Into the PA Wilds

“Recently went for a camping trip into the PA Wilds, and camped at Ole Bull State Park. I've always wanted to camp there- not only due to its odd name, but also because it is very isolated, located in a narrow mountain valley. It is named after a famous Norwegian violinist who tried to establish a settlement there in the 1800s. We set up camp and did some hikes in the state park up to a view and along Kettle Creek. We also hiked up along the Susquehannock Trail to a nice view down Kettle Creek.



Next day we got up and our destination was the Hammersely Wild Area, the largest roadless area in PA. Along the way I crossed a cable bridge; I didn't need too since the creek was low, but still did it. It was fun but the cables were bouncy it was a little tough crossing. I wanted to see the Forrest Dutlinger Natural Area so we hiked up the plateau to an incredible old growth forest of huge hemlocks, oak, and tulip poplar. This must be one of the most scenic old growth forests in PA, with a diverse forest of trees. Many people only hike to the register, but the nicest part of the hike was to the top of the plateau as it meandered through the ancient forest.



We then drove to the Twin Sisters Trail to hike to the incredible Hammersley Meadows. The trail has fresh orange blazes and we followed it to the meadows. The trail features some huge old growth hardwoods, including one monstrous oak and some big poplars. But the highlight are the meadows. I don't know why this isn't more popular with hikers. It offers an incredible panorama of the Hammersley Wild Area, featuring a grassy bald you might expect in the Smokies. The view is untouched and features the varied terrain of the plateau with steep buttresses, glens, and distant knobs. Wow.



That night was clear with no moon, so we drove up to Cherry Springs State Park, a dark sky park for stargazing. I never saw so many stars. It was incredible. The Milky Way stretched from one horizon to the other. There were so many stars, they inundated popular constellations like the Big Dipper. We saw some shooting stars. People were looking in their big telescopes and using only red lights to cut on the glare. The telescopes would whir in the darkness as they focused on some distant star.



http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/cherrysprings.aspx



The next day we got up and headed home, stopping by famous Hyner View along the way with its view of the meandering West Branch Susquehanna River and its canyon.



Had a great trip. This is a great area for a trip with a ton of things to do and see, and many places to hike. I was impressed and hope to return.



Pics-



http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/578542473EjKoHl?vhost=outdoors”

“Thanks for sharing! I'm heading to LT in the morning, would like to explore the places you mentioned some other time.”