One of two significant accomplishments was the installation of four historical information panels about the logging industry along the Kellettville area re-route. This re-route moved the trail off Branch Road onto Army Corp of Engineers and Collins property. The reroute takes hikers past the ruins of a sawmill that was run by the Collins family.

The other accomplishment was rerouting the trail in 14 different areas covering 1.4 miles of trail. These reroutes provide significant improvements to draining water off the trail and improving the trail tread.

Over the course of the past year, 85 different volunteers donated 5,970 hours of their time helping to improve and maintain the trail as well as running special events. That number of volunteer hours has an equivalent value of $207,695.

Besides keeping the trail clear of branches, undergrowth and fallen trees, many structures were built or repaired. New structures included: five puncheon bridges, 20 feet of turnpiking (built up trail), eight blazed posts to help hikers follow the trail, a log box to help track hikers and a campsite in Tracy Ridge. Repairs were done on about 200 feet of bridges including widening one bridge and replacing deck boards or supports on many others. In addition, 20 feet of turnpiking was repaired and an informational kiosk was rebuilt. Finally, 24.5 miles of trail from the New York border to Route 321 Chappel Bay trailhead were reblazed with blue paint.

The ANF chapter hosted a group of nine people from the Wilderness Volunteers group and on a separate occasion four students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. In four days the Wilderness Volunteers made significant improvements by repairing a stone staircase, installing a reroute, improving the trail tread and drainage, removing invasive plants and brush cutting the trail. The Pitt Bradford students helped with the repair of a stream crossing and built a reroute.

Special events that were held were the 15th annual Allegheny 100 (A-100) Hiking Challenge, an introductory backpacking trip, and monthly group hikes. The A-100 was a huge success, bringing 179 participants from 8 other states to enjoy the beauty of the ANF. Two of the monthly hikes were educational, one was on tree identification while the other visited some historic ruins a short distance off the main trail. In addition, volunteers assisted with the Firefly Festival in Kellettville helping to guide the festival, providing materials about the trail and answering questions. Total monthly hike participation was more than 100 hikers with 20 of them being new to the trail.

In 2026, the chapter will continue to work with the local and regional U.S. Forest Service personnel to design and construct two long span bridges, over 35′ in length, in the Tracy Ridge area. These bridges will provide safe crossing of two major streams, especially in times of high-water flow and winter conditions. Drainage improvements and rerouting of the trail to improve the trail will continue to be major local points. Bridge repair work including replacements will also be a priority. Outreach will continue with monthly hikes along with creative member events to welcome people to the trail and the chapter. Ongoing training for volunteers to maintain their chainsaw and first aid certifications will take place.

The North Country National Scenic Trail stretches over 4,800 miles from Vermont to North Dakota. That’s over twice the length of other National Scenic Trails, such as the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. The ANF Chapter maintains and promotes almost 100 miles of the NCNST. To help out, join a guided hike or participate in the A-100, look up the chapter at https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/pennsylvania/anf/ or email anf@northcountrytrail.org.