Press release by DCNR on 6 June 2025
This Forest Fridays is Part 2 of the Remembering a Pennsylvania Hiking Icon article published on April 4th, which provided an introduction to the late Bob Webber
by Matthew Crosbie
Bob after a day of work with now retired employees Jeff Raisch and Brian Farr, with John Eastlake behind the camera,1994.
National Trails Day is tomorrow, June 7th, and a good time to take a hike and give back to the trails through volunteering and stewardship. Many influential conservation and recreation champions helped shape the incredible trail systems currently found in Pennsylvania. One of whom, Bob Webber, can provide inspiration to us this National Trails Day.
Bob Webber’s legendary work on trails reached beyond his home in the Tiadaghton. He originally cut the vistas at Rider Park, adjacent to Loyalsock State Forest, and helped create the Bee Tree Ski Trail in Tioga State Forest. He also helped maintain a section of the Susquehannock Trail System (STS) in the Hammersley Wild Area with some of his friends for years.
Bob especially cherished opportunities to lead the Youth Conservation Corps on the trails. A masterful entertainer, he kept them hard at work while instilling a deep appreciation of nature. He spoke of those days fondly and program attendees enjoyed it just as well. Participants were known to speak of the experience decades later, a testament to his mentorship and a reminder of the importance of these programs.
Bob working his way through endless blowdowns after a storm, 2008.
Sharing his love for nature was something that Bob did often. He knew the Pine Creek country like the back of his hand and would gladly describe the many highlights of the area. Bob led many hikes for the public, leading a “Slate Run Ramble” every spring and fall for years with Tiadaghton staff. He also led hikes for the Alpine Club of Williamsport, caretakers of the Loyalsock Trail, the Keystone Trails Association, and others. He would stop at various points to tell humorous stories, give historical perspectives, or to explain a natural feature. Despite having spent most of his life roaming those woods, his enthusiasm for nature never waned. His excitement at some wildflower or large tree was like that of a child and would bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Bob leading the Alpine Club on a hike, 2003.
Bob left an indelible legacy in the trails he so loved and the people he touched. Much more could be said about the life and work of Bob Webber, but for those who did not know him, a hike on his beloved Black Forest Trail may just give some insight and inspire you to lend a hand to help keep the trails open.
While maintaining trails, Bob would often opt for an axe or brush hook to chop fallen logs. If you pay attention, you may still see his mark! Since his passing, his dedication to the Tiadaghton trails has been taken up by Recreation Forester Ben Sands and Technician Jake Jeffries, along with other staff and countless volunteers from the Keystone Trails Association. Bureau of Forestry employees continue to strive for this sort of passion for service by delivering premier trails and providing experiences and education to forest visitors. For those interested in lending a hand, please reach out to your local Bureau of Forestry Volunteer Coordinator.
