HI there!! I stopped at William Penn Shelter on my thru, but didn't get water there, so in planning a weekend trek, I don't have any idea about the water source. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Any help would be much appreciated!

Blue Mountain Spring is situated north of but near the ridgeline and is perhaps slightly more reliable than Yeich Spring (Eagle's Nest Shelter) farther east (N on the AT). Expect similiar conditions at the other once you've visited one of them. Given the rain we have had in the last few days, I would think it safe to say it's now flowing.

The alternate source for SOBOs is well water at 501 Shelter caretaker's residence, NOBOs, the spring mentioned elsewhere (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=671930&postcount=11). To be prepared, you must know what to expect before you get there or pack in water from home or one of the alternate sources. Check the registers at 501 Shelter and Rausch Gap Shelter to learn what may be expected, read the current PA water sources thread or refer to my Berks precipitation and forecast links (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=725058&postcount=47).

Both BMS and the alternate water source are on State Game Lands #80 where PGC regs (http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/lib/pgc/digestpdfs/2006/game_land_regulations.pdf) apply. Only through hikers (http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/058/chapter135/s135.42.html) as defined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania may camp on SGLs. Camping for 1 night only is permitted within 200 feet of the AT more than 500 feet from surface water and public access areas. No camping within 500 feet of Blue Mountain Spring!

WPS is on a small NPS tract south of the ridgeline as is the composting privy. Fires are permitted in the pit provided, but please clear the leaves from the fire pit area and exercise extreme caution. All fires must be completely extinguished before retiring for the night or leaving the site.

This would not be a good place for a fire to get away from you. Much timber could be destroyed and it might end up a very expensive hike. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does prosecute people who are careless with fire.

Somehow you must have missed Water Conditions on the trail in Pa. (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38394) which I was updating primarily for you. I believe all of the information you seek is gathered there.

SOG/Peter

I appreciate the info. Sorry you had to repeat the info.

I don't mind repeating for you.:)

awww, shucks :) Thanks!

I put you on my contacts list. You may PM me if you have questions you would rather not post to the board. Don't forget BMECC's caretakers Ron and Mick at PA 501 and Eckville respectively are available to help you with any questions you may have about regulations, trail conditions or local information.