View Full Version : ideas for a 2-3 day PA hike
earlyriser26
10-12-2010, 16:39
I have only done a few miles in PA, mostly due to its rep of being rocks and more rocks. Looking for something about 20 to 25 miles with good trail (no rocks) or is the rep true.
trippclark
10-12-2010, 17:10
I have only done a few miles in PA, mostly due to its rep of being rocks and more rocks. Looking for something about 20 to 25 miles with good trail (no rocks) or is the rep true.
Well, I am getting ready to hike Boiling Springs to Swatara Gap later this week and I will let you know! So far I have only hike PA from the southern border to Boiling Springs, but that part has not been unusually rocky. I have heard that it gets rockier past Duncannon and rockier still past the 501 shelter, but I have yet to experience it to know for sure.
Cookerhiker
10-12-2010, 18:12
Generally, southern PA, that is west of the Susquehanna River, is less rock-strewn, especially the Cumberland Valley and south. A real nice 25 mile stretch is from PA Rt. 233 north to Pine Grove Furnace SP. You start high (by PA standards), descend to Caledonia SP US Rt. 30, ascend the ridgeline, and continue on an easy 20 mile jaunt to Pine Grove Furnace.
Cookerhiker
10-12-2010, 18:21
Well, I am getting ready to hike Boiling Springs to Swatara Gap later this week and I will let you know! So far I have only hike PA from the southern border to Boiling Springs, but that part has not been unusually rocky. I have heard that it gets rockier past Duncannon and rockier still past the 501 shelter, but I have yet to experience it to know for sure.
My recollection was the first PITA rockfield was just after Swatara Gap. If you continue on north and ascend out of the gap to the ridgeline, you'll see!
The Bake Oven Knob area is pretty rocky.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/PAyotehunter/Camping-Hiking/IMG_20101010_172517.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c59/PAyotehunter/Camping-Hiking/IMG_20101010_172336.jpg
DuctTape
10-15-2010, 13:32
If you don't necessarily have your heart set on the AT, take a look at this guide to other trails in PA:
http://www.kta-hike.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=65
Many offer loops for easier logistics - at a glance the Pinchot Trail fits your distance but there's plenty of other options too.
Generally, southern PA, that is west of the Susquehanna River, is less rock-strewn, especially the Cumberland Valley and south. A real nice 25 mile stretch is from PA Rt. 233 north to Pine Grove Furnace SP. You start high (by PA standards), descend to Caledonia SP US Rt. 30, ascend the ridgeline, and continue on an easy 20 mile jaunt to Pine Grove Furnace.
yes to this!
i was just up at bake oven knob last weekend. that view is every bit as good as the pinnacle but less crowded :D yes it's very rocky there
Wise Old Owl
10-15-2010, 23:50
Welcome to PA yup we have rocks ... PRETEND They are part of an ancient mountain that was higher than Everest that was worn down with time and the moon. Your quest is to gain understanding about the nature of the rocks,,,,
When you can grasp the pebble grasshopper, it will be your time to go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCyJRXvPNRo&feature=player_embedded#!
there's actually a sign i passed today close to route 309 that said "welcome to rocksylvania"