July 28-31, 2023
Filled. Submit registration form to join waitlist.
4 days of hiking, 45 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 a Cedar Run rental property, 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 4 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 a Cedar Run rental property, 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 4 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 at a rental home in Cedar Run. 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: An easy access trail for 1.2 miles, then the Black Forest Trail from Pump Station Ridge to Hotel Manor in Slate Run. Distance: 9.6 miles.
SATURDAY: From the northern crossing of PA 44 to Hotel Manor in Slate Run. Distance: 13.4 miles. This day’s hike is in the opposite direction from published guidebooks.
SUNDAY: From the northern crossing of PA 44 to the corner of Trout Run Road and Boyer Mill Road. Distance: 11.6 miles.
MONDAY: An easy access trail for 1.2 miles, then the Black Forest Trail from Pump Station Ridge to the corner of Trout Run Road and Boyer Mill Road. Distance: 10.8 miles. This day’s hike is in the opposite direction from published guidebooks.
FRIDAY: An easy access trail for 1.2 miles, then the Black Forest Trail from Pump Station Ridge to Hotel Manor in Slate Run. Distance: 9.6 miles.
SATURDAY: From the northern crossing of PA 44 to Hotel Manor in Slate Run. Distance: 13.4 miles. This day’s hike is in the opposite direction from published guidebooks.
SUNDAY: From the northern crossing of PA 44 to the corner of Trout Run Road and Boyer Mill Road. Distance: 11.6 miles.
MONDAY: An easy access trail for 1.2 miles, then the Black Forest Trail from Pump Station Ridge to the corner of Trout Run Road and Boyer Mill Road. Distance: 10.8 miles. This day’s hike is in the opposite direction from published guidebooks.
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.
