Black Forest Trail

[Jaybird62]

I was thinking about heading out Thurs. or Fri. morning to do the black forest trail. Has anyone ever done this loop and if so, what did you think. Was there plenty of places to get water etc. I would'nt mind some company if someone else was interested in checking out this trail.

[Spirit Walker]

You might check on snow levels. We were out on the BFT one year in late March and found about 3 feet of snow still on the ground. Postholing when you're not wearing snow shoes isn't a lot of fun.

[Toolshed]

I spent over a decade backpacking and hiking in the BFT, and other circuit and linear trails in NE PA.
You'll find plenty of water on the BFT. Almost every hollow on the east side of Rte 44 that you drop into will have a stream or spring flowing as you get towards the bottom. On the west side of Rte 44, you will follow a creek for many miles - If there is a lot of water during melt periods, you may want to follow the higher trail called Sentiero De Shay ("Path of the Shay" Locomotive -Shay was a narrow Gauge Rail used by loggers).

As of now, it is icey and there is still snow at the higher els - on the plateaus, though not really enough for snowshoes. You might want creepers with you though. There are some very steep slopes on the BFT.
I would be willing to bet you won't see anyone on your trip, save for a few XC skiers. What a wonderful area.

[Jim Adams]

prettiest trail in Pa.

geek

[Jaybird62]

Thanks for all the replies I am looking forward to checking out this area of pa.