WHERE TO MEET, LODGING:
Camping location: Pump Station Fire Tower Site, Ruth Will Trail, Lock Haven PA 17745 (41.465547, -77.571377), Lycoming County. About 20 miles north of Waterville on PA-44, turn left on Ruth Will Trail. Watch for the KTA signs. Travel ~500' on this gravel road, highlighted in purple below, to a wide open area, shown by purple oval below, around the fire tower. Two cabins will be on your right. We have access to the first cabin (the other cabin is privately- leased- please stay away from).
Morning meeting location/time: same as above, 7:30 AM.
Map/directions to campsites: goo.gl/maps/eoAvztfZFe2PRYWm8
Lodging/Camping amenities: KTA has arranged for free camping for volunteers at the Pump Station Fire Tower Site in Tiadaghton State Forest. The gate will be open by TBD pm and someone will be at the campground by TBD pm to assist you upon arrival Thursday night if needed. There is one vault toilet a short distance behind the cabin, and an outdoor water pump for potable water. There are cots inside the rustic fire tower cabin, but due to noisy squirrels at night, most choose to camp outside. Cabin has electricity, refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave and coffee maker, and a table and chairs for gathering. Outside are a couple picnic tables for camp cooking and eating, and a fire ring and firewood for campfires. Cell service is sketchy- sometimes texting works but no calls; internet is difficult and spotty. There are no showers on site; available at Hyner Run State Park for our use (20-minute drive one-way). The camp spot is set back from the road and is scenic and generally quiet with whippoorwills and coyotes often heard. There is lots of room to pitch tents or car camp, and many trees for hammocks. If you plan to bring a camper, please contact us.
Cell phone coverage: As the years go by, coverage is improving at the fire tower site where we’ll be camping. There are certain nearby known coverage spots one can drive to. 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. If you’d like, you can join us for dinner out, Dutch treat, at Black Forest Inn on Saturday evening.
Morning meeting location/time: same as above, 7:30 AM.
Map/directions to campsites: goo.gl/maps/eoAvztfZFe2PRYWm8
Lodging/Camping amenities: KTA has arranged for free camping for volunteers at the Pump Station Fire Tower Site in Tiadaghton State Forest. The gate will be open by TBD pm and someone will be at the campground by TBD pm to assist you upon arrival Thursday night if needed. There is one vault toilet a short distance behind the cabin, and an outdoor water pump for potable water. There are cots inside the rustic fire tower cabin, but due to noisy squirrels at night, most choose to camp outside. Cabin has electricity, refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave and coffee maker, and a table and chairs for gathering. Outside are a couple picnic tables for camp cooking and eating, and a fire ring and firewood for campfires. Cell service is sketchy- sometimes texting works but no calls; internet is difficult and spotty. There are no showers on site; available at Hyner Run State Park for our use (20-minute drive one-way). The camp spot is set back from the road and is scenic and generally quiet with whippoorwills and coyotes often heard. There is lots of room to pitch tents or car camp, and many trees for hammocks. If you plan to bring a camper, please contact us.
Cell phone coverage: As the years go by, coverage is improving at the fire tower site where we’ll be camping. There are certain nearby known coverage spots one can drive to. 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. If you’d like, you can join us for dinner out, Dutch treat, at Black Forest Inn on Saturday evening.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
Work days: Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday.
Description of work: We will be improving the Black Forest Trail and/or side trails. Exact work locations are being scouted. Work will include finishing last year’s bog bridges/puncheons off Manor Fork Road toward Little Slate Run. There may be sections that need DR mowing, freshening of miles of painted blazes, as well as some chainsaw removal of blowdowns, and more trail signs/signposts to "plant". 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 xxx-xxx minute range.
Black Forest Trail: Located in the PA Wilds region, the Black Forest Trail (downloadable PDF map) is a 42-mile hiking trail in Tiadaghton State Forest utilizing old railroad grades, logging trails, and foot trails to traverse some of the most spectacular terrain in Pennsylvania. Portions of this trail follow foot paths originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It is one of the 18 state forest designated hiking trails and is blazed orange. We will have paper maps for participants.
Notes: Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at ulmer@kta-hike.org or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
Once you’ve worked on the BFT, you’ll want to hike the whole thing! Check out KTA’s Slackpack trip on July 28-31, 2023. This event is also part of the PA Wilds Trail Care Challenge!
Description of work: We will be improving the Black Forest Trail and/or side trails. Exact work locations are being scouted. Work will include finishing last year’s bog bridges/puncheons off Manor Fork Road toward Little Slate Run. There may be sections that need DR mowing, freshening of miles of painted blazes, as well as some chainsaw removal of blowdowns, and more trail signs/signposts to "plant". 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 xxx-xxx minute range.
Black Forest Trail: Located in the PA Wilds region, the Black Forest Trail (downloadable PDF map) is a 42-mile hiking trail in Tiadaghton State Forest utilizing old railroad grades, logging trails, and foot trails to traverse some of the most spectacular terrain in Pennsylvania. Portions of this trail follow foot paths originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It is one of the 18 state forest designated hiking trails and is blazed orange. We will have paper maps for participants.
Notes: Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at ulmer@kta-hike.org or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
Once you’ve worked on the BFT, you’ll want to hike the whole thing! Check out KTA’s Slackpack trip on July 28-31, 2023. This event is also part of the PA Wilds Trail Care Challenge!
WHAT TO BRING:
For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
By signing up, volunteers agree to the KTA Activity Waiver.