Backpacking Pennsylvania: Pinchot Trail Video Trip Report
When I think of cold weather backpacking in the Northeast, I think of trails covered in snow, biting wind and cracking mugs of hot chocolate on breaks during the day. It just sounds wonderful. With that in mind, Patrick of CampTheSummit, Dan and I headed out on a beautiful Pennsylvania adventure in search of a trail we could do in two days in early December. We'd have to forgo visions of the white stuff due to a warmer-than-average autumn, but despite the lack of snow, it still got down into the 20s (F) at night. It was a great trip, and I'm excited to premier the first-ever video trip report on Adventure-Inspired!
Overall, I'd recommend the Pinchot as a two day trip, like we did, or a very casual three day trip. Patrick did it in a day, but mentioned it was nice to slow down and look around on our hike. The Pennsylvania DCNR map isn't particularly detailed, but with the obvious trail markers and signs, you won't need much more than that. Though there isn't much elevation change, it's a beautiful trail and the scenery keeps things interesting throughout.
There are plenty of established campsites around the loop; use those and practice Leave No Trace. I'd also recommend starting where we did - by parking at the trail's true start and walking down to Tannery Road - to avoid having to walk a mile along the paved road at the end of the trip. Even though we technically hiked the entire trail backwards, it was great to pop out of the woods right at the car. Also, be careful to observe hunting season opening dates. Our trip coincided with big game season, and we didn't bring anything orange, though we did wear the brightest blues and reds we had.
In addition to finding a great backpacking trail close to home, I was also on a mission to complete testing of two pieces of Columbia gear, the Women's Heat 360 Half Zip Top and Cliff Grabber Gloves. Patrick had on his Reach the Peak Hybrid Down Jacket for a good portion of the trip as well.
Let us know if you enjoyed the video in the comments, and look for an outtakes and bloopers video soon! Thanks to Columbia for sponsoring the video.
Overall, I'd recommend the Pinchot as a two day trip, like we did, or a very casual three day trip. Patrick did it in a day, but mentioned it was nice to slow down and look around on our hike. The Pennsylvania DCNR map isn't particularly detailed, but with the obvious trail markers and signs, you won't need much more than that. Though there isn't much elevation change, it's a beautiful trail and the scenery keeps things interesting throughout.
There are plenty of established campsites around the loop; use those and practice Leave No Trace. I'd also recommend starting where we did - by parking at the trail's true start and walking down to Tannery Road - to avoid having to walk a mile along the paved road at the end of the trip. Even though we technically hiked the entire trail backwards, it was great to pop out of the woods right at the car. Also, be careful to observe hunting season opening dates. Our trip coincided with big game season, and we didn't bring anything orange, though we did wear the brightest blues and reds we had.
In addition to finding a great backpacking trail close to home, I was also on a mission to complete testing of two pieces of Columbia gear, the Women's Heat 360 Half Zip Top and Cliff Grabber Gloves. Patrick had on his Reach the Peak Hybrid Down Jacket for a good portion of the trip as well.
Let us know if you enjoyed the video in the comments, and look for an outtakes and bloopers video soon! Thanks to Columbia for sponsoring the video.
Comments
Barb & Bill
definitely do the trail backwards. thanks