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.

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.