PAHikes.com - Hiking in Central PA and Around the State

Last After-Work Hike of the Season

11/10/2009

Looking to take advantage of after work daylight before we turned the clocks back, Tim and I decided to do a hike in the Shingletown Gap area. This would be our last after-work hike of the season and we wanted to do something close by so that we had enough time to put in a little bit of mileage. I suggested this particular hike, which I had done over 2 years ago, as it explored trails that Tim had not yet hiked. Read the trip report, browse photos and view a map of our hike.

The Mid State Trail and Hairy John?

11/2/2009

About 2 years ago I ventured into Woodward Gap to explore the trails and do a hike on the Mid State Trail. This was in December, and with snow and ice on the ground, that hike was cut short and I promised to come back at a later date to continue my exploring. On a relatively mild, late October day, I managed to get back to Woodward Gap to visit a section of the Mid State Trail. Oh, and if you want to learn who this Hairy John is, read on!

A Variation on Hiking Bear Meadows

10/5/2009

Located in Rothrock State Forest, Bear Meadows is one of the largest fresh water bogs in the east. It is a great place to explore and the Bear Meadows Trail that loops around the bog is an excellent place to start. However, this hike was a slight variation of the typical Bear Meadows hike as we explore the area surrounding the bog on some of the trails and ridgelines to the northeast. Read all about our hike to the ridgeline and on other trails in the Bear Meadows area.

Finish Your Hike Without Feeling Exhausted

9/23/2009

There are a few things that you can do to make sure that when you are done hiking for the day that you don't feel completely exhausted. As you hike, you're body is burning fuel (sugars and fats in your body) to give you the energy you need. In order to efficiently convert this fuel your body needs oxygen. Huffing and puffing while hiking is a sign that your body is not getting enough oxygen. On steep ascents, slow down a bit, and try not to get out-of-breath. Try to hike at a pace that is comfortable and you are able to hold a conversation with a fellow hiker. If you can talk while hiking, then your body is getting the oxygen that it needs.

Even in optimal conditions, lactic acid can build up in your muscles from an inadequate supply of oxygen. This build up of lactic acid will cause a burning feeling as I'm sure you've all felt while climbing those steep hills. Stopping every 30 to 40 minutes and taking a 5 to 10 minute break will go a long way to dispersing this lactic acid build up.

AFT and the Rock Run Trails

9/7/2009

This after-work hike had us walking a section of the Rock Run trail system. We decided to park at the Allegheny Front Trail trailhead along route PA504 and then hike back the Entrance Trail to the south loop of the Rock Run Trails. We would then hike around the south loop, crossing over Rock Run and returning to the Entrance Trail via the Woodland Trail. This was somewhat ambitious for an after work hike, being about 20 miles from work and hiking a little over 7 miles. I thought we would be hard pressed to finish this by dark. Read all about our hike as well as view pictures and hike stats for this latest outing.

Hiking the MST: Poe Paddy S.P. to Woodward Gap

8/16/2009

Recently I was able to add another section of the Mid State Trail to my belt. Tim and I had hiked from Poe Paddy State Park to Woodward Gap. We passed through the only tunnel found on a Pennsylvania hiking trail as well as discovered the origin of the trail name Rock Knob Trail. Read all about our hike, as well as see hike stats and view photos from this latest adventure.

Prowling the Sproul

8/8/2009

The weekend of July 18th and 19th marked the 6th Annual Prowl the Sproul hiking weekend. Hosted by KTA and DCNR, this event offers hikers numerous opportunities to explore the Sproul State Forest. Hikes range from easy to difficult and vary in length. This year I had the opportunity to explore a section of Sproul State Forest on unblazed trails. A DCNR ranger lead us on some of the trails of Shoemaker ridge, where we got to take in a couple vistas and hiked along Baker and Clendenin Runs which were picturesque and full of small falls and riffles as well as a swimming hole or two. Read all about our exploration of the Sproul State Forest and the trails of Shoemaker Ridge.

Revisiting The Rothrock Forest Fire Area

7/26/2009

During the middle of July I decided to revist the site of the 2006 Rothrock Forest Fire on Tussey Mountain. I was interested in seeing how the area looked three years later as well as checking out the state of the Tussey Mountain Trail that runs across the top of the mountain. Read all about my hike and see photos from the fire area as well as pictures along the Tussey Mountain Trail.

Favorite Hiking Quotes

7/22/2009

I've just posted a listing of some of my favorite hiking quotes. I welcome you to read them and feel free to use them in your everyday conversation, as taglines on your emails, or however you wish.

A Nice Stroll on Mountain View Trail

7/19/2009

There are over 25 miles of trail located within the Stone Valley Recreation Area. With the draining of Lake Perez, hiking is now the main activity for this area. In early July, I decided to do hike on the Mountain View Trail. You can read all about the hike, as well as view photos and maps of this family friendly trail.