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EVENT #04: May 29-June 1, 2025
Black Forest Trail
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What we have planned
Work to be determined by forestry. Typically:
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--LOGISTICS--
IF YOU'RE COMING JUST FOR THE DAY / ARRIVING IN THE MORNING:
>Meet us at: The Tiadaghton State Forest's Pump Station Fire Tower Cabin, 7:30am
>The short gravel (sometimes rough) driveway sneaks up on you; watch for KTA signs. It is directly off PA 44.
>Map/directions to cabin (see general area map to right):
coordinates: 41.46555, -77.57138
street address: Ruth Will Trail, Lock Haven, PA 17745
goo.gl/maps/eoAvztfZFe2PRYWm8
>Located in the mountains of Tiadaghton State Forest in Lycoming County, about 40 minutes north of Avis (from exit 120 of US-220).
>Meet us at: The Tiadaghton State Forest's Pump Station Fire Tower Cabin, 7:30am
>The short gravel (sometimes rough) driveway sneaks up on you; watch for KTA signs. It is directly off PA 44.
>Map/directions to cabin (see general area map to right):
coordinates: 41.46555, -77.57138
street address: Ruth Will Trail, Lock Haven, PA 17745
goo.gl/maps/eoAvztfZFe2PRYWm8
>Located in the mountains of Tiadaghton State Forest in Lycoming County, about 40 minutes north of Avis (from exit 120 of US-220).
IF YOU'RE STAYING OVERNIGHT:
Pump Station Fire Tower Cabin
Tiadaghton State Forest graciously allows us to use this cabin as our base camp. It is right on the Ruth Will Trail, one of the awesome cross-country ski trails here. Camp right under the majestic fire tower!
Tiadaghton State Forest graciously allows us to use this cabin as our base camp. It is right on the Ruth Will Trail, one of the awesome cross-country ski trails here. Camp right under the majestic fire tower!
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Options:
• Camping outside: bring tent, hammock, or car camp • Welcome to bunk inside on cots in the loft. Critters often make there presence known at night... Amenities: • cabin has electricity • No runnign water inside, but a water pump/spigoit outside • small living room with couch/chairs • refrigerator and stove available • woodstove if it's chilly • outhouse/vault toilet DOES NOT YET HAVE: • showers-can be had at Hyner Run State Park (20 minutes southwest) You bring: • all usual camping stuff KTA will provide: • firewood |
OR:
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite in Hyner Run State Park or lodging nearby. RVs may be allowed in the cabin area.
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite in Hyner Run State Park or lodging nearby. RVs may be allowed in the cabin area.
Important notes:
Cell phone coverage: There is minimal coverage- about one bar/4G - enough to send/receive texts and emails, but not pictures. Coverage on the trail and roads getting there can be VERY spotty.
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Tony may cook a scrumptious dinner one night, and we might opt for dinner out- KTA will cover costs for dinner, except alcoholic beverages. Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
Cell phone coverage: There is minimal coverage- about one bar/4G - enough to send/receive texts and emails, but not pictures. Coverage on the trail and roads getting there can be VERY spotty.
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Tony may cook a scrumptious dinner one night, and we might opt for dinner out- KTA will cover costs for dinner, except alcoholic beverages. Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
--Trail Work Details--
Work days:
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
Black Forest Trail:
The Black Forest Trail (BFT) is a 42.8-mile loop in the Pine Creek Gorge area of Lycoming County, with some segments in Clinton and Potter Counties. The BFT may be the most challenging and rewarding backpacking trail in Pennsylvania. This rugged trail leads through and above the west side of Pine Creek Gorge, charging into and out of the chasm several times, with many very steep ascents and descents, before leveling out on top of the plateau around PA 44. The trail features dozens of expansive vistas in all directions.
The BFT is connected to the Susquehannock Trail System via the North Link Trail and South Link Trail; and it is connected to the Donut Hole Trail via the T-Squared Trail. The BFT also features two connections with the 13.4-mile Sentiero di Shay skiing trail. The primary trailhead is in the village of Slate Run, at a bridge over the creek of the same name deep inside Pine Creek Gorge. There are also two secondary trailheads on PA 44 on top of the plateau. (Maps included in picture slideshow below. PDF maps here).
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
- More info provided after scouting; could involve brushing, rebenching, blazing, lopping, mowing, etc., etc.
- We carpool to trail locations; please let me know if you are not comfortable riding with others or driving on gravel forestry roads. From the campground, drive times should be in the 15-30 minute range.
Black Forest Trail:
The Black Forest Trail (BFT) is a 42.8-mile loop in the Pine Creek Gorge area of Lycoming County, with some segments in Clinton and Potter Counties. The BFT may be the most challenging and rewarding backpacking trail in Pennsylvania. This rugged trail leads through and above the west side of Pine Creek Gorge, charging into and out of the chasm several times, with many very steep ascents and descents, before leveling out on top of the plateau around PA 44. The trail features dozens of expansive vistas in all directions.
The BFT is connected to the Susquehannock Trail System via the North Link Trail and South Link Trail; and it is connected to the Donut Hole Trail via the T-Squared Trail. The BFT also features two connections with the 13.4-mile Sentiero di Shay skiing trail. The primary trailhead is in the village of Slate Run, at a bridge over the creek of the same name deep inside Pine Creek Gorge. There are also two secondary trailheads on PA 44 on top of the plateau. (Maps included in picture slideshow below. PDF maps here).
Notes:
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
SIGN UP FOR 2025 TRAIL CARE #04- Black Forest Trail, May 29-June 1, HERE!
(If you do not receive an email confirmation, your sign-up did not go through -- please go directly to the form through this link.)
(If you do not receive an email confirmation, your sign-up did not go through -- please go directly to the form through this link.)
--PHOTO GALLERY--
