West Rim Trail - PA Grand Canyon 3/4 - 3 /6/05

“this is part of the Hike Pennsylvania Challenge 2005.

We will do the entire trail with spotting vehicles at either end. I'll post some more details after some research. The views along this trail are supposed to be awesome. This should be a good trip. If possible, I would like to do a night small night hike and camp Friday night.”

“if you want a small night hike in order to camp fri, i suggest parking at blackwell and taking the mid state trail into the gorge, after jerry run falls, follow a blue blazed side trail to exceptional sites underneath pines along pine creek. nearby is bohen run, and 70 ft bohen run falls.”

“bump”

“anyone interested?”

“i am.

this is a great trail- most of the best vistas are in the northern half. i'd like to do more off-trail waterfall exploring, too- especially fourmile run gorge, with 4 big falls, fantastic beauty and extremely rugged. luckily, we can hike up the turkey path to get out, but it'll be challenging going down into it.”

“This is one trail I've wanted to do for the past couple of years. If my plans for Bandolier don't work out, I'd like to tag along on this one if it's OK with you guys.
last edited: 1/03/05 3:01:06 PM”

“no problem Squilax!

That sounds good to me Mitch!”

“

Trail Description

The West Rim Trail is a 30 mile hiking trail located adjacent to the Western Rim of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon.

The northern section of the canyon is about 800 feet deep and about 2,000 feet from rim to rim. The exposed rock is estimated to be more than 350 million years old. Most of the important geologic process which formed the canyonas it now exists occurred less than 20,000 years ago.

Before glacial activity took place in the present Canyon area, the headwaters of Pine Creek took a northeastern drainage course. Glaciers deposited a blanket og gravel, sand and clay blocking the flow of Pine Creek. This natural dam forced Pine Creek to reverse its flow and drain to the south. This overflow cut through the drainage divide and formed the canyon.

The trail offers spectacular views of the Canyon. In some spots the trail follows the very rim of the Canyon, so watch your step.

Click Here for a map of the trail”

“anybody mind if i tag along on this one?”

“sign up brody!”

“the maps that you made of the trail are awesome!”

“Would like to join in if there is still room.”

“Hey, I didn't even post the links yet. Yer pretty sneaky, ENS. I was going to wait until I had some additional info before posting them. Besides, it's not til March, and I'm working on some maps and info for your Catskills trip.”

“there is plenty of room silver! sign up! Where in Pa are you? All are welcome who want to have a good hike and spend some time in the woods with some good company.

Cool beans Pennsy. That map program seems pretty sweet. It's amazing how 3-dimmensional they turn out.”

“Thanks for the welcome. I live in Dallas, a little north of Wilkes Barre. I moved back in mid 2003 and got over absorbed in the new job. Time to get priorities straight and back on the trail. The Challenge is a great idea.”

“thanks.

I grew up in PA and this is my land. I too moved away and just recently made my return to the fine state of PA!

You lived in NC? That's a great state too!”

“I'd definitely be interested in this one if it's okay w/people?”

“Oh, the names too good, gotta be a troll!”

“Lilmountaingirl, you're more than welcome to come along! are you from backpacker?”

“I'm still planning to come along as of today.

One of my western hiking buddies is coming in from Texas for the week of March 12-20, so I won't be going out there to hike Bandolier Nat'l Monument with him. We don't know exactly where we're going yet for that week but he wants to hike on the AT. I've put together a few options - Somewhere in PA maybe up around Swatara Gap, Maryland from Washington Monument SP to Harper's Ferry and back, or Shenandoah. He's never been on the AT so I wanted to give him a good trip while he's here.

Oh yeah - if lilmountaingirl wants to come along on the West Rim trip, it'll be a fun trip - she's pretty cool!
last edited: 1/07/05 8:31:56 AM”

“Here's some Topo maps, and I plotted the route and some info on them. View them at full size, especially the "entire trail" map.

West Rim entire trail
West Rim lower section
West Rim middle section
West Rim upper section

Here's an option if there are winter conditions on the trail: Per Jmitch's suggestion, park at Blackwell, and start on the Mid State Trail (I marked it in blue on the lower section map). If starting Friday afternoon (or evening), it's a 1.4 mile flat hike to camping areas along Pine Creek. Sat morning, continue on the Mid State uphill for a mile and pick up the West Rim Trail. This option cuts off about 1.5 miles.

About 12 miles into Saturday's hike (using the above option), there are some great campsites just north of the Bradley Wales picnic area. Camping is not allowed within sight of the picnic area, but these sites are just outside that area. We camped there 2 summers ago, and it's a short walk to the the picnic area where there was a water pump and bathrooms. I don't know if the pump will be usable in March though. If not, I'm not sure about other water sources. Jmitch, Straight Creek looks to be near the area. Are you familiar with it? There's a lot of room for camping in this area, with a fabulous view. here's a pic of our campsite and a pic of the boys at the camp overlook.

This leaves 15.5 miles for Sunday, but 2 miles of that can be cut off by taking the Sieman's Trail (marked in red on the upper section map). Using these options:
Friday night - 1.4 miles
Saturday - 12 miles
Sunday - 13.5 miles

If we choose to start at the Southern Terminus rather than at Blackwell, there are supposed to be ample campsites within 1/2 a mile from the trailhead.

Also, check out Pine Creek Outfitters for more WRT info and to order a WRT guide book and mapset.
last edited: 1/09/05 2:36:29 PM”

“I like that plan Pennsy. Thanks. Those maps are awesome.
last edited: 1/09/05 2:43:51 PM”

“I was at EMS last night and found that they have a really nice guide book and map for this trail and the surrounding network. I'm going to go and pick that up.

Pennsy's map still rules though. Pennsy's map is 3D.”

“ENS....I was under the impression you were awfully sick....shouldn't you have stayed in bed?”

“did somebody say something?”

“Oh Oh”

“You got someone on ignore earth?”

“Sorry folks, but I won't be able to make this one. I have to go out to New Mexico instead to meet my hiking buddy from Texas. We're going to go ahead and do Bandelier NM in March.”

“Hey Sqilax, you don't know a Mike Young do you?

have fun in NM! There is some great hiking to be had there as well.”

“I updated the trips page to include the info that Pennsy recently posted on this thread.”

“You're all doomed.”

“Sounds like an awesome way to kick off backpacking in 2005... I'm in!”

“I'm in for sure.”

“where are you from Icarus? Introduce yourself. Welcome aboard!”

“Hey all. I'm trying to schedule this trip. Got my fingers crossed that it'll work out. I'll change my status to yes when I confirm a couple details. Looks like a great trip!”

“hope you can make it!”

“Alright I think I can make this trip.”

“awesome! Still more than a month to go for this trip. I wish it would hurry up.
last edited: 1/25/05 7:39:44 PM”

“Sorry I am now out. It is just too far to drive and I really want to get those three peaks in the Catskills.”

“9 minutes, 7 seconds. Dang, that is a fast bail. ;o)

Lt - I assume you didn't go to the Catskills this past weekend?”

“No I didn't go. It just wouldn't have been smart to do a Solo in those conditions. I am moving the trip to March if you are interested.”

“Yeah, that's smart. Solo up there wouldn't have been too wise.

Definately interested in going up there, but can't confirm anything until I'm back at work.”

“when are you thinking about doing that trip Lt? I'd like to get those peaks too.”

“Sorry about the dates but it is going to be the same weekend as your WV trip”

“bummer, I'm going to try and make your April Catskils trip though.”

“I'm super interested in going on this hike. I'm new to this site. Anywhere I can get more info ?”

“what kinda info are you looking for?”

“I'm wondering where you meet, times , does everyone provide their own grub, etc ?”

“It's probably a little early for some details, but yes everyone is responsible for bringing their own food and gear.
last edited: 1/27/05 6:19:43 AM”

“That's in my backyard, but I have to be away that weekend. It will be a little snowy and icy in places. But that is always a good trip. Enjoy!!

COWANESQUE”