parking in port clinton, PA

[lilygrrrl1]

any ideas on (relatively) secure and (possibly) free parking (for ~ 1 week) in port clinton, PA???

thanks!
krinkles :sun

[fiddlehead]

There is a small parking lot just off route 61 from the southbound lane. How secure it is is a different matter. i would ask either at the Port Clinton Hotel, or at the Triumph dealer in town. Hermie Baver is the owner and knows everyone around. Perhaps he would store it for a price or take your chance in the ATC's parking lot up on the hiway. good luck.

[lilygrrrl1]

thanks for your suggestions.

i'll give both of 'em a try. i really don't want to leave my car in the parking lot just off the road.

krinkles

[lilygrrrl1]

almost forgot...

has anyone parked at the port clinton hotel while hiking?

maybe if i promise to eat/drink there upon my return?? :rolleyes:

krinkles

[The Solemates]

i would be a little leary of parking my car in port clinton for extended periods of time. not sure if my hesitation is merited, but it seems like an easy target for vandalism. I would personally check with Appalachian Outfitters there in town. The guy who owns it is really nice and will probably either let you leave it at the outfitters or leave it at his house, and he'll shuttle you to the trail.

[fiddlehead]

i would be a little leary of parking my car in port clinton for extended periods of time. not sure if my hesitation is merited, but it seems like an easy target for vandalism. I would personally check with Appalachian Outfitters there in town. The guy who owns it is really nice and will probably either let you leave it at the outfitters or leave it at his house, and he'll shuttle you to the trail.


He lives in Pottsville. (about 18 miles north of there) but he probably would let you park it somewhere near his store. good idea.

[ARambler]

Based on the recommendation from the outfitter, I parked my car in Port Clinton roadside lot for about 7 days (2 hikes) this winter. I just picked my car up yesterday without any problems. Rt 61 is very busy so many people will see your car. On the other hand, the lot is not very secluded, so it is not a good place to break into a car. The lot is just far enough from town and the AT that nobody walks past the lot.

Besides, most of the people in PA are too busy eating little girls from OH to worry about breaking into your car.

Rt 61 is divided, so from the south, drive to town, make a U-turn, and go back 100 yd to the lot.

Rambler

[lilygrrrl1]

thanks rambler.

just so i'm on the same page with you....

this is the same parking lot used for the AT trail head in port clinton, .... and i'm bound to be eatten by the nice folks in PA?? :p

fantastic!

thanks again rambler!

krinkles

[ARambler]

Yes, we are all talking about the same parking lot. It is easy to find but I don't remember how well signed. There is a short blue blaze trial (0.1 mi) down a very steep slope to the AT. Turn left to go north.

BTW, I think it is a good idea to ask the locals for advice on where to park. From my post, you can see I did. For example, RT 309, the next road crossing north, has two parking lots, the hidden trail parking lot and the open parking lot at a restaurant. Many people ask and get permission at the restaurant.

You seem to get my point. Once you park, don't worry about it. Hiking is hard enough, section hiking even harder.

I'll be in OH at the end of the month (not north of Columbus). So this spring we may be full.
Rambler