The Pittsburgh Council of American Youth Hostels, now known as Hostelling International, established the Baker Trail in 1950. A portion of the trail in the Pittsburgh area was cut off by suburban development and was later rechristened the Rachel Carson Trail. The Baker Trail begins at Garver’s Ferry along the Allegheny River near Freeport, between Pittsburgh and Kittanning, and passes through farmland and woods heading northward to Crooked Creek Park, Mahoning Creek Reservoir, and Cook Forest State Park. There the North Country National Scenic Trail has been added to the existing route of the Baker Trail, eventually reaching Allegheny National Forest. Much of the Baker Trail’s route follows gas lines, power lines, and unpaved country roads. The route is yellow-blazed.

In addition to long backpacking trips, the Baker Trail offers rewarding day hikes and short nature walks. Along the trail are five Adirondack-style shelters with raised wooden floors, each with space for six to eight people. There are no signs directing hikers to the shelters, so you must consult the Baker Trail guidebook. You will also find many primitive campsites and several fee-based campgrounds in close proximity to the trail, including sites at Crooked Creek, Milton Loop, and Cook Forest.

The Baker Trail guidebook describes the trail and shelter locations and contains a full set of topographic maps. Because of private land and access challenges, it is strongly recommended that you have a copy of the guidebook, which is available from:

Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy, Inc.
P.O. Box 35
Warrendale, PA 15086

Note: Hikers are prohibited from using the railroad bridge to cross the Kiskiminetas River, about a mile north of the Garver’s Ferry trailhead. Crossing the tracks in Schenley is also prohibited. At the time of this writing, camping is no longer permitted at Schenley Shelter. Accordingly, it is advisable to avoid hiking in this vicinity. Because of private land issues, it is recommended that northbound hikers begin at Taylor Run, about 10 miles north of Garver’s Ferry, or at Crooked Creek Dam, about 5 miles north of Taylor Run. Hiking south from these points is not recommended. Finally, because of an issue with a landowner on the one-mile trail segment between Gravel Lick Bridge and Cook Forest State Park, you should check with Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy well in advance of hiking in this area to learn the current situation.

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