Plan was developed over the course of several months, throughout which the Appalachian Mountain Club gathered input from trail managers, trail users, steering committee members, DCNR, and other organizations within the network to develop the final version of the strategic plan.

The Strategic Plan will guide the prioritization of key projects over the next five years, outline tactics for community engagement, strengthen marketing and branding, and create a long-term vision for trail funding, management, and operations.

The plan provides the framework for coordinated efforts to improve trail connectivity and contains an implementation matrix. The six priority areas include:

1. Trail planning and development
2. Maintenance, management & operations
3. Branding and communications
4. Funding
5. Recreation for all
6. Community connections and partnerships.

While the Appalachian Mountain Club developed the Highlands Trail Strategic Plan, the execution is a coordinated effort amongst the Highlands Trail Steering Committee, municipalities, county planning commissions, other trail groups, and the state government.

PA Highlands Trail Strategic Plan 2024-2029