View Full Version : Rocks in section between Swatara & Duncannon
sasquatch2014
02-04-2010, 22:00
I am looking at if I will try to hike into the Billville warmer at the end of Feb. i have limited time that I can get away from home. I am looking at the section and the miles don't seem to be too much of an issue but not sure where the real Pa rocks start at would add difficulty to a long day. What can I expect in this area? I am a section hiker so thru hiker milage days don't really apply to me. A high teen day is possible but not if I have to battle rocks the whole way.
Cookerhiker
02-04-2010, 22:25
My recollection is that Swatara Gap is where the rocks start getting bad going north. The stretch south to Duncannon isn't bad at all. From the Rausch Gap Shelter, you have a long very gradual descent to Rt. 325. From there, you ascend to the ridge and have a not-too-difficult hike to Rt. 225. I think there were a few rocky stretches between 225 and the Susquehanna River but not as long or annoying as the area north of Swatara.
Word of note re Peters Mountain Shelter: the water source is a steep downhill and thet shelter is exposed to winds; everyone bitches about it. Unless you're trying to save pack weight, I'd tent if you're planning to stay by the shelter. OTOH, Rausch Gap Shelter's water source is arguably the most convenient on the entire AT of any state. The water is 20 feet in front of the shelter and flows down a sluiceway.
sasquatch2014
02-04-2010, 22:32
So if i were to hop on the trail ay Swatara Gap and head south into Duncannon the rocks are not that bad and the only place were water is an issue will be at Peter Mt shelter? I will have a Hammock so I am good as far as the wind and Shelter go.
I am thinking 2 1/2 days into Duncannon. Do you figure that would be about right for a Section hike?
Bye the way it was great having a chance to meet you at the Ruck it is always great to put a face to the name.
There are a few noticeably rocky spots on both ends of Peters Mtn - but yeah, it's pretty clear of rocks for the most part, especially by PA standards. Peters Mtn (325 across 225 to 147) has basically no water except at the shelter sites (180 stone steps down at Peters Mtn Shelter, but not too far away at Clarks Ferry) and one spring about 1/2 mile south of 325 and also a little bit off trail. Between Swatara Gap & 325 there are a fair number of seeps & little springs especially this time of year. Just watch out for the orange & yellow ones. :O
On a 2 1/2 day pace for that section you might need another camp spot between Rausch Gap & Peters Mountain shelter areas. See this thread (http://www.trailplace.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2869) for info.
sasquatch2014
02-04-2010, 22:48
There are a few noticeably rocky spots on both ends of Peters Mtn - but yeah, it's pretty clear of rocks for the most part, especially by PA standards. Peters Mtn (325 across 225 to 147) has basically no water except at the shelter sites (180 stone steps down at Peters Mtn Shelter, but not too far away at Clarks Ferry) and one spring about 1/2 mile south of 325 and also a little bit off trail. Between Swatara Gap & 325 there are a fair number of seeps & little springs especially this time of year. Just watch out for the orange & yellow ones. :O
On a 2 1/2 day pace for that section you might need another camp spot between Rausch Gap & Peters Mountain shelter areas. See this thread (http://www.trailplace.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2869) for info.
Thanks for the info on the water.
Are you saying that the 18 miles between Rausch and Peters mt shelters is too much given the rocks? I would have a full day to do that section say 10 hrs +/- of daylight.
Cookerhiker
02-04-2010, 23:14
....Are you saying that the 18 miles between Rausch and Peters mt shelters is too much given the rocks? I would have a full day to do that section say 10 hrs +/- of daylight.
I think you can do those 18 miles in one day. I hiked the 13 miles from Rt. 325 north to Rausch (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=61347)in 6 hours with a pack likely heavier than your's. On the whole, the section you're hiking isn't too difficult.
Nice meeting you too. Have a good hike.
Toolshed
02-05-2010, 01:10
My take, From Swatara South, the tougher part was the first 3-4 miles after the relo over that little rocky hill. Once past that, one could really cruise to 325 (the trail is almost straight like an arrow from Rausch gap to 326 - And gently sloping, in spots, IIRC.
I remember no difficulties/rocks from Rte 325 South to Peters Mountain shelter - Lots of A-10s training over the trail near Ft Indiantown Gap. I remember thinking this is a nice cruising fast section
I also did the Rte 325 crossing to Swatara with a daypack and It was less than 8 hours - And I spent about a half hour wandering around yellow Springs ghost town.
I also remember it was a nice walk from the overpass @ Rte 225 along that evernarrowing ridge to a point above Duncannon. It did get a little rocky in spots, but I remember it was pretty flat. I wanted to do it again in winter with views
I also wrote in my notes that I would definitely want to come back to St. Anthony's wilderness again.
harryfred
02-05-2010, 02:00
I did the hike you are trying last May only I went north. You will have no problem going shelter to shelter. I went from Duncannon to Peters mountain in less than 1 day had lots of time to socialize and go for water:eek:. I did stop early the south side of 325 because I wanted to allow for time to explore Yellow Springs and visit "The General" and do a side trail, as it was I still did all that and got to Rausch Gap way early. Looks like I did Rausch Gap to Swatara Gap in seven hours and that was spending a lot of time around Rausch village. I know you can do way better miles than I can so It should be no problem. There will be some rocky ridges between Peters mountain and Dunncannon But I seem to recall the rest of the trip had a lot of long, flat clear, stretches. Hell if I'm still laid off I might invite myself along.
Are you saying that the 18 miles between Rausch and Peters mt shelters is too much given the rocks? I would have a full day to do that section say 10 hrs +/- of daylight.
I don't know your pace, but I know it's too long for out-of-shape me any more to enjoy the stretch especially in short daylight. ;) If you're not into hidden traces of history it's just green tunnel. On that piece there is 1 bit of noticeable bit of rocks south of PA 325 once you get up on the ridge but not a huge obstacle. And it's fairly flat, what climb there is out of Clarks Valley (both sides) has been eased by trail work within the last five years.
It's uncomfortable spacing for many NOBO thru's who come out of Duncannon - too short a day to get to Peters Mtn but still too long for many to do Duncannon-Rausch Gap.