North Country National Scenic Trail-Alle gheny NF

“Hi...first time here...I'm just wondering if anyone has hiked the North Country National Scenic Trail thru the Allegheny National Forest. I'm hoping to hike that 100 mile segment in September and I'd really welcome any advice or info that could make planning a little easier. I am wondering if there is someplace about half way that I could do a mail drop and cut my initial pack weight. Also any things I should watch out for or spots where I should carry extra water and maybe favorite camping spots along the way....thanx.....Steve”

“Its a great hike.There is lots of nice runs and if you bring your flyrod you will catch lots of trout.Bring good shoes thought becuase the trail is very rocky and it has lots of tree-roots.There are a good amount of butt kicking hills to go up and down over but for me the one thing that was the best by far was seeing the streams and small rivers that seemed to greet you at the bottom of everyhill.Oh ya I just remembered.If you do the whole hike you can earn a patch from the U.S.Forest Service go to the Forest Headquaters at the end of you hike and it is something like $5 if I recall.You will have a blast and that is a great time of year to go.

8)”

“Thanks Mike...great info...it looks like water on the trail won't be an issue. Unfortunately I'm not much of a fisherman but I can always brush up on that before the trip. Now if only I can find someplace around half way for a food drop. Another thing...is this trail well marked and are there any spots where its easy to lose the trail that I need to look out for? At this time it looks like I'll be hiking solo but if anyone out there wants to join in, give me a shout. I'm always up for a good hiking partner that will make the miles go quicker. If anyone wants to contact me outside the message board, you can email me at strz51@yahoo.com”

“Hilly trail, biggest climbs might be 700 vertical feet. Lots of streams, water shouldn't be a problem. Trail is usually well-blazed. Henrys Mills is close to the half-way point, though I don't think there is a post office there.

I think the northern part is the nicest through Tracy Ridge and along the Allegheny Reservoir. Hemlock Run is nice. Check out Minister Creek, very nice. It is worthwhile to hike to the vista a few miles off the NCT. Plenty of campsites. Shelters at Sheriff Run and Amsler Spring, Amsler Spring Shelter is near the road, but nice. Tionesta has a magnificent old growth hemlock forest.”

“Would you say that its worth it to thru hike the whole NCT in the Allegheny NF or better to park at the northern end and explore the northen trails? I'm just wondering if maybe I'm doing it just to do it rather than for the purpose of seeing and enjoying the park. I suppose if I did it in a series of hikes I could make a series of several loops and thereby eliminating the need to find transport back to my vehicle. I've never been to the area to hike, so I guess I'm wondering if there would be a whole lot that I would miss if I just stuck to the NCT. You have obviously spent some decent amount of time there so I'd really be interested in your opinion. Do you know of any 40 to 50 mile loops that include some of the nicest parts of the park and also take in some decent peaks?”

“Check out this website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/hiking/

I think the NCT is worth doing. Other popular trails are Tanbark, Hickory Creek, Minister Creek, Tracy Ridge, and Morrison. Each is very nice. All of them, except, Morrison, connect to the NCT- so there are other trip options.

Hickory Creek explores a wilderness area, Minister Creek is very popular with an overlook and massive rocks, Morrison is a favorite of mine with cascades, big rocks, and the Allegheny Reservoir. Tanbark is very nice, too.

The ANF is nice with big rocks and scenic streams. The more rugged terrain is in the northern half of the forest.”