View Full Version : Tuscarora Trail Questions
twilight
08-07-2008, 21:38
I am planning a weekend hike in Oct on the Tuscarora Trail. I want to check a few thing out since my trail guide and maps are from 1997 and seem to be still the current ones for the trail. But, here goes anyway. I am looking to do in the northern half(PA) from Cowpens Rd to Cowens Gap SP. I am interested in knowing if there has been any trail alterations to my 1997 maps? Has there been any shelters added to this section other than Fowlers Hollow? Does the village of Spring Run on PA 641 still have a grocery store or gas station(maybe with convienent store?)? According to the trail guide, campsites are few and far between, probably because of limited water supplies, but are there established campsites along the trail? And I guess finally, would I be able to find some one to shuttle in this area? Maybe using an AT shuttler kind of local to this area.
I guess that's all the questions for now. Thanks in advance for your help.
Twilight:)
Hammock Hanger
08-07-2008, 22:35
I am planning a weekend hike in Oct on the Tuscarora Trail. I want to check a few thing out since my trail guide and maps are from 1997 and seem to be still the current ones for the trail. But, here goes anyway. I am looking to do in the northern half(PA) from Cowpens Rd to Cowens Gap SP. I am interested in knowing if there has been any trail alterations to my 1997 maps? Has there been any shelters added to this section other than Fowlers Hollow? Does the village of Spring Run on PA 641 still have a grocery store or gas station(maybe with convienent store?)? According to the trail guide, campsites are few and far between, probably because of limited water supplies, but are there established campsites along the trail? And I guess finally, would I be able to find some one to shuttle in this area? Maybe using an AT shuttler kind of local to this area.
I guess that's all the questions for now. Thanks in advance for your help.
Twilight:)
There are no real changes that will interfer with the hike. I hiked through there last summer using the old/current book. The only real alteration is that the trail no longer walks by the grocery store. The trail comes out to the hwy and turns AWAY from the store. (The store is one mile away from the trail at this point.) The blazes are in place and the book is pretty acurate there are some really nice shelters and no problem finding campsites. You shouldn't have a problem. ENJOY!!
This trail is on my list for next year. I hear it's really nice. Have a good time, stay safe and post a trip report!
Cowpens Rd is north of Cowans Gap so that's the TT section north of where the GET diverges. As of a couple of months ago there still was a store at the junction of PA 641 and PA 75 which is a pretty key intersection for that part of the county so I wouldn't think it would disappear without trace as many country stores often do. There is a newer PATC cabin (Silberman) north of Cowans Gap but otherwise I don't know of any TT closures or significant relocations vs. the 1997 era maps and guide. The closures are trail-north (compass east) of Cowpens Rd and the relocation is south of Cowans Gap to and across US 30.
Hammock Hanger
08-11-2008, 15:29
twilight: sorry, I mixed up sugar run with Gore. The trail now diverts away from the store in Gore. I did not do the trail north of Cowen SP. That is where I got off and when I return to that area I will be hiking the GET which will take me to the Standing Stone Trail.
My friend and I do want to hike the northern half of the TT and we will be looking forward to your trip report.
Gus Lesnevich
08-20-2008, 22:27
There are a two changes in section 2 of the 1997 guide.
From south to north there is a shelter not listed near Wagon Wheel Junction mile 1.6 - 2.2
The trail was closed by a hunting club between McClures Gap mile 8.9 and PA 74. At McClures gap you can turn left on a jeep road descend to Kennedy Valley Road turn right and follow it to 74 and rejoin the trail.