September 24, 2007 at 12:05pmBackpacking in early/mid October

Hey everybody! (all three of you)
 
I am planning to do one last trip this fall, and I'm expecting it to be the second week of October, although I can be flexible about that if needed. I haven't pinned down where I'm going, although if I can get another person or two, I'm leaning towards the Old Logger's Path in central Pennsylvania. Justin and I did a hike in the same general area earlier this year, and it's a really beautiful area.
 
Justin is expecting to be back in Michigan at that time, so I think he's in, assuming he doesn't get called to work on the Alaskan Pipeline before then. If Ravin is up for going (or anybody else who reads this, honestly), you are definitely welcome.
 
I'm open to possibilities for different locations, so make a suggestion if you've got one. I just like the idea for the Logger's Path because it's a loop (no worrying about shuttles or rides), it's about 27 miles (easily accomplished in 3 days), and it's very scenic and mountainous. Plus, we should be hitting it in PEAK season for fall colors.
 
If Justin ends up not being able to come back, and I can't find anyone else to go, I expect I'll end up doing a 3 or 4 day solo trip somewhere up in Michigan. That should be mentally challenging, if not physically.
 
If anybody reads this and you want to go, or have thoughts on the trip, please post.

Edited September 24, 2007 at 03:06pm by Mark Montri

September 24, 2007 at 7:24pmRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

if work can be taken off count me in..triple crowns reunite baby
 
Rambo

September 25, 2007 at 11:47amRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

Sweet. Due to a few different issues, I think I'd like to do this as a mid-week trip. Should be three days long. Justin won't be working while he's here, so it shouldn't affect him. Will that work for you, Ravin?

September 26, 2007 at 5:47pmRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

I found a bunch of images online of the Old Logger's Path and made an image gallery. I attached them to this forum thread. The link is in the gray box at the top of the thread. It looks really awesome. I hope we can do this.

September 27, 2007 at 9:41pmRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

Looks good Mark. From here on, I'm not going to bathe until we get to those water falls. All the better a shower it will be, and worth waiting for.
 
If not this trail, I'd be up for tackling West Rim again. : )

September 29, 2007 at 5:56pmRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

Okay, it looks like this trip will be taking place between October 16-19. Its only a 3-day trip, so we could either hike Oct 16-18 (Tues-Thurs), or 17-19(Wed-Fri). I think I prefer the 16-18, but I'm open to change if Ravin requires it for getting work off.
 
We also have options as to when we leave. We can either leave the morning of our first day, and get an afternoon start to the hike, or we could leave the night before, drive through the night, and start our hike first thing in the morning. Each has its pros and cons. Since we are covering a lot more miles than we did in Canada, I think I like the idea of having a full day to hike on our first day. Driving through the night would also probably get us there quicker. So that's my vote, but again, I'm open to suggestions.
 
Finally, a couple things to think about when you're preparing and packing: We will be out in mid-October in a fairly mountainous area. It will get cold. Average temps for where/when we're going are highs of 60 and lows of 35. If we get any sort of cold snap, it could be COLD. Make sure you pack plenty of cold-weather clothing. Gloves are a good idea. Cotton is not.
 
Also, it will be hunting season for a number of birds and small game, as well as muzzle-loader season for deer. You always hope that hunters can see what they're shooting before they fire, but just to be safe, make sure you have some blaze orange to wear or put on your backpack.
 
Let me know if there are any issues you can think of.

Edited September 30, 2007 at 12:37am by Mark Montri

October 2, 2007 at 12:33pmRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

I wouldnt mind going but I would have to talk to my wife. Theres about a 30% chance i could go. I'll keep you posted.

October 2, 2007 at 3:01pmRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

excellent. the more the merrier (and the less gas money everybody has to kick in).

October 3, 2007 at 9:50amRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

Here's what I found out from the State Forest Office:

1. Hunting IS allowed in the area of the trail, so definitely wear blaze orange.


2. We need to get a camping permit. The nice part is the camping permit is free.


3. Campfires are not permitted this time of year. The dry falling leaves present too much of a fire hazard, apparently.


4. We can get a good trail map at the ranger station when we get our camping permit. Until then, I've got some online versions to plan campsites, etc.


5. The ranger station's hours are 7am-4pm, so we'll have to hit it up on the morning of the 16th before we start hiking.

Edited October 3, 2007 at 09:55am by Mark Montri

October 8, 2007 at 4:46pmRE: Backpacking in early/mid October

Alright guys,
We're one week away from the trip. I need to know who is going so I can start planning meals and everything. Based on my car's mileage (I figured I will end up driving), I expect total gas cost to be around $90. So if we have 4 people, gas money would be around $23 each, and if we only have 3 people, it will be $30 each.
We don't have to pay for any permits, and the trail is a loop so we don't need to pay for any sort of shuttle. Gas money and your own food is the only costs to worry about.
If you are going, please post something in here so I can plan accordingly.
Thanks.