October 2-4, 2026
Join KTA for a three-day hiking adventure on northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pinchot Trail, a 22-mile loop in the Thornhurst Tract of Pinchot State Forest. Both the trail and the forest were named for Gifford Pinchot—twice governor of Pennsylvania and first chief of the U.S. Forest Service.
This “primitive” slackpack in the Pocono region provides an hassle-free opportunity to complete an exceptional State Forest Hiking Trail and camp in picturesque Tobyhanna State Park, while KTA staff and volunteers take care of guiding, shuttling, and meal preparation.
The lush, forested trail traverses a high plateau with an average elevation of 1,900 feet. It can be wet and muddy in parts, but the landscape bares alluring bogs, streams, and waterfalls that make the prospect of damp, dirty boots well-worth any inconvenience.
Each day participants will traverse a section of the trail with a knowledgeable guide and sweep leading and supporting the journey. A shuttle takes everyone from the state park to the day’s trailhead and meets them at the end point before returning to the park. On the trail, each person brings a daypack with water, snacks, lunch, and other essentials. Overnight gear is left at basecamp. The lighter load – and the relatively flat terrain – make for an easier, more enjoyable experience. Hiking distances average approximately 7-9 miles per day.
The slackpack includes three lunches, two breakfasts, and dinner on Friday. On Saturday evening, the group visits a nearby restaurant for dinner (each person pays for their own food and drink). Participants provide their own tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, mess kit, refillable water bottle, and other camping essentials. For those who need gear, KTA offers a gear loaner program. An optional van shuttle to and from Harrisburg is also available.
Join us for this challenging and memorable adventure.
Accommodations are at Tobyhanna State Park.
The group tent site has spots for you to pitch a tent, several picnic tables, nearby drinking water source, a fire ring with grill, and vault toilet.
Shuttle from Harrisburg will meet on Friday at 9am, depart at 9:30am, and arrive at campsite by 12pm. If driving on your own, meet at campsite at 12pm on Friday. Shuttle will return to Harrisburg by 6pm on Sunday.
The group tent site has spots for you to pitch a tent, several picnic tables, nearby drinking water source, a fire ring with grill, and vault toilet.
Shuttle from Harrisburg will meet on Friday at 9am, depart at 9:30am, and arrive at campsite by 12pm. If driving on your own, meet at campsite at 12pm on Friday. Shuttle will return to Harrisburg by 6pm on Sunday.
Registration
Included in this "Slackpackage":
Not included in registration fee:
Dinner Friday
Snacks you'd like to bring
Camping equipment (Check out the free gear loaner program from KTA.)
A full "what to bring" list, and more details, will be provided to registrants prior to the event.
Contact: Casey, [email protected] with questions.
- $195 per person
- $240 with the add on shuttle from Harrisburg.
Included in this "Slackpackage":
- Three days of guided hikes
- Shuttles to and from the campsite and the trailheads/restaurant
- Six Meals: Fri lunch, Sat bkfst lunch & dinner, Sun bkfst & lunch
Not included in registration fee:
Dinner Friday
Snacks you'd like to bring
Camping equipment (Check out the free gear loaner program from KTA.)
A full "what to bring" list, and more details, will be provided to registrants prior to the event.
Contact: Casey, [email protected] with questions.
