Looking for a begginer loop in PA

“Hey, Im involved in a college outdoor pursuits program in soutestern Ohio. I am currently interning with the O.P coordinator and one of my jobs is to facilitate a backpacking trip. Im looking at going somewhere in PA, I'll be taking 8-12 students of all skill levels, I'm looking for about a 12 or so mile loop. I'm not familiar with any area in the state, any info is much appreciated thanks.”

“A NOLS class?”

“I would suggest the Allegheny Front Trail near State College, PA. The loop is 40 miles, but can be broken into two loops if you need a smaller hike. It has some moderate hills, nice views, nice campsites and pretty streams and the red waters of the Moshannon Creek.

I don't know of any 12 mile loops in PA. There is the 17 mile Loyalsock-Link loop near Forkesville, PA that starts and finishes in Worlds End State Park. That could be a beginner outing. Some of the hills are on the steep side.

The Old Loggers Path could potential be broken down into a smaller 18 mile loop and that is also a good beginner hike, but some of the hills are on the steep side of moderate and there are tricky water crossings.

PA is full of awesome loops. Probably the best loop trail network in the US.
last edited: 2/06/09 7:36:51 AM”

“I don't know anything about PA or where you are in Ohio, but Grayson Highlands in Virginia is about 4 to 4 1/2 hours from Marietta, Ohio. The loop using teh AT and the Pine Mountain Tr is about 12 miles long and is the best place I have seen to take new people backpacking. The views are spectacular (you are on the ridgelines most of the time), the profile changes aren't very strenous and you will see wild ponies and deer everywhere.”

“2nd for what hyway said. good views from the ridgetops to boot.”

“The Pinchot Trail in eastern PA has two short loops and is a very easy trail. Trouble is, I don't think it would be as much fun for your group as a more challenging hike. Grayson Highlands is a good hike, but it is a long haul to get there. The Shenandoahs would be closer, and you can make several good loop hikes there.”

“Shenandoah is awesome and convenient and contains many loops. Marshall Mountain Loop is a great beginner hike and you can add a side trip down Big Devil Stairs. That hike is in fact 12 miles. The view from Marshall Mountain is awesome!!! great spot to munch some food and watch a sunset.
last edited: 2/06/09 9:38:45 AM”

“The Quehanna could be broken up into a loop that might work well for you. Just don't hike this when I am there. Thunderstorms tend to follow me into the area.”

“true.. there are many loops on the Quehanna. There are also many options on the Black Forest Trail, but the BFT is a very challenging trail, it is the best trail in PA, never the less.”

“I envy the people that consider a 4 1/2 hour ride to go backpacking a long haul.”

“Be careful about the Big Devil Stairs Loop. I have had 2 people (including a 'new' Park Ranger tell me that the loop is no longer maintained.. It is now really an out and back..

Again, I'm not 100% sure, but that is the info that I have been given..

Also, be careful with SNP in the winter. The southern section of Skyline Drive was closed last weekend, while the central and northern sections were open..

Check the NPS website for updates...

Oh and I agree with Hyway.. Grayson Highlands is freakin awesome, and the Pine Mountain trail is probably my favorite on there..

Also St MAry's Wilderness south of I 64 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA is awesome..




'32oz
last edited: 2/06/09 10:25:54 AM”

“Minister Creek trail (Erie), is beautiful, perfect for beginners, has water, is easy and fun to go off trail with and is a 6.4 mile loop. You could double it, backtrack or spend time exploring the HUGE boulders all over the hills.”

“Several fine loops in PA, if you're in OH, western PA may be your best bet:

Morrison Trail- about 12 miles, big boulders, cascades, Allegheny Reservoir, good camping, pretty streams. Might be perfect for you. One of the Allegheny Nat'l Forest's (ANF) nicest trails.

Minister Creek- very nice trail in the ANF, easy, two backcountry camping areas, very popular, massive boulders, but only 7 miles.

Tracy Ridge- interconnecting trail system in the ANF along the reservoir.

Hickory Creek- 11 mile loop in a wilderness area, meadows, nice streams, and camping, easy.

All the above trails can be found here:

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

Quehanna, Black Forest Trails are great, but better if you have more experience.

Allegheny Front Trail is nice and easier, but a 12 mile loop on it will be tough to find.

http://alleghenyfronttrail.info/

Quebec Run Wild Area is excellent with interconnecting trails, it's in SW PA, very nice, easier, thick rhododendron jungles. Another good choice.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Forestry/stateforests/maps/ForbesQuebecRun.pdf”

“Ok, I'm not working weekends until I've gone on each trail mentioned!! You guys got the juices flowing. or maybe I just have spring fever.”

“It's a long way but the Thunder Swamp might be a place to go practice falling on the trail. I understand from personl experience that it has been done very successfully. There is a thread here somewhere abotu the 5 falls trip on the thunderswamp. Excellent choice.. but a long way from Ohio

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/51499,-1.php
last edited: 2/07/09 7:50:31 AM”

“We try not to direct new people we might like at the Thunder Swamp right off. Those rocks are special. ;)

Go with jmitchs list.”

“The Thunder Swamp Trail is one of the few trails that I have not fallen on.”

“A 12-mile loop on the AFT could be done, but would probably require some road walking. There is the John P. Saylor Trail, that comes in at exactly 12 miles. There is even a nice campsite half way through if you want to break it up into a weekend excursion. Located south of Johnstown, just outside of Windber, it can be easliy access via the PA turnpike and route US219. Here's a link if you're interested: http://www.pahikes.com/trails/johnpsaylor01.asp”

“The only PA trail I have not fallen on is the Black Forest.

I'm sure it's waiting for the perfect moment to hurt me badly.”

“There can be no doubt, Pennsylvania is the loopiest state in the U.S.”

“I forgot about the John P. Saylor Trail, a surprisingly pleasant trail, and it's easy. Superb camping along Clear Shade Creek, very beautiful there.”

“jmitch has posted some excellent options. The Allegheny National Forest is beautiful. The loop trails there are well-maintained and not too tough--especially for beginners.”

“Thanks everyone, great info, I really like the looks of the morrison trail, your comments are much appreciated”

“Good choice. Morrison is very nice, make sure to also hike the cross-connector, massive boulders, cascades, great camping. There is a hike-in, boat-in only campground along the reservoir with tent spaces, spigot for water, pit toilets. Has an honor pay system. Old apple orchard behind it. Several nice campsites along Morrison Run. While there, take a drive to Rimrock Overlook, cool place, cliffs, big boulders, nice view.”