Trail Tuesday is back, and we are continuing to reach out to the best adventurers on social media. Outdoor industry and travel enthusiasts share their favorite hikes close to your backyard. Add these to your hiking bucket list.
FNO Takes you to the state of: Pennsylvania
Where are you (park, forest, etc.): Appalachian Trail
Nearest town (s): PenMar, MD (start) to just south of Duncannon, PA (finish)
How long is this hike: 76 miles
On your toughness scale (1 easiest, 10 toughest): 5
Where are you (park, forest, etc.): Appalachian Trail
Nearest town (s): PenMar, MD (start) to just south of Duncannon, PA (finish)
How long is this hike: 76 miles
On your toughness scale (1 easiest, 10 toughest): 5
The trek starts in PenMar County Park in Maryland, on the border of Pennsylvania by the Mason Dixon Line. The Appalachian Trail in this section has extremely different contrasting features, from traditional hardwood forests to dense pine groves as well as open farmland in the Cumberland Valley. The trail itself, is the easiest section of Pennsylvania which is known by many as Rocksylvania due to its difficult ankle biting rocks and boulders. The trail passes through Caledonia State Park, Pine Grove Furnace State Park which has a General Store and is the home of the infamous half gallon ice cream challenge attempted by many thru hikers.
Some of the more enjoyable features during this section were the many footbridges, shelters and structures made by volunteers. It made traversing the waterways, and finding a place to sleep during the night easy for hikers. Water sources and springs were plentiful, which is not the norm for Pennsylvania during July and August, especially in the northern sections of the state.
There were plenty of scenic vistas during the journey, starting right at PenMar County Park, Chimney Rocks, Sunset Rocks, Pole Steeple and Center Point Knob just to name a few. In addition, there was also the Rock Maze, which is a series of large boulders that you traverse around, over and through while following the trail.
Some of the more enjoyable features during this section were the many footbridges, shelters and structures made by volunteers. It made traversing the waterways, and finding a place to sleep during the night easy for hikers. Water sources and springs were plentiful, which is not the norm for Pennsylvania during July and August, especially in the northern sections of the state.
There were plenty of scenic vistas during the journey, starting right at PenMar County Park, Chimney Rocks, Sunset Rocks, Pole Steeple and Center Point Knob just to name a few. In addition, there was also the Rock Maze, which is a series of large boulders that you traverse around, over and through while following the trail.
The last section of the hike was through the Cumberland Valley, which is farmland that meanders in and out of woodlands. Due to the heat index that day reaching 104 degrees Farenheit and the lack of shade, we pushed through a 26 mile section while night hiking the last 10 miles. I would definitely recommend this section to anyone who is considering a thru hike of the AT. We were able to enjoy off trail experiences as we pass through towns, we visited the Regional ATC office in Boiling Springs, PA. Also, passing through Pine Grove Furnace, PA we were able spend a night at the Ironmaster’s Mansion hostel and go by the AT museum. The terrain has some significant elevation changes, but is tempered nicely by the Cumberland Valley flatlands. We met quite a few thru hikers on the trail that shared their stories, and the towns were all very hiker friendly.
See any wildlife? Whitetail Deer, Timber Rattlesnake, squirrels and local wildlife
Who are you?
My name is Doug Albert; I grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
I am a senior manager in manufacturing, but most importantly I am an outdoor enthusiast that spends as much time possible on the trail and in nature.
Instagram: AT_backpacker
Who are you?
My name is Doug Albert; I grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
I am a senior manager in manufacturing, but most importantly I am an outdoor enthusiast that spends as much time possible on the trail and in nature.
Instagram: AT_backpacker
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