TTC Captain: Hannah Puttcamp
Hannah Puttcamp, a college sophomore and former member of the Keystone Mountain Bike Team, has been deeply committed to trail stewardship since her early days in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL). Now racing for RPI Cycling, Hannah’s love of the outdoors and cycling community grew into hands-on work at Lackawanna State Park, where she contributed countless hours of trail maintenance. Her passion was also fueled by her time as a Girl Scout, during which she completed both her Silver and Gold Award projects by creating and improving trails for public use.
For her first major project, known as the Tunnel Trail, Hannah built a safer connection between two trailheads by constructing a path parallel to a paved road, making it safer and more enjoyable for cyclists. Later, as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award, she transformed an old hayfield—the highest point in Lackawanna State Park—into a native plant habitat and trail area. She partnered with organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency, Master Gardeners, and DCNR to repurpose the land, remove invasive honeysuckle, reintroduce native flora, and create a welcoming new space for hikers and bikers alike.
“Coordinating the needs and visions of these many stakeholders was challenging, but ultimately rewarding.”
Hannah credits much of her success to the strong support of her teammates, who came out in force to help build the trails and earn their own TTC hours. Both projects left a lasting mark: the public benefited from safer, more scenic trails, and youth in the area gained education on conservation and stewardship through a Trail Steward Seminar she helped lead. Personally, she found the work deeply fulfilling, knowing she was building something that could last for generations. The leadership and organizational skills she honed through these efforts also helped her stand out in professional settings, even helping her land a competitive internship at Procter & Gamble.
“Definitely do it—but know the hardest part is the beginning. Permits and planning can take a lot of time and energy, but once you get through that, the actual building is fun and rewarding.”
For PICL student-athletes considering their own TTC Captain Projects, Hannah’s advice is clear. She encourages persistence and teamwork, reminding others that contributing to the trails is not just good for the community—it’s a chance to build skills, confidence, and a legacy that lasts far beyond a single season.