recommendations for 3 day hike in norther eastern ohio / western PA

[SkeeterPee]

My Brother, 62 yo, is interested in backpacking and we are looking to plan a short hike together say 3 day 2 night in eastern Ohio/western PA or perhaps Michigan. If he has a good time we will probably do a week later this fall on the AT.

We are going to meet up at a family reunion in late July and then do the hike afterwards. We can have two vehicles if a point to point makes sense, or if there is a loop trail that would be good too. I have heard about a buckeye trail and the highland trail near Pittsburgh. Any specific suggestions for 3 days at these or other trails?

Thanks.

[Hikingjim]

not a lot comes to mind for eastern ohio/western PA, but virginia is as close as michigan from there

west virginia near spruce knob, seneca rocks, etc is even closer. I know there a bunch of trails near spruce knob, but haven't done backpacking there. As an aside, the via ferrata at nelson rocks is a pretty awesome experience

You could also hit the AT somewhere around shenandoah (front royal, luray, etc) or waynesborough. Lots of shuttles and good trail there, even though it would probably be at least a 4 hours drive.

[ki0eh]

Consider Quehanna Trail - a large loop with cross-connectors making smaller loops possible. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/hiking/stateforesttrails/quehannatrail/ - see distances on the maps.

It's just a bit north of I-80 exits 111 (west loop) or 120 (east loop). Post hike dinner at http://dennysbeerbarrelpub.com/ (Not to be confused with the chain Denny's) just south of exit 120.

I'm slightly partial to the eastern sections. The west loop is a little easier, and more likely to see elk (I haven't, but everyone else has it seems).

The current guide book is http://www.pahikes.com/maps-books-guides/product/112-foot-trails-of-the-moshannon-and-southern-elk-state-forests

[marilandica]

The Laurel Highlands trail is well worth doing. Western trailhead at Ohio Pyle.

[marilandica]

I should have added that while the Laurel Highlands trail isn't a loop, there are many outfitters in the area that will shuttle for a reasonable fee.

[ki0eh]

Here is a list of backpacking trail maps centered on Cleveland: http://www.neohbackpackingclub.com/mapLib.aspx

[SkeeterPee]

Thank you all for your advice.

[rockyiss]

sLaurel highlands is a nice trail it passes thru Seven Springs ski Resort , You can end your trip at ohio pyle and enjoy the beautiful waterfall and good food the town has to offer . Also check out the Dolly Sods in northern West Vir it is a unique place and you can do loop trails there , the blueberries cover the Dolly Sods at that time of year. Sometimes it is hard to keep hiking because your eating so many blueberries ! Have a good time wherever you go.

[handlebar]

+1 for a loop using the Quehanna Trail. It's easy to put together short loops in the area. Other options are: a portion of the North Country Trail through Allegheny National Forest; part of the Susquehannock Trail System, the West Rim Trail along Pine Creek Gorge.

[jmitchell]

Go to Quehanna. I prefer the northeast area of the loop, include the Quehanna, east cross connector, big spring draft, bridge trail, meeker trail, and Crawford vista. North Country Trail along the Allegheny Reservoir or along/through Cook Forest State Park-Clarion River are also nice. Or check out the Gerard Trail in
Oil Creek State Park.