View Full Version : Tuscarora Trail instead of AT
Pepper Beard
06-01-2008, 03:21
I know it's out there and was built as an alternative to the AT. I wouldn't mind doing a AT-Tuscarora trail loop for a month long outing. I guess my question is, how are shelters and water along the Tuscarora trail? If anyone knows anything more, I like to know it. I know the Tuscarora goes through Hancock MD.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
06-01-2008, 06:05
PM Programbo - Sara knows a lot about this trail
Cookerhiker
06-01-2008, 09:28
There are shelters along the Tuscarora but they're fewer and far-between. For example, in the 142 miles from the AT in SNP to Hancock, there are 3 shelters plus one PATC (http://www.potomacappalachian.org/) cabin for which you'd need reservations.
I haven't hiked much of the Tuscarora but I think it's nice. There are some road walks but most I believe are country backroads. I worked with a PATC trail crew on a 5 mile stretch in PA last Fall and was impressed by the Trail. As expected in PA, there are some rockfields.
Hammock Hanger hiked much of as part of her Great Eastern Trail hike last summer. Check out her Trail Journal (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=195190)and she's also on WB so you could send her a PM.
FireBall's Trail Journal offers much helpful current info and observations: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=5400
Wise Old Owl
06-01-2008, 11:17
The trail can be quite a challenge. It is not maintained well, it is more remote, If you miss a blaze it is not forgiving. I climbed a near vertical muddy crumbling path up the mountain, then down a thick cut on the other side, the trail went left and the cut went all the way back down again. I missed the left and had to backtrack a mile or more. If you find yourself on a one lane gravel road - that ain't it. I still like it though.