Bruised & Battered but unbeaten Loyalsoc k Trail TR

“this past weekend Gemini, Pennsy and myself embarked on a three day thru-hike of Pennsylvania's 60-mile Loyalsock Trail. We started hiking Friday at 730pm and finished this afternoon around 245pm. It was the hardest hike of my life and I am positive everyone on the trip would agree it took everything we had to finish the trail. When we finished the trail today it was joyous. The Loyalsock Trail is truly a gem of a trail and very very difficult in sections. The trip was quite eventful to say the least and I will post a trip report and photos soon.”

“Congratulations you guys! That's quite an accomplishment.”

“Did you find Bobo's secret campsite?”

“looking forward to the pics and complete TR!
and the hardest hikes, when completed, are the most fullfilling. :)”

“woah I am home. got 1/2 hour sleep right before Columbia...too tired to continue driving.

my legs are HUGE....I may have to go to the doc today.

Can't wait for the TR and pics. I won't post mine until much later.

Had a blast...and ya...it WAS the hardest hike for me so far.”

“I was wondering how your hike was going and the weather was excellent for hiking. I'm really disappointed I couldn't go on the hike since I've been wanting to hike the entire Loyalsock trail in one trip.”

“Tell me, O Muse, of the man of many devices, who wandered full many ways after he had sacked the sacred citadel of Troy. Many were the men whose cities he saw and whose mind he learned, aye, and many the woes he suffered in his heart upon the sea, seeking to win his own life and the return of his comrades.

Part I / Day One: Friday, July 1st, 2005

I had my pack packed and ready to go Thursday night and in my car early Friday morning prior to driving into work.

My boss let me go at 10 of 2 so that I could meet Gemini in Harrisburg, PA. Original plan was to meet her there at 4, but she was running early. I got there at 330 and we quickly put her stuff in my car and hit the road on US 15 North.

This lovely highway follows the western shore of the Sesquehanna River as it cuts through the ridge and valley section of Pennsylvania.

The plan was to meet Pennsy at the western trailhead at 6. We were running quite early (which is a change for me) and were on path to get to the trailhead a little after 5, but we hit a wall of traffic in Sellinsgrove and that took us an hour to go 10 miles.

Luckily we were able to get to the trailhead on PA route 87 15 minutes after 6 and weren't too late. Pennsy was there and we put our after hike stuff in his car and loaded his gear into my car. The trailhead at PA 87 is the western terminus of the trail and would be our finishing point. We then drove my car to the eastern terminus of the trail in Laporte, PA on Mead Rd, off of US 220. The eastern trailhead is very nice, large parking area, even has pit toilets.

We all geared up and hit the trail a tad after 730pm. We hiked past Dutchman Falls, as the waterlevels were down to a trickle, and quickly began our gradual, but rocky descent to the Loyalsock Creek. The trail follows an old logging railroad bed for a bit, and then drops down to the southern shore of the creek. We actually walked right by the place where the trail dropped down and continued on the old RR bed for about a quarter mile, before turning back. But not without event. We got to see a small garter snake. It was very pretty and a reddish color.

We hiked along the Loyalsock for about a half mile and came upon a campsite near Haystacks 1.8 miles from the parking area, that fit our needs and dropped for camp.

Before setting up camp, we continued up the Loyalsock to check out the Haystacks, which weren't very dramatic due to low water. Normally they are class 4 rapids. We noticed someone else camped not far from us. After taking a few pictures, we headed back to our site and set up our camp.

Gemini and myself have never camped with our hammocks before this trip. Pennsy set up our hammocks that night to teach us how to do it.

After setting up camp it was dark and on the muggy side. The forecast was calling for rain, but we could see stars. We got a fire going and drank some Yuengling Premium Lager that Pennsy hiked in, and it was good, still cold as Pennsy had it in the freezer the night before.

We stayed up talking around the fire until 11 and then sacked out.
last edited: 7/05/05 8:22:34 AM”

“Pennsy froze the beer??

I suppose that's OK, just as long as he didn't piss in the spring.”

“20 miles a day is a lot of hiking unless there isn't much elevation change. Though I can and have hike that much and more during a day I'd much rather enjoy myself during my hikes then take part of death marches :D”

“You got that right, DDX!

Those three must really be nuts!”

“Hope you aren't too bruised & battered for this weekend.”

“This has pretty much been my first backpacking trip since early May, since then I have been dayhiking mostly.

Part II / Day Two: Saturday, July 2nd, 2005

Pennsy was the first to wake up Saturday morning and got the rest of us up at 6am. It was to be a very long day and getting up early was necessary.

We had breakfast and broke camp and were back on the trail by 7. It was a beautiful cool morning. The trail continued along the Loyalsock Creek, going downstream. We hiked past Haystacks again and then turned left and ascended sharply back to the old RR grade. The trail stayed on the grade for a mile or so until we reached Rock Run Road and the Horsehead Bridge. This is where the famous Link trail joins the Loyalsock trail forming the popular loop. It is also the place of a small trail that leads back to a place that shall remain in TT legend. Since we had such a long day ahead of us, we didn't hike back to see it.

We crossed the bridge and did a small roadwalk passed summer cabins. A small cockerspaniel came out to greet us, followed by his family. We chatted for a minute and then continued on our way. The trail soon then left the road and started a steep ascent up to the Allegheny Plateau.

Soon after reaching the top of the plateau we arrived at the beautiful Sones Pond, a glacial lake. While at Sones Pond, we got to see a very large Blue Heron take off. He was much too fast for pictures though.

The trail continues along the flats of the plateau, occasionally dropping into small glens. We stopped at Ann's Bridge at one point, only to find that the bridge was missing. No problem, we were able to easily step over this ford as it was no more than 3 feet wide.

The deepest glen was Toms Run, which has a few nice waterfalls on it, including Alpine Falls. Toms Run also cuts through the rock, making it a very pretty glen. However, the water was low and enjoying the falls would have to wait for another trip.

While descending along Toms Run we got our first taste of Stinging Nettle. I got stung a few times. OUCH - it stings like hell for seven minutes.

Pennsy noticed an abandoned foam pad at a campsite along Toms Run, below Alpine Falls and we stopped in to check it out.

Gemini did not have a pad and was chilled in her hammock the night before. The pad was in great shape and was light weight, so Pennsy stapped the pad onto Gemini's pack and we continued.

While ascending along Big Run backt o the plateau we saw another garter snake and got stung by more stinging nettle.

Once up on the plateau, there are a few road crossings. We then came to High Rock Vista, which overlooks Wolds End State Park and the new park office.

We hiked passed High Rock Falls, which was dry :( and then descended very steeply to the Loyalsock Creek, crossed the bridge into Worlds End State Park and took a lunch break at the park office.

The guide book spoke of a concession stand, but we did not find it. Turns out there is actually one there. We did find a Pepsi machine though, and Pennsy bought everyone a a nice cold Pepsi, which rocked! We broke for an hour.

At this point it was after 1 and we had hiked about 11 miles for the day and were just under halfway done for that day. Still a long way to go.

to be continued in Part two of Part two”

“believe me DDX, the mileage was high, but we enjoyed ourselves. We stopped at all the points of interest along the trail and took our time. There is plenty of elevation change on this trail. The trail goes up and down quite often. We set out to finish the trail and had a weekend to do it. It just meant that the days would be long and the time in camp would be shorter, we knew that going in. Never the less, we enjoyed ourselves.”

“damn, my dentist app. isn't until 3PM. tsk...figures...

I think i'll be working on the pics now.”

“send autograpgh's.”

“Part 2 of Part II: Saturday afternoon and evening.

While breaking for lunch I realized that 2 of my GU's had broken in my food bag and leaked all over. Probably happened while I was trying to bear bag. Long story ;p .

I cleaned up the mess as best as I could and we saddled up and got back onto the trail. We crossed PA 154 and then started the very steep and rocky ascent to Worlds End Vista, which overlooks the swimming area in the park on the Loyalsock Creek.

The trail then drops down to Double Run Glen and then makes a steep terraced climb to Canyon Vista, passing some cool rock formations along the way.

The view at Canyon Vista is very nice. It is a drive up view as well, so there were quite a lot of people there when we arrived. The vista overlooks the canyon in Worlds End formed by the Loyalsock Creek.

We then left the vista and the trail is very flat and nice for a mile or so before it climbs gradually, but sometimes steeply to, I believe, Winners Knob. .... see also: http://community.webshots.com/photo/386169896/386169896HiOUWr. The trail traverses the plateau and front for a bit and makes for some nice hiking, before descending to Mineral Springs Run.

We descended down along Mineral Springs Run and Pennsy filtered water at the waterfall and then we crossed the forest service road and continued along Mineral Springs Run to Double Run Rd.

By the time we reached Double Run Road, we had hiked 18 miles for the day and it was the furtherest Gemini had ever hiked!

We then ascended back up to the plateau, but the ascent seemed to be gradual. There was some minor scrambling though. Soon we crossed Coal Mine Rd and then arrived at Upper Alpine Vista, a beautiful view looking into the Loyalsock Valley. We then descended steeply to [url=http://community.webshots.com/photo/386171218/386171218dqJCUSLower Alpine Vista,[/url] pretty much 500 feet directly below the upper view. It is basically the same view but lower. Still very nice. You could hear Ketchum Run down below. We then made our final descent into Ketchum Run and passed by Rodes Falls, which has probably the best campsite anywhere at its base. You have to climb a ladder to get to the top of the falls. The trail continues along Ketchum Run, almost hiking in the creek itself and your deep with in its gorge which is very pretty. Soon after you have to make a quick ascent to Sam's Window (which looks down on Lees Falls) and then the trail descends sharply back down to Lees Falls.

We stopped and admired Lees Falls for a bit and then we arrived at Saturday night's campsite,which was a beautiful spot under a canopy of hemlock trees and right next to Ketchum Run. We were all tired after hiking 12 hours that day and 23 miles, but we all set up our own hammocks.

Our camp reminded me of Ewok Village, we dubbed it Hammock City.. We all had dinner and had a decent fire going. Gemini went to bed before it was dark outside. Pennsy and I stayed up till about 10 and then sacked out for the night.

It got very cool Saturday night, but I think I got a good night sleep.

Day three to follow shortly
last edited: 7/05/05 9:39:50 AM”

“Sounds like a great trip. I'm impressed that you could wear Gemini out. I didn't think that was possible!! ;)”

“congrats, that's a hell of an accomplshment. beautiful pics.”

“must be good, must be good...


Great TR so far!”

“ENS forgot to tell that I had knee problems. At about mile 20 down hill wasn't fun anymore, but pain. Yeah...I WAS tired.

Heehee...ENS I was awake in my hammock! well, at least for a while until my benadryl kicked in.

Uploading my pictures now”

“Part III / Day Three: Sunday, July 3rd, 2005

We woke up around 7 and had breakfast and struck camp and were on the trail by 815. Kind of a slow start. We hiked past the locaton of the infamous whitegas incident and decided to not check out the waterfalls further up on Ketchum Run, due to low water.

The next stretch of trail followed an old logging road for about 2 miles and the turn left for a long moderate ascent to the plateau. The ascent was thick with stinging nettle though. We topped out around Split Rock which is an interesting rock formation. The trail then traverses the plateau which is somewhat rolling in this area, but very pretty and open in many places.

Approaching High Knob, the trail turns onto a forest road along a forest regeneration area. Here we saw a small snake laying out in a sunspot on the road, completely stretched out. At first we thought it was a garter snake, since it was so small. Pennsy bent down to pick it up and it quickly coiled and struck at him. Upon further inspection, it was clear that the snake was not in fact a garter snake, but was infact a baby rattle snake. Luckily, no one was injured. I was the one to originally mis-odentify it as a garter snake. It didn't have the same markings as an adult rattle snake and it didn't have a rattle, but the head was definitely the head of a pit-viper. The baby snake remained coiled up and we admired it for a few minutes and then it went into the weeds.

We then continued on our way to High Knob, passing through a very sunny and open area and crossed paths with 3 more snakes. They disappeared into the weeds to quickly to identify. I was leading and the first to come acrossed the snakes and was now paranoid. Pennsy then took the lead.

Finally we arrived at High Knob Road and we took a .3 mile side trip on the road to the High Knob Vista. High Knob is not very high and is just over 2000 feet, however, it does have a lovely view.

We stopped there for a snack break and took in the view and left as it was getting crowded with tourons. It is another drive up view and has a picnic area.

We descended High Knob on the several switch backs and then down into a hollow and a nice flat stretch of trail on the way to Mary's view. We stopped for a break and pumped some water at a small creek crossing.

We then got to Mary's view, where you can see the distinctive coned peak of Smith Knob. We would be climbing Smith Knob the following day.

Then we descended down into Dutters run Glen, with its several small waterfalls and stream crossings and red colored water.

Not long after Dutters Run, I was back out in front and came around a corner and saw a big black pile right in the middle of the trail. Then I saw it move and quickly realized it was a huge Timber Rattle snake.[ I was still no less than 8 feet from it and it was already pissed off and began to rattle. We watched it from a distance while it rattled non-stop and made it clear to us if we came any closer it would strike without hesitation. I don't know why it was so pissed. After we admired iit from a distance for a few minutes, we detoured around it and continued on our way.

We took a lunch break again around 1pm while hiking along Kettle Creek.

We then made the gradual ascent to Kettle Creek Vista, where we found another garter snake, this one was a very large garter snake. we were so interested in the snake, we almost forgot about the view.

There was a nice couple camped there and we chatted with them for a few minutes.

part 2 of part III to follow shortly”

“So far, I must say... WOW. Congrats on making it they whole way.”

“Hey ENS, did you see this link already:
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/use-as-a-chair.htm

????”

“Great TR so far ENS! I am jealous of yall! It looks like quite an adventure. I went on a 4.5 mile hike in the park this weekend, but that was it. Was it really hot there?”

“Em, temps where perfect. A little cold at night, but not bad at all. Didn't even get the promised rain.”

“That sounds awesome Gem! You are ready for CA now, huh?”

“umm Cali? I hope so...if I didnt' screw my knee up. We'll see in a couple of days I guess.”

“Part 2 of Part III: The going starts to get tough and the hikers get "too pooped to poop".

After admiring Kettle Creek Vista, we started for the ascent back to the top of the plateau. The ascent was steep and several hundred feet. We had hiked nearly 10 miles at this point and we were starting to feel it. However, we were now more than halfway done with our adventure.

We didn't check out Angel Falls, as it was dry and we chatted with some thru-hikers going eastbound on the trail. They were doing it in 6 days though. We then descended to Brunnerdale Road.

Brunnerdale Rd. is near the pont where you get onto private property. The private property stretch extends for 7 miles and includes the highest point on the trail at 2140 feet and also a more than 2-mile brutal road walk. On a side note, this stretch took us right passed the maingate of Crystal Lake Camps, which is where I went to summer camp as a kid and learned about backpacking.

The road walk all but did us in. Our feet were screaming and we were growing weary with every step. We hiked passed homes and picnics and it was torture.

One of the neat things about the Loyalsock Trail is that every mile is marked. By the time we reached the road walk, seeing a mile marker was a joyous thing, it was almost gospel. We were hiking the trail the opposite direction than the guide book goes, so the mile makrers were counting down. While on the road walk we saw 19, then 18, then 17 and finally 16. Then we went back into the woods and started a steep terraced and rocky ascent back up to the Allegheny Front, and back up to 2000 feet (the roadwalk was all down hill). A few miles after getting back into the woods we reached the end of the private property section and were now entering Tiadaghton State Forest. At this point it was starting to get dark and we were all beat. With still a few miles to go, we trudged on. We were looking for mile marker 13, where we were expecting some established camping along the trail. However, when we got there, there was no established camping. There was a trail that went off to the right though. After reading the guidebook, we realized that the camping was nearly two miles down hill on that side trail. We decided to press on and search for another campsite. One thing we needed was water and we were high on the ridge and the light was beginning to wane along with our energy.

Luckily, a half mile later we came across the headwaters of Big Grand Dad Run right next to the trail and a thick grove of hemlocks, perfect for setting up hammocks. The watersource wasn't the greatest under normal circumstances, but to us it was a small slice of heaven. We were all beat! We had hiked just hiked 22+ miles over a 13 hour day.

We put our packs down and sat down for a second, it was almost as though we could fall asleep right there.

I then pumped water for everyone, while Pennsy went down the trail searching for the register and Gabby started to set up camp.

Sunday night was a warm humid night. We set up camp and had dinner (I had Enertia Meal's Goulash, I am sold, that is the best backcountry meal ever!!! I mean ever!) and talked for a few minutes and then sacked out before 10. It was hot though, took a bit to fall asleep.

Day 4 to follow shortly. please stay tuned.
last edited: 7/05/05 11:22:12 AM”

“Hey y'all!
(Pennsy, Yum, Stikky, em'beers, Ruby, and Germani - in order of meeting you'ns).

Thought I'd drop in and say "hey".



Hey.”

“Hey gojo!!!! how ya doin???”

“Fan-freakin'-tastic!
E tu?”

“I cant believe how many snakes yall saw!”

“Part IV / Day four: Monday, July 4th, 2005

The odessey continues:

We got up around 645, this time I was the first one out of the hammock, but I think we were all stirring at the same time. Visions of western trailheads were dancing in our heads the night before. We were also salivating about a post hike dinner at the Forksville Tavern. The thought of that dinner had me rearing to get the trail done.

We were on the trail by 745 after breaking camp. Turns out Pennsy never found the trail register, so we registered that morning. Only 12.5 more miles to go!

The trail was winding and rolling for a few miles, intersecting with side trails and horse trail and through glades of blooming Mountain Laurel and blue berry bushes.

We then dropped down into Snake Run Glen, which was very pretty and with some nice campsites, but the mosquitos were bad. We then climbed up to the plateau and then down to Painters Run where there was more campsites. We then had a steep grind up to the Allegheny Ridge, it was flat then for a while before descending back down into a hollow.

After that we started a long, but very gradual ascent to the base of Smith Knob. trail followed the northern crest of the ridge and at one point the trees opened up to yield a very cool view of the Loyalsock Creek winding through the Canyon below.

Not long after that came the extremily steep climb up to Smith Knob, not only was it steep, but the dirt was loose and rocky. It was definitely a buttkicker. Once we reached the top, we took a break. We still had 6 more miles to go and an 1100 foot climb and two very steep descents. After taking a break we admired Smith Knob Vista for a few minutes and then steeply descended off of Smith Knob, which was hard at times due to loose rock and dirt.

The trail then descended to Little Bear Creek and started out gradual, but then got very steep for the last 800 feet.

We took another break at Little Bear Creek and then began our steep and rocky 1100 foot ascent back to the plateau and Laurel Flats.
The first 700 feet of the climb was a bolder hop up the wall of the ravine.

There were some nice views looking south from the Allegheny Front on the exposed ledges of Laurel Flats. The miles started to quickly dial down, 4, 3, 2 and then ONE!!! WooHoo! Seeing mile marker one was awesome.

The descent down to the western trailhead on PA 87 was super steep and rocky and even scarey in some places. There was a nice view of the Loyalsock winding its way throuh a gap in the Allegheny Front a third of the way down.

Finally, around 2:45 yesterday, we reached the western trailhead on 87 and Pennsy's car.

He had a cooler in the back of his car with ice cold Yuenglings waiting for us. MMMmmmMMMmMM beer! We were weary though and only shared one of the cans. It was great to finally finish. It seemed hard to remember beginning the hike. It was such a long weekend. It was definitely very rewarding though and I am glad I was able to do it.

The weather was excellent and the company was great. Always a pleasure to hike with Gemini and Pennsy. Bailing really wasn't an option for us. We had a cars at either end of the trail and none in the middle.

After we cleaned up, we drove to the Forksville Tavern, but of course it was closed for July 4th. Total bummer, because that place has to be the best place for a post hike meal that I can think of. We shuttled back to my car and then had dinner at a restaurant along 220. It wasn't the greatest, but it was good enough.

The hike though was awesome. I always wanted to complete this trail. I've done several sections in the past, but now it is done.

here is a link to the complete album of the pics that I took along the way: Loyalsock Trail Pics
last edited: 7/05/05 12:07:35 PM”

“thanks everyone

yeah, we saw, had to be 8 snakes.”

“oh yeah, the quotes of the trip were:

Pennsy: I'm too pooped to poop

Gemini: I can't feel my balls”

“Awesome TR and pics ENS! Great job, all three of you!”

“awesome report!! can't wait for pennsy's. I'll be late with mine. still didnt' get any sleep but 30 minutes or so. I am pooped!

thank god my balls aren't hurting anymore.[heeheehee]”

“Your what?!?!!?”

“Gemini's been fooling us all, all along!”

“Just lost my lunch!”

“what kind of snake is this?
http://community.webshots.com/photo/386597128/386597128AjVVdP#”

“ens, look at this:


what u think?
thta's a baby rattle snake”

“GOOD JOB GUYS..Congrats!!!

WTF...Gem stay away from the wildlife!!!! Is that you holding the snake??”

“of course carlette! I ain't afraid of no stinken rattler!!

LMAO!!
RIGHT!”

“I really thought it was maybe you holding that thing....but then thought..no its not Gem cause those gloves are a fashion don't!!!”

“oh, I thought those gloves were cool :(”

“so who is the glove wearer???”

“hey!! I have those exact same gloves!!! those are my workout gloves.

NOW!! whatcha got to say miss TicMagnet huh???”

“you got some leg warmers too??? ROFLMAO.”