UP DOWN UP DOWN UP DOWN UP
We were in Pennsylvania recently for a 2 week vacation, and I had a few free days. I decided to spend them doing a tough, get-in-shape backpacking trip. I did the Black Forest Trail, which is a a 42 mile loop with almost 8,000' of elevation gain. I started from the village of Slate Run, at the bottom of the Pine Creek Gorge. I went clockwise, mostly because I wanted to spend one night on Hemlock Mountain, and there was a good chance of rain the second night. The first day was tough, as I climbed up to the plateau on the rim of the gorge 4 times, finally ending at a campsite in a meadow with a nice view down the gorge. It was a hot (low 80's) and humid day, but clouds in the morning kept it bearable. There is no water near the campsite on Hemlock Mountain, but it was worth it. I ran into one large group of boy scouts early on, and another guy hiking solo around mid day.
Pine Creek
Along Slate Run
The first view, after climbing a narrow ridge away from Slate Run
Along the ridge
Twister tree
That's one way to discourage people from using your outhouse
Pretty little pond
Impressive hemlocks!
Pink ladyslipper orchid
One of the better views
My campsite on top of Hemlock Mountain
The view from the campsite on Hemlock Mountain
Ouch!
RATTLESNAKES
Along Slate Run
The first view, after climbing a narrow ridge away from Slate Run
Along the ridge
Twister tree
That's one way to discourage people from using your outhouse
Pretty little pond
Impressive hemlocks!
Pink ladyslipper orchid
One of the better views
My campsite on top of Hemlock Mountain
The view from the campsite on Hemlock Mountain
Ouch!
RATTLESNAKES
Originally I planned to get up for sunrise on the second day, but I realized that the view was more south than east. You might be able to see sunrise from Hemlock Mountain in the late fall or winter. I slept in until 6am and woke up above a sea of fog. I had hoped for an early start, but the ever-changing view was captivating, as the fog slowly sank into the gorge.
Sunrise and blooming mountain laurel
Cloud inversion
Slowly clearing
I hiked 15 miles on day 2. It was a miserably hot, humid day, and I ended up getting severe chaffing in my armpits, of all places. That was a new one.
Mountain Woodsorrel
Old pump house
I only saw one person all day. She was a solo backpacker that warned me of a yellow rattlesnake just ahead, right next to the trail. I was on high alert when I passed through the area, but i didn't see it. I'm guessing it moved into the brush in the 10 minutes between her departure and my arrival. However, I saw three other timber rattlesnakes that afternoon. The first was right next to the trail, but hidden under some ferns. It gave me a good scare when it moved its head, but it didn't rattle or strike, despite my foot coming down inches away. Later, a rattlesnake moved out of the trail just ahead of me, but curled up right next to it. I did a little bushwhacking to give it a wide berth. The last one was right in the campsite where I intended to camp. I debated camping there anyway, but ultimately decided to hike on.
First timber rattlesnake, right next to the trail
A closer look
The second timber rattlesnake was in the trail, but was kind enough to get out of the way
The third timber rattlesnake was right in the middle of the site where I wanted to camp
I ended up at an ok spot along County Line Creek. I wish I had started a little earlier that morning, as there are some gorgeous campsites with big hemlocks farther upstream.
Along the way I found a Sawyer water filter and a new clean fleece pullover. I carried both out. The fleece is too small for me, but it was clean and made for a nice pillow that second night.
Along the way I found a Sawyer water filter and a new clean fleece pullover. I carried both out. The fleece is too small for me, but it was clean and made for a nice pillow that second night.
This was pretty, but I don't remember it. I must've been delirious from the heat
This part of the trail was challenging
Campsite on County Line Creek
Ouch, again
RAINY DAY WOMEN
There was a little rain overnight - just enough to get the tent wet. Fortunately it stopped before sunrise, and I was able to eat breakfast and pack up without that nuisance. The hike upstream along County Line Creek was lovely, and I was able to rock hop all of the creek crossings due to the low water. I passed some gorgeous campsites up in the headwaters. Shortly before reaching the main road, I passed a large group of Amish or Mennonite women backpacking in the other direction.
Along County Line Creek
Massive hemlocks along County Line Creek
After crossing a paved road, the stretch along Chestnut Ridge was a beautiful walk in a forest covered in ferns.
The biggest highlight of the day was lunch at a small but lovely waterfall on Morris Run.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to linger there for very long. The rain finally found me, and I endured a massive downpour while climbing along Red Run. The final highlight was an old quarry or mine a couple of miles before the end of the hike. That area features some paper birch trees and some final views. Fortunately the rain cleared by the time I arrived.
Back where I started
Stats for the final day
I finished the hike around 6:30. I cleaned up, changed clothes, and walked back over to Hotel Manor for dinner. I arrived right after another large group of Amish women, but just before the restaurant closed (at 7pm, apparently, at least on some days).
This was a really nice trip, despite the heat and humidity on the first two days and the rain on the third day. It featured a lot of beautiful forest, some really nice views, and the tough workout I needed. Doing it in three days was pretty ambitious for me. Four days would be a bit more relaxed, if I ever do it again.
