Black Forest Trail - PA

“I have a few days off here in September and I was looking at BPing at the Black Forest Trail. I went to find the guide and map and apparently it is out of print. The outfitters don't carry it anymore and I am a bit lost.

Does anyone know where I can find a guide OR know of a good trail in hike in Pennsylvania?

Thanks
Peregrinus”

“There are several people here who have hiked it. The BFT is supposed to have some great vistas and is a real butt kicker of a trail. Campmor used to carry a guidebook and map set for it, I picked one up there. I haven’t done it yet but it’s on my must do list.

Check this link for info.
The Keystone Trails Association ”

“Have you tried Pine Creek Outfitters in Wellsboro? According to the web site, they still sell the guide book / map. 570-724-3003

Also, check out the Pa DCNR website and call them. You might be able to get a free map from them.

The BFT is an awesome trail and one of my favorites in Pa.”

“what about JMooch's book - that covers it right?”

“LOL!! JMooch, that's funny HOI. Careful, he is a lawyer and may sue you for slander, even if he is indeed a mooch.

JMooch Jmitch's book is mostly day-hikes and I don't think any of them are on the BFT. The book he is currently working on is all about backpacking trails. I bet the BFT will be in it when it comes out.”

“BFT trip. November? December? mmmmm.”

“there is a small gas station with trinkets and such near the mile 0 parking lot. they used to carry copies of the map set. its a bp i think but am not sure....

be aware the first 6 miles on either side of mile 0 is a no camping/no fire zone. plenty of campsites otherwise but not exactly LNT . ask if ya want specific info about the more secluded sites. Many here have been on that trail.”

“AAlmost forgot... did they get that bridge fixed or is the detour still needed?”

“For the BFT Guidebook, have you tried contacting...

- Nestor's in Allentown/Quakertown?
- Slate Run (PA) Tackle Shop?
- Appalachian Outdoors in State College?
- REI in Conshohocken, PA?
- Eureka Camping Center in Binghamton, NY?
- EMS in Johnson City, NY?
- I think I saw it once at Campmor too.

As per your question, there are several other nice backpacking trails in north central PA...
- West Rim Trail (map/guidebook available)
- Loyalsock Trail (map/guidebook available)
- Old Loggers Path (maps only)
- Mid State Trail (map/guidebook available)
- Quehanna Trail (maps only)
- Chuck Keiper Trail (maps only)
- Susquehannock Trail (map/guidebook available)

I've hiked and backpacked all of the above. So have others who post here. Feel free to email me if you have questions.

Other trails…
- Donut Hole Trail (maps only)...I dayhiked only two separate sections of it.
- Bucktail Path (map/guidebook available) ...never been on it.”

“dom,

According to the KTA, the BFT bridge over Slate Run near the Trailhead was to have been done a year ago (Aug '02) ...although I cannot verify that it was indeed accomplished.”

“dom,

BTW... the detour was/is unneccessary if you use(d) waders, water shoes, barefeet, etc. to cross Slate Run (not during very high water of course).”

“WOW! What a great response...

I have tried Pine Creek and my local outfitters and both said the guide is out of publication. UG!!!! I was able to obtain the Forest District telephone number and will give them a call. I also emailed them just incase I cannot get to a phone tomorrow.

If I cannot get a guide and map series I was seriously looking at the Chuck Keiper Trail.

How are this elevations for BFT and CKT?

I have four days of hiking time. And from my calculations each is about a three hour drive from home... so can I do the BFT or the CKT in 4 days? I average about 2 mph when I hike with an average of about 12 miles preday ( that is on the southern half of the AT in PA, MD and WV)

Any advice or suggestions are warmly accepted and appreciated.

Peregrinus”

“CKT is a very isolated trail, a double loop system. the northern half of each loop is difficult as the trail climbs in and out of several gorges. the southern half of each loop has more level/rolling terrain. don't miss scenic yost run. boggs run has nice campsites. parts of trails brushy w/ blueberries.

BFT is a great trail, everyone loves it, but it's tough. last time i was there, a bridge was not over slate run.”

“The bridge wasnt there last year when I was there in the spring during high water :} met a couple that floated their packs across. I had trouble enough getting across slate run.

The BFT is very doable in 4 days.

There is the AFT as well - 42 miles on semi level terrain - maps availible from the park office at black moshannon.”

“I FINALLY FOUND someone who had a copy of the Black Forest Trail Guide for sale.

Slaterun Tackle Shop
PO Box 1, Route 414
Slate Run, PA 17769
Tel: 570.753.8551
Fax: 570.753.8920

They had them for $8 plus shipping and they take orders over the telephone. Super nice people!

I should be getting my guide in a few days... So those who hiked BFT I will be asking a few questions.

Peregrinus”

“Dirtyoldman,

What is the AFT? hmmmm the possibilities....

Peregrinus”

“AFT = Appalachian Front Trail

...near Black Moshannon State Park in central PA. Some of the trail goes through BMSP, the rest of it is on state forest land. A TT group did parts of it last winter. I've dayhiked three short sections. Trail map is available at the park office ...call them to get a free copy sent to you.”