SCWDC Backpacking Trip: West Rim Trail, Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania

Dates:
May 14 - 17, 1999, Friday night to Monday afternoon

Location:
North central Pennsylvania, Tioga & Lycoming Counties, in Tioga State Forest

Motel for Friday night:
Canyon Motel
15 East Avenue
Wellsboro, PA 16901
800-255-2718

Meeting Place:
To be determined

Estimated cost:
$39.00

Trip Description:

This thirty mile linear trail frequently hugs the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge - the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. We will cover approximately 30 miles in three days with an 1170' gain in elevation. This is a moderate trip suitable for experienced, fit backpackers, and strong dayhikers only. We will drive to Wellsboro, PA on Friday evening and stay in a motel. Early Saturday we will drive to the southern trail head and drop off our cars. The shuttle bus will pick us up there and take us to the northern trailhead where we will start the trip.

Each participant is required to provide their own gear and food. Plan on carrying food for Saturday lunch to Monday lunch, plus snacks. Assume that fires are not possible and that all cooking will be done on backpacking stoves. People who do not have the necessary equipment can rent the large items (tent, backpack, sleeping bag, stove) from some of the local backpacking stores. We will carpool to and from PA. Suzanne will provide a list of participants. Participants may choose to share: tents, stoves, water filters, first aid kits, meals, and carpool. Trip size is limited to ten people.

Some Necessary Gear

• sturdy, broken in hiking boots
• tent
• sleeping bag plus pad
• rain suit or poncho
• extra clothes
• sunscreen, sunglasses, hat with brim
• wool sweater or fleece jacket
• light but warm knit hat
• flashlight, extra bulb and batteries
• compass readable to one or two degrees
• topographic map
• toilet paper + trowel
• matches in waterproof container
• pocket knife
• biodegradable soap, wash cloth, small towel
• properly fitted and adjusted backpack
• light weight backpacking stove
• food
• 2 quarts or liters of water
• personal first aid items
• water purification tablets or a water filter
• money for gas, meals
  

Common Items

If people want to share: tents, stoves, water filters, first aid kits, or meals, you can work that out for yourselves from the participant list. One stove, filter, or first aid kit for every three people should be enough.

Guidebook & Maps

West Rim Trail map
PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
District Forester
Tioga State Forest
One Nessmuk Lane
Wellsboro, PA 16901
717-724-2868

West Rim Trail Guidebook & Map
Pine Creek Press Publisher
RR4 Box 130B
Wellsboro, PA 16901
717-724-3003

USGS 7.5' Topographic maps: Tiadaghton, Cedar Run

You will need either the first or second map, I have the topo's so its not necessary to get them, plus they don't show the trail anyway. The guidebook is also available from the Adventurous Traveler Bookstore.

Health Problems

If anyone has a health problem that we should know about, please tell us before you pass out.

Food

Bring more food than you would normally eat. As a backpacker, you will appreciate the concept of food as fuel. Bring things that are lightweight, tasty, and nutritious but easy to prepare, cook, and clean up after. Also bring foods that will not spoil in the heat. Plan a menu from Saturday lunch to Monday lunch plus snacks.

Leave No Trace

We will practice "Leave No Trace" backcountry ethics.

Cost

The cost is $39.00 per participant. This is for a single nights lodging in the motel Friday night. People must pay in advance to register for the trip. If you haven't paid, your not signed up. You will also need money for gas for the drivers, and some extra meals.

Trip Co-Leaders:
Suzanne Benvenuto
Phone:

Ted Fryberger
6259 Deep River Canyon
Columbia, MD 21045
Phone: 443-917-2902

Driving Directions:

To be determined

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