Hiking around Philadelphia.

[Reubster24]

Hey everyone. I'm looking for places to hike and overnight hang around philly. I know the AT isn't far and have went for a couple overnighters on the AT. Just looking for some ideas of other places to go. Most of the fun in hanging for me is the hiking so campgrounds aren't very useful. Please let me know if anyone has suggestions.

[SilvrSurfr]

There are 1.1 million acres in the NJ Pine Barrens.

[bser272]

No primitive camping allowed in William Penn Forest, so either you're going to have to settle for a state park, or venture outside the suburbs to another state forest (Weiser and Delaware aren't too far from Philly). I like Thunder Swamp Trail in Delaware State Forest. ~45 miles or so of good hiking and primitive camping. Located North of East Stroudsburg, PA.

Check out the PA State Forest website for more info.

Take a look at Mid Atlantic Hikes for ideas and trail reports.

[Valley Scout]

I second bser77, the Delaware Water Gap State Forest is worth a look. Also, you can look into Berks County. There are a few areas there, but you already know the AT, look at Lehigh, Berks, and Northampton Counties where it runs. Lots of good overviews, some very rugged trail sections.

[Reubster24]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll look into those places.

[Ratdog]

26 or so backcountry campsites available around the Michaux State Forest. Have to drop by the HQ at Pine Grove Furnace State Park to get the list and the directions. Permits can be obtained via snail mail.

I've scouted better than a dozen of them and used a few. Some are right along the AT and offer the opportunity for short hike into Caledonia or PGF.

You'll have to use a little GoogleFu to get the info on some of the better sites and GoogleMaps will help.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry...rests/michaux/

[JmBoh]

I'm up in MONTCO. One of my Fav spots is a place called Blue Rocks camp ground in Lenhartsville, near Allentown. It is a cmp ground but their trails connect to the AT. It's geared for tenters and they do allow hammocks. they have great primitive sites and a good amount of seclusion. Hawk Mt. is about 6 miles north on the AT. Great hike!! I realize a camp ground isn't quite what you're looking for, bt it's the ONLY CG i go to because of the AT (they have some trails on property too) and the way the sites are situated. It's heavily wooded, has streams for water and it's very rustic. It gets high reviews for primitive camping in backpacker magazine ( it was top ten in the country a few years back) and such. I go during the week usually and have the whole place to myself. again, it IS a camp ground, but it's a GOOD one for primitive camping and hitting the AT, as well as their trails. red trail get's a little challenging at the top. As for state parks, I hit French Creek a couple times. decent trails but the camp areas aren't that great. Best bet is to head north a couple hours toward Pocono. Tobyana and gouldsboro state parks are good spots for camping and hiking. miles and miles of trail. Tobyhana has the Frank Gatz trail if you want a decent challenge. It's short, but you'll appreciate it.

[Ratdog]

JmBoh makes some excellent suggestions and I'm just going to throw Ricketts Glen in there because it has 23 waterfalls along a trail that isn't too challenging.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/statepar.../rickettsglen/

Can't speak to stealth camping in the area.
Many of the Pa State Parks will allow back country camping. Some of the sights are pretty darn remote, you won't be seeing anyone.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry...ping/index.htm

[Reubster24]

Thanks for more ideas. Looks like I have plenty of options if I drive a little bit.

[doogie]

There are a number of good overnight/weekend trips to be had on the AT. The ones that I like the best that are close are the access points from Route 183 and Route 501. It would probably only take you 1.5 hours to get to the 183 access parking lot. A favorite is heading to Hertlein campsite West of Route 183 (South on the AT).