Hike 4 – Grove Run Trail – 4.2 miles

With my parents gone home to Virginia, Jackie and I (and the dog) took the afternoon‘s opportunity for a hike. The weather has been great here in Pittsburgh as of late, and today was no exception. We settled on the Grove Run Trail, in Linn Run State Park, near Ligonier, PA. This 4.2 mile trail is a straightforward loop, is easy to locate, and has ample parking.

We set off with Cash down the wide trail, which soon became a narrow path. We passed a few people, out enjoying the trail, but obviously not equipped for hiking the entire length. After the first half mile, we didn’t see anyone else until the end.

This trail is rocky and somewhat difficult to traverse. We spent the majority of our time hiking along the side of a ravine. Maintaining one’s balance can be tough on such an uneven surface. Due to the terrain, it took longer than we had planned to hike the entire loop. Oh well.

The trail is quite scenic. It follows Grove Run, which is a tiny stream that wanders through the forest. Along the first two miles, there are several waterfalls and springs that pour forth from the ground. There is a trail register about halfway down, and we noticed that the trail has been fairly busy. In fact, we were the fourth entry for this day alone!

After a long journey of wandering along the trail, we made it back to our truck and basked in the satisfaction of another hike completed.

Hike on.

Hike 15 – Quebec Run Wild Area – 9 miles

Today I began the 2012 hiking season with a trip to the remote and scenic Quebec Run Wild Area. This is an area south of Uniontown, PA, that sits close to the Maryland border. The trailhead was easy to find, but sits at the end of a gravel road that receives little to no maintenance. My parents and younger brother were in town for the weekend, and I thought it would be a great chance to do some male bonding by taking my dad and brother backpacking.

However, as the best-laid plans are wont to do, my father arrived ill and was unable to go backpacking. Making the best of the situation and not wanting to miss out on time spent with my dad, I decided to go for a day hike with my brother, Jacob and my dog, Cash. Jacob is 15 years old and has the energy and stamina one would expect from a teenager. He didn’t even break a sweat. Thirty-three felt a lot older today than it should.

We arrived at the trailhead and set off down the well-blazed Mill Run Trail. The parking area is small for this one, but don’t worry; you likely won’t encounter a single soul on this remote hike. The map that Thwaites provides in his book is fairly accurate. But pay attention. There are a myriad of at least 8 trails that intersect and criss-cross and meander off into the unknown. Do not attempt this hike without a map. GPS wouldn’t be a bad idea either. It sure came in handy for me.

After a few careful intersection navigations, the trail follows Quebec Run, a peaceful wide waterway that you will cross several times on this hike. There are well-constructed newer bridges over all the major stream crossings. We did have to improvise and cross over a fallen log after we lost the trail a little ways after the first junction with the Grist Mill Trail. Soon after crossing, we were back on the right path.

We saw two white-tailed deer in the woods as we crossed over a plateau. They had let us come quite close to them before they scampered off. I always enjoy meeting wildlife on the trails, as one rarely gets such an experience in day-to-day living. The music of the birds and the song of the stream can soothe all troubles and calm the soul.

For as remote as this hike is, it is well-marked with red blazes (that used to be blue). Except for the previous error in orientation, we never lost the trail, nor had any difficulty in following it. The junctions are also marked in an easy-to-understand manner and, as long as you follow the map carefully, you won’t get lost. After tracing a lopsided figure-eight throughout this “wild area,” we found ourselves back at our vehicle and headed home. I think that this was perhaps the quickest nine miles I have ever hiked. It took just over two hours to complete. I think that having my younger (and in far-better shape) brother with me helped a great deal. Thanks, Jake.

Hike on.

KTA 100-Mile Challenge 2012

This year, I am participating in the 100-Mile Challenge – a fundraiser for the Keystone Trails Association. I am a proud member of this club, Pennsylvania’s only hiking association. They advocate for the trails, helping to encourage their use, maintain them through volunteer efforts and organize events to enjoy these statewide wonders.

From April 1 through September 1, I will hike at least 100 miles. I am seeking donations of at least one dollar from those who wish to sponsor me. I have sent letters to Pennsylvania businesses asking for their support. If you would like to donate, please send check or money order, payable to “Keystone Trails Association,” to 549 Filmore Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15221. All donations received will be mailed to KTA on 9/2/12. I am also working on setting up a PayPal link. I will also post the names of donors in recognition of their generosity, unless they specifically request not to be named. Keep checking back for updates

For more information on Keystone Trails Association or the 100-Mile Challenge, visit http://www.kta-hike.org/

Thank you for reading this blog. I appreciate your support.

Hike on.