Favorite places to hang in PA

**Pj1008** · 04-05-2012, 16:10

I used to do a good amount of backpacking when I was younger but we would always go to the same place right near the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on the AT. Now that I'm getting into backpacking again i'm looking for some new places to hang! Unfortunately, I totaled my car a little while back so i need to get my family to give me rides to the trailhead and I hate to ask them for rides to the AT because it's like an hour to hour and a half from my house (one way).

Anyone have any recommendations for places to hang (if i could get a good hike in too that would be even better!) near the Philly area (more specifically, Downingtown/westchester)? I was thinking French Creek State Park but you can only camp in their campgrounds and i'm not looking for that.

If you don't know of any places to hang near me, thats fine. I would still love to hear of your favorite places to hang in/around PA and when I finally get a new car i'll be able to check them out!

**Bummer72** · 04-05-2012, 19:21

Hibernia County Park in Chester County is nice:
Hibernia County Park

**SoundMan** · 04-05-2012, 19:34

Black Forest Trail....

North West of Williamsport-near Slate Run, worth the drive.

Be ready though. The trail guide says it all "Don't let this be your
first backpacking trip", rugged terrain with many ups/downs.

Nice vistas with varied terrain- several crisscrossing bail out trails
create many options depending on your time and stamina.

**Joey** · 04-05-2012, 19:41

Black Forest trail - which is noted to be strenuous.
West Rim Trail, PA Grand Canyon. Beautiful, fairly easy trail. Same area as Black Forest Trail.

These are a good distance from Philly, but there are great places to stay nearby with other activities that may work for your family while you hike.

Here's a site that lists some local hikes in your area:
http://www.localhikes.com/MSA/MSA_6162.asp

**grich9860** · 04-05-2012, 19:43

Elk Trail in Elk county is one of my fav hikes/hangs. watch out for the bears!!! had 2 of them come about 50yrds from my camp site. sorry....i know that this is not in your area but if you get the chance to it is a great weekender type hike.

**Crash** · 04-05-2012, 20:45

Batona Trail in south Jersey.

**G.L.P.** · 04-05-2012, 21:54

i'm doing sections on the AT .... you could maybe tag along for a section if you would like that way you have a shuttle back to your car

but we do quick overnights at the 501 on the AT .... i think we are due for one soon ... maybe in May once Bigcarl gets back from his honeymoon we can get one set up
the Mahha hang is coming up at the end of the month(can't wait to see old friends) and it always a great place for hiking ideas

**Lorax** · 04-06-2012, 06:03

AT
Black Forest Trail
Pinchot Trail
SGL 127 (my other house backs up to it)
Some private land over by Francis Walter dam
Thunderswamp Trail
Island sites on the Delaware on river trips

**Pj1008** · 04-06-2012, 06:36

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Hibernian park isn't too far from my house, I'll probably go check it out this weekend and do quick day hike. I much prefer to set up a stealth site in the backcountry over staying at a campsite but I may need to compromise if I don't want my family to drive so far to get out to the AT every weekend...

I heard of the black forest trail before and I was actually thinking about doing the whole trail sometime this summer. Anyone try that? How long did it take you? Is there any need for resuply?

I'll also need to check out that elk trail, I have always wanted to see a bear but haven't been lucky enough just yet! I'm jelause you got to see two!!

And thanks for the offer GLP but unfortunately I don't really have a car to shuttle back to and it's just as easy for me to have my family drop me off at the beginning of a section and pick me up at the end. But I will keep my eye out for some of the overnights at the 501 shelter! I'd love to meet some of my fellow hammock forum members!