Black Forest Trail – 42 Miles in the Keystone State

OVERVIEW

Rugged, beautiful, and challenging, the Black Forest Trail (BFT) is a 42 mile loop located in the Tiadaghton State Forest in north central Pennsylvania. This 4 day, 3 night trip, which offers numerous peaks, stream crossings, and solitude, is intended for experienced backpackers only (up to 5 total). This is one of the premier backpacking loops on the east coast, and is sure to offer a rewarding experience. A description of the trail can be found at http://www.kta-hike.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=65

The mileage breakdown will be approximately as follows:

Day 1 – ~6 hour drive to BFT, hike 8 miles
Day 2 – 15 miles
Day 3 – 15 miles
Day 4 – 4 miles, ~6 hr drive back to campus, possibly stop for dinner

Breakfast and dinner will likely be communal meals. Please let me know if you have any food allergies. Also plan to bring ~$40 for discretionary spending (gas station snacks, dinner on the drive home).

I will send out a more complete gear check list to attendees, but there are some major items that you will need. These include: tent, sleeping bag, hiking pack [50-65 L recommended], mess kit, hiking boots, headlamp, water filter, and 5 days worth of snacks.

Some of the above gear is available for rent from Outdoors at UVA (you will be responsible for renting your own gear. You may rent a tent, sleeping bag / pad, hiking pack, headlamp, water filter, and a stuff sack). Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about renting gear.

Due to the nature of the trip (bears), we will be hanging our food. I will be responsible for bringing bear bags/rope.

For extra inspiration, you can find pictures of the loop here: http://imgur.com/a/JtMna