Eastern PA Loop Trail Recommendations

**CVKealey** · 06-17-2019, 15:40

Earlier this year, my son's scout troop did a section of the AT (Wind Gap PA to the Delaware Water Gap), which was - for most of them - their first experience backpacking. Many had a great time and would love to do another trip in the future. Howevr, given the logistics involved, I think a trail loop (as opposed to point-to-point) would be better. We wasted a bunch of time shuttling vehicles around.

So, does anyone know of a decent loop trail - preferably within 1.5-2 hours of Philadelphia and in the 15-20 mile distance range? It's PA, so rocks are a given, but if we could avoid traversing boulder fields, that would be awesome. I mean, I'm fine with it, but the Wolf Rock section really slowed us down.

**ljane** · 06-21-2019, 07:34

Following.

I'm not a backpacker, but it could be cool to hit Ringing Rocks on your route. I know you said no boulder fields, but these are worth it. My neighbor is/was involved in getting the AMC to blaze a spur off the AT, though I don't know whether it's complete. I can get more info if you're interested.

**georgecarr** · 06-21-2019, 14:18

The Pinchot Trail is a good loop trail and the rocks aren't bad. It consists of a northern and southern loop that can be combined or done separately, and they are about 10-12 miles each.

**Black Foot** · 06-21-2019, 20:34

+1 for Pinchot Trail - perfect for your group.

**pH@willie** · 06-22-2019, 06:17

Others have already made my suggestion. +1 for Pinchot Trail.

**durunner** · 06-29-2019, 21:40

Another one for Pinchot. Basically made for everything you asked for.

**Tiogatires** · 07-07-2019, 17:06

Ironically, I was....almost.... gonna backpack/hang the Pinchot this weekend while we were all up in the Poconos. I’ve done the northern loop. Cool trail, just treat yer clothes with sawyers. The ticks are bad this time of year up there. We could easily get a group hike there in the fall...