Hiking in North Central PA

[daxs]

I have a four day weekend staring me in the face at the end of April and I am contemplating some hiking. Choices include adding to my 46er peaks in the ADKs, starting my 3500 ft peaks in the Catskills or going to my family's camp outside of Mansfield PA. Can anyone give me some advice on trails in that area ( I know of the Grand Canyon and have hiked to the bottom of the canyon years ago) that would be loops or out and back day hikes. I am also interested in mountain biking trails. I am not sure if the Finger Lakes Trail provides any day hiking and how much of a drive it would be to this trail.

Of course, if anyone wants to join me when I decide, I would appreciate the company.

[Kevin]

If you can wait a few more months myself and Morrell and others were planning a trip into the PA canyon this summer.

The ADKs will be just about done thawing by the end of April, could be a well-timed trip for some peaks. I'm game for something end of April, but can only be over the weekend (late friday through Sunday). I live locally (2-2.5 hours to the loj), so I can be there by 8PM on a friday fyi.

[morrell12]

DAX

I live just outside of Mansfield by about 10 miles. I would suggest hiking the West Rim TRail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It is 30 miles and can be done in about 3 days. It is not that challanging but it would get you in the woods. The bear are out down here too so bear proof yourself! If you want to know more PM me or respond here. I aslo know that SDG75 mountain bikes and he has lived here in this area much longer than myself and he know alot of mountain biking trails. SETH are you out there? Maybe you can help daxs decide.

I do not think the finger lakes trail offers mountain biking but I am not sure. Check out this

website it tells all about the FLT

ADAM

[Rick]

4 days in April would make a nice Black Forest Trail Trip - You have many options to shorten or lengthen it since it is a 42 mile loop with many other side trails.

The BFT is the next trail west of the WRT (Grand Canyon) and the west side of it sidles up close to the East Side of the Susquehannock Trail (82 mile Loop).

The BFT is pretty rugged and dynamic, some very steep challenging and at times relentless, climbs, but Having done it at least 4 times over the past 20 years, I find it rewarding and pleasurable.

If you do decide to hiuke the WRT instead, you can get a shuttle down to the South Terminus between Blackwell and Cedar Run through Pine Creek Outiftters (Chuck Dillon) for about $35 or so. You can leave your car in his lot and hike back to it.

FWIW, Bikes are not allowed on the Finger Lakes Trail.

Good luck with your decision.
Rick

[sdg75]

Also check out Pine Creek Outfitters for a mountain biking guide with maps and trail descriptions. I have a copy that I bought from them several years ago. Pine Creek Outfitters is located on Route 6 about 10-15 miles west of Wellsboro. Both the West Rim Trail and the Black Forest Trail would be good multiple day hiking trips.