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  1. #1
    Senior Member R00K's Avatar
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    Loyalsock Vs. MD Appalachian Vs. ?

    So my hiking buddy had some terrible luck with his recent hernia surgery, recover has taken months instead of days, but luckily it looks like his doctor will clear him for hiking next week.

    That being said, I've lost most of my summer hiking (with company) and been mostly doing day hikes solo. But now it's time to get back out there.

    I want to plan a 4-5 day hike, because it's long over-due and because I need to finish the full review of all the gear I've previewed.

    So what will it be? The Loyalsock Trail? The Maryland portion of the AT? Or is there something that's equally close (to Baltimore) that might be... Dare I say... Better?
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  2. #2
    Senior Member finskie's Avatar
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    Loyalsock was definately good, and a 5 day approach would be more easy going for him. Also, there is the Laurel Highlands Trail http://www.shol.com/featheredprop/lhht_info.htm out near pittsburgh that I for one am itching to do sometime soon. If you are still planning a thru-hike, doing the MD AT now may cause some redundancy, but really any place along the AT is good for a week long trek. Just my 2c worth If you go with loyalsock, let me or wags know and we can get you some more info.
    What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. - C.S. Lewis

  3. #3
    Senior Member finskie's Avatar
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    Also, the Laurel Highlands would be a good prep for the AT bc of the similar shelter system and terrain.
    What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. - C.S. Lewis

  4. #4
    Senior Member Joey's Avatar
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    Tuscarora Trail, or part of anyway. Mirrors the AT from Ducanon, PA to about mile 20 in Shenandoah National Park. 1/2 point is in Hancock, MD.

    There's a few of us doing the PA Grand Canyon WRT next week Wed - Sun. Always room for one more.

  5. #5
    Senior Member R00K's Avatar
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    I would love to go! But I won't be able to take off work on such short notice - normally I might, but we're having a busy spell.

    I'll look into the trail a little more though. Add it to the list.

    What's the best trail within a 3-4 hour drive for views?
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  6. #6
    Senior Member vdeal's Avatar
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    I would recommend almost anything in the Monongahela National Forest in WV but that may be a bit farther than you want to go.
    "There are places in this world that are neither here nor there, neither up nor down, neither real nor imaginary. These are the in-between places, difficult to find and even more challenging to sustain." - Thomas Moore

  7. #7
    Senior Member The RidgeRunner's Avatar
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    Old loggers path, just west of the loyalsock. You could do it twice in 5 days though, only 30-32 miles.

    The black forest trail was just rated as pa's best trail in backpacker for 2011. That could be a 5 day trip.

    I may be partial though, both are within half an hour from my house.
    Experts are the ones who think they know everything. Geniuses are the ones who know they don't.

    You need seek no rocky summit, for these high places are within you.

  8. #8
    Senior Member R00K's Avatar
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    Monongahela NP, Old Loggers Path, Black Forest Trail, Loyalsock, portions of the AT, Laurel Highlands, Tuscarora Trail, and the WRT. I have my research cut out for me
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  9. #9
    Senior Member thegreatjesse's Avatar
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    I'd suggest the Loyalsock trail - except for a few climbs, it isn't a rough hike. The scenery is incredible, and I had a really good time. I would also second the Old Logger's Path suggestion - though my experience on that trail was a terrible one, I know that my scenario is an exception to the norm. The OLP is really too short for a 5 day hike, but it could be stretched to 4 days if your pal is a slow hiker.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Knotty's Avatar
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    Haven't done it but Black Forest Trail is supposed to be pretty difficult due to lots of elevation changes. If you can handle it it's supposed to be one of the best trails in PA.
    Knotty
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