Keystone Trails Association
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Baker Trail

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 Reservoir, Mahoning Creek Reservoir, PA Game lands, Cook Forest State Park to the Allegheny National Forest. The North Country National Scenic Trail utilizes 15 miles of the Baker Trail in the Cook Forest area.
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In addition to long backpacking trips, the Baker Trail offers rewarding day hikes and short nature walks. Along the trail are nine Adirondack-style shelters with raised wooden floors, each with space for six to eight people. The trail leading from the Baker to the Shelter is blazed red. 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 the latest copy of the point-by-point guidebook. That guidebook (2020) can be ordered from the conservancy website at https://store.rachelcarsontrails.org/a-hikers-guide-to-the-baker-trail.html​

Note: Hikers are prohibited from using the railroad bridge to cross the Kiskiminetas River, about a 2 miles north of the Garver’s Ferry trailhead. Crossing the tracks in Schenley is also prohibited unless at a designated area. Finally, the trail route is always subject to change, be sure to always follow the yellow blazes.
Allegheny Front Trail
Appalachian Trail
Baker Trail
​Black Forest Trail
Bucktail Path
Chuck Keiper Trail​
​Conestoga Trail
Donut Hole Trail
​Golden Eagle Trail
​Horse-Shoe Trail
John P. Saylor Trail
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Lost Turkey Trail
Loyalsock Trail
Mason-Dixon Trail
Mid State Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail
Old Loggers Path
Pinchot Trail
Quebec Run Trails
Quehanna Trail
Rachel Carson Trail
Standing Stone Trail
​Susquehannock Trail
Thunder Swamp Trail
Tuscarora Trail
Warrior Trail
West Rim Trail
  • Home
    • About
    • Work For KTA
    • Our People
    • Our Story
    • Press
    • Multimedia
  • Events
    • KTA Trail Challenge
    • WalesCoastPath
    • Rambles
  • Membership
  • Donate
    • 22x22
    • Keep Trails Alive
    • The Heritage Society
    • Keystone Trails Endowment
    • 100-Mile Trail Challenge
    • KTA Trail Patrons
  • Protect
    • Current Issues >
      • Low Fly Zone
    • Take Action
    • Activist Backpack >
      • Write a Letter to the Editor
      • Write to Your Elected Officials
      • Phone Your Elected Officials
      • Meet Your Elected Officials
      • Gather Trail Data
    • Kids Trail Ambassador Program
    • Opinion Survey
  • Trails
    • Hiking Clubs
    • Major Trails and Find a Club
    • Trail Care and Trail Crew
    • Volunteer Hours
    • Trail Alerts
    • Hiking Awards
  • News
    • Newsletter Archive
    • Advertising
  • Store
  • Contact