July 28-31, 2023
Limited Availability
3.5 days of hiking, 42 miles, 1 awesome trail
Thruhike the Black Forest Trail with the Keystone Trails Association!
Take advantage of this incredible opportunity, to complete in ONE WEEKEND the trail that everyone talks about: The Black Forest Trail.
Don’t worry about the plans, the maps, your meals, where you’re going to stay, or your heavy pack. The KTA Slackpack Program takes care of all that. Hike leaders will lead a carpool to the trailhead in the morning and back to camp at the end of the day, and lead or sweep the group along the trail. Lodging is provided at Pettecote Junction Campground, where breakfasts and dinners are home-cooked for the group, and lunches are prepared ahead of time. All you have to carry is a day-pack! In 3.5 days of hiking, you’ll have checked the BFT off your list, made friends, and maybe even shaved off some waistline.
The orange-blazed Black Forest Trail (BFT) may be the most challenging and rewarding backpacking resource in Pennsylvania. This spectacular long-distance loop trail leads through and above the west side of Pine Creek Gorge in the northwest corner of Lycoming County. This very rugged trail charges 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 many outstanding vistas in all directions, with views over Morris Run, Big Dam Hollow, Young Woman’s Creek, Baldwin Branch, Callahan Run, Naval Run, Little Slate Run, and Pine Creek.
Join us and get the whole trail under your belt in 4 days, without pitching a tent.
Spaces are limited, so register early!
Take advantage of this incredible opportunity, to complete in ONE WEEKEND the trail that everyone talks about: The Black Forest Trail.
Don’t worry about the plans, the maps, your meals, where you’re going to stay, or your heavy pack. The KTA Slackpack Program takes care of all that. Hike leaders will lead a carpool to the trailhead in the morning and back to camp at the end of the day, and lead or sweep the group along the trail. Lodging is provided at Pettecote Junction Campground, where breakfasts and dinners are home-cooked for the group, and lunches are prepared ahead of time. All you have to carry is a day-pack! In 3.5 days of hiking, you’ll have checked the BFT off your list, made friends, and maybe even shaved off some waistline.
The orange-blazed Black Forest Trail (BFT) may be the most challenging and rewarding backpacking resource in Pennsylvania. This spectacular long-distance loop trail leads through and above the west side of Pine Creek Gorge in the northwest corner of Lycoming County. This very rugged trail charges 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 many outstanding vistas in all directions, with views over Morris Run, Big Dam Hollow, Young Woman’s Creek, Baldwin Branch, Callahan Run, Naval Run, Little Slate Run, and Pine Creek.
Join us and get the whole trail under your belt in 4 days, without pitching a tent.
Spaces are limited, so register early!
Lodging
Lodging is provided in Cabins and Glamping Pods at Pettecote Junction Campground. Bring your own linens and towels, because you'll be sleeping soundly in a bed. Each cabin has a full kitchen and bathroom. There are also gendered bathroom/showerhouses in close proximity. If you wish to bring any of your own food, there is plenty of space. Please make note of any dietary requests on the registration form, and KTA will do our best to accommodate.
Your registration includes lodging and meals starting Friday evening.
Weekend Schedule
Note: for a group this size, meal times are flexible to better suit the participants.
Friday
Depart for hike at 1:00PM – plan to arrive with enough time to eat lunch if you need it (not included).
Warm-up hike from Manor Fork Road, east then south to Slate Run, with an extra walk to the recreation parking lot on the other side of Pine Creek. Distance: 5.8 miles.
Saturday
Hike from the northern crossing of PA 44, east then south to Slate Run, with an extra walk to the recreation parking lot on the other side of Pine Creek. Distance: 13.3 miles.
Sunday
Hike from the northern crossing of PA 44, south then southeast to Trout Run Road. Distance: 11.6 miles.
Monday
Hike from Trout Run Road, east then north then west to Manor Fork Road. Distance: 12.5 miles.
Friday
Depart for hike at 1:00PM – plan to arrive with enough time to eat lunch if you need it (not included).
Warm-up hike from Manor Fork Road, east then south to Slate Run, with an extra walk to the recreation parking lot on the other side of Pine Creek. Distance: 5.8 miles.
Saturday
Hike from the northern crossing of PA 44, east then south to Slate Run, with an extra walk to the recreation parking lot on the other side of Pine Creek. Distance: 13.3 miles.
Sunday
Hike from the northern crossing of PA 44, south then southeast to Trout Run Road. Distance: 11.6 miles.
Monday
Hike from Trout Run Road, east then north then west to Manor Fork Road. Distance: 12.5 miles.
The registration fee is $495 per person.
Included in this "Slackpackage":
Please register ONLINE or mail in the completed REGISTRATION FORM with payment to the KTA office.
Registrations must be received 30 days prior to the event. No refunds will be issued after this date.
Included in this "Slackpackage":
- 3 nights lodging (Friday - Sunday)
- 9 home-cooked meals (Friday dinner - Monday lunch)
- Daily hikes guided by experienced hike leaders
- Transportation to and from trailheads
Please register ONLINE or mail in the completed REGISTRATION FORM with payment to the KTA office.
Registrations must be received 30 days prior to the event. No refunds will be issued after this date.