Trail conditions day 1 More day 1 trail. Access: The trail can be accessed from both the southern and northern termini of section 7: US Route 30, Tuscarora Summit (39.916, -77.9565). This might be a little problem if we planned on putting rain flies on the tents. It was a little after eleven when we finished lunch and started up. This means that hikers generally must hike shelter-to-shelter, which in a couple of cases forces some relatively long days. Part of why it took me so long to write this post is that the Tuscarora is a hard trail for me to like. This complete trail was originally built as separate trailsthe Tuscarora Trail in the north and the Big Blue Trail in the south. Also, I have in mind a thru-hike of the 71-mile Massanutten Trail, which circles the ridge of Massanutten Mountain. Trail conditions and routes may be subject to frequent and unannounced change. To detour this section, please consult the, The Tuscarora Trail 60th Anniversary Challenge, In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Tuscarora Trail, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is hosting the TT60Challenge. You should verify critical information such as directions, park hours, gate closings, blaze colors and specific regulations (pet policies, firearm/hunting regulations, etc.) Would love to do again in a few weeks when more leaves and flowers are out in full. My April temperature range for this trip was between 40 and 75. Youll find the hiking trail is mostly dirt and rocks, often way more rocks. No direct access to northernterminus, but can be accessed from the Lucas Woods side trail with road access at WV 23/2 (39.183,-78.432). . Again, the views were lovely, not spectacular. The blue blazes are really light at the parking spot. It connects to the Appalachian Trail at both its . What the Tuscarora lacks, though, is campsites. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Hardly any views as trees were blocking but nevertheless,indeed a solace-finding trail. The work didn't end there; once built, volunteers maintained . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It was a small Cessna 150J that went down due to engine power loss and fortunately their were only minimal injuries to one of the two passengers. The reward came as we reachedthe ridge. At the 3.5-mile mark, stay left for the white-blazed Laurel Run Trail. Admittedly, I keep on the move to keep my heart rate up, so I am not too focused on smelling the roses, that being noted, I would place this one at a 3, instead of a four, except that the trail does go along the ridge for a good mile, more if you walk some from the trail, and views can be had on both sides of the mountain as you go along the ridge for a nice distance. They definitely encourage you to take it slow though. The information available on this site, including without limitation, overviews, opinions,directions, GPS data, photographs, (collectively "Content") may contain information relating to a hazardous activity. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The rock scramble is fun but it does not better the view. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Pennsylvania, though, had very uneven maintenance; some areas were very well maintained, while others were very poorly kept. It does not store any personal data. The valleys were clear and pleasant. It stretches from Mathews Arm in Virginia to Sterretts Gap in Pennsylvania. Virginia had the best view at a campsite, in the George Washington National Forest on Little North Ridge Mountain. For this backpacking trip, I decided to head down to the border of West Virginia and Virginia to check out a pretty cool mountaintop lean-to shelter and do a little airplane scavenger hunt in-between the occasional rain showers that always tend to follow me around. We chose this hike because it offered seclusion though, and we certainly got that. " A W OpenMapTiles OSM 9.8 Miles Point to Point 2,451' High 1,222' Low 1,779' Up 1,076' Down 6% Avg Grade (3) 38% Max Grade (21) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry Driving directions Download GPX File Know This Trail? Stay to the left and you will re-enter the forest by way of the yellow-blazed Frye Path. There were 5-6 other cars in the parking area (not too big of a spot). At the trailhead, youll be in full sun, but not to worry. Enjoy this 7.4-mile out-and-back trail near Hedgesville, West Virginia. You should verify critical information such as directions, park hours, gate closings, blaze colors and specific regulations (pet policies, firearm/hunting regulations, etc.) These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Links: Fowlers Hollow State Park,Tuscarora State Forest. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Besides the elevation change early on, this hike is lacking a bit of challenge and variety, but I found those both to be forgivable. This is not on the white trail leading down. Bob and I did not put the flies on our tents last night since we knew it works be warm and almost no chance of rain in the HR forecast. This made the need for maintenance in Maryland almost nonexistent. Camping is limited to one night without a permit. Last year, I completed a thru-hike of the Tuscarora Trail, along with a stretch along the Appalachian Trail to form a loop. Some great views some very long walks down a fire road and always fun to see a well maintained shelter. I haven't had any poison ivy. before you embark upon your trip. Highlights: Big Mountain overlook. , Guide to the North Half of the Tuscarora Trail, C&O Canal NHP Visitor Center, Little Tonoloway Day Use Area. Cowan's Gap State Park campground with lake. Welcome to the Tuscarora Trail Established in the 1960's as an alternate route for the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Tuscarora Trail is a 250-mile long trail through the Ridge and Valley Appalachians of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Additional trail connections in the Tuscarora State Forest include: North Fork Trail, Couch Haul Road, Perry Lumber Co Trail, Twig Trail. Difficultly: The stated difficultly is 4. Advisory: Exercisecaution in Buchanan State Forest during hunting season. I'll review the standard route. I would expect ticks in season given the grasses growing along part of the ridge. As much as I enjoyed one of the top hikes near Winchester, the rocks scrambles were a drag at times. There are some loose stones/rocks under foot as you make your way up though. It also turned out to be a rather long day. All the roads in Shawneeland are called trails, including Maple Trail, Timber Ridge Trail and Fir Trail. Access:The trail can be accessed from the northern terminusof section 15: No direct access to southern terminus, but can be accessed from the Lucas Woods side trail with road access at WV 23/2 (39.183,-78.432). It didnt help that these areas of low maintenance also coincided with some of the most rugged areas on the trail, and there were places in Pennsylvania where I struggled to maintain one mile per hour. And while both the Tuscaroras northern and southern termini are on the Appalachian Trail, and the Tuscarora goes through the Appalachian Mountains, those two trails could hardly be more different. This leads to a small waterfall. Lots of rock covered with wet leaves -- hmmmm. on our section trails. Erin Metcalf PA Tuscarora Trail ~ Bill Miller Trail to Cowpens Road. Youll see a double white blaze on a telephone pole and a small sign for the Biby Wilderness Trail. The ascent now begins, but really, you go up a little, walk a flat section, go down, then back up again, then walk once more on a flat section. Like the Tuscarora, the BMT is more remote than the AT. You'll find the hiking trail is mostly dirt and rocks, often way more rocks. Day 1 Mileage: 4.7 miles In full sun at the overlook, I was comfortable. Generally considered a challenging route. Going into Shenandoah backwards was very weird, and I did not recall a substantial portion of that part of the AT from my 2016 thru-hike. Both routes re-connect with the hiking trail. For more information, visit the PATC TT60 Challenge page. I didn't get lost either, which is always a plus. We maintain twelve hiking shelters (and the privys!) To detour this section, please consult the updates page for current detour information. The morning started like yesterday, overcast, with fog in the treetops. Max Elevation: 2300ft. Min Elevation: 800 ft. Access: The trail can be accessed by road from both the northern and southern termini of section 5: Advisory: No water along this section, Exercise caution in the Tuscarora State Forest during hunting season. To the left of the overlook, you will see a white-blazed trail, which basically runs parallel to the Tuscarora Trail, but also runs alongside several more overlooks. Max Elevation: 990 ft. Min Elevation:600 ft. Access: The trail can be accessed from both the southern and northern termini of section 14: Siler, VA. Va Route 600 and 690 (39.351, -78.240). This 0.7-mile hiking trail leads to the Tuscarora Trail. At the shelter I talked to a gal for a second. Recommend repainting the blue blazes. You should verify critical information such as directions, park hours, gate closings, blaze colors and specific regulations (pet policies, firearm/hunting regulations, etc.) You dont want to miss the Allegheny View. It looks like a zipline platform, but to be clear, there is no zipline. Carry lots of water. This long-distance trail was created in the 1960's as an alternate route for the Appalachian Trail. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The trailhead is located in the Shawneeland neighborhood, which is situated on a small mountain. I've been thinking about planning a thru hike or section hike of the Tuscarora Trail sometime next year. Max Elevation:2400 ft. Min Elevation: 790 ft. Where it existed, water quality on the trail was wildly inconsistent. It is less busy and a bit more rugged compared to the A.T. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Once you reach the open ridge, though, it was really nice. I never made it to the Shelter and decided to turn back -- I was probably within a half mile. . Ive never read any reports of anyone actually finding or visiting this site, so I really had no idea if there would be anything to be found. Max Elevation: 1950ft. Min Elevation: 790 ft. I noted other comments about the decent from the shelter being hard on knees. Initially the Tuscarora Trail follows a disused forestry road, then becomes a single lane trail that is overgrown in places. Tuscarora Trail East Map (PDF) Tuscarora Trail West Map (PDF) Snowmobile Trail Maps . Tuscarora State Forest Treasures Maps and Information (PDF) Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area Trail Guide (PDF) Tuscarora Trail. Continue to your right on Waites Run FS Road road for another 0.8 miles back to the parking area. A lot of rotted and dying trees and there were a couple of signs about chemicals that had been applied, so who knows. Tuscarora State Forest Snowmobile Trail - Northern Division (PDF) Turn right on the blue blazed trail. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Instead, you park parallel on Timber Ridge Trail where it meets Rockwood Trail. At the .3-mile mark, you will reach a sign for the Allegheny View and a yellow-blazed spur trail. But hey, it was a good excuse to get out into the woods, so I grabbed my pack and headed out for some adventure, Route Overview Gerhard Shelter Tuscarora Trail Backpacking Trip 2022 Sintax77, Trailhead Used: Tuscarora Trail Waites Run Rd, 390055.0N 783617.8W I know a lot of hikers dislike being on the FS roads, but I don't mind them at all as long as it's not the whole hike! Other: The trail markings as per the instructions seemed sound, as did the given instructions in general. Established in the 1960's as an alternate route for the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Tuscarora Trail is a 250-mile long trail through the Ridge and Valley Appalachians of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Camping: Fowlers Hollow Shelter (40.247,-77.611), Fowlers Hollow State Park. Max Elevation:2515 ft. Min Elevation:670 ft. There was remnants of a snow dusting on the ridgeline. View of Route, Stay right on the now yellow blazed trail, http://www.meetup.com/CharityHikers/calendar/13157584/, http://hiking.meetup.com/162/calendar/13157640/, View all 12 archived reviews for the Gerhard Shelter hike, 5.5 hours As in, the view doesnt improve the further down you go on the rock scramble. There is another nice shelter here. These signs are now fullyinstalled. In addition to funding this website, part of the REI grant has been used by PATC volunteers to design and purchase hundreds of new full-color directional signs that will guide hikers through the entire 250 miles. before you embark upon your trip. The Charlie Irvin Shelter at Waggoner's Gap on the Tuscarora Trail has been a work-in-progress for Pennsylvania volunteers. Our trusty mountain dog, Boone, also came along. But it does make hiking the trail somewhat inconvenient. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. It will have some family genealogy information as well as my travel journals. You drive up and up and up to reach Timber Ridge Trail. The trail in Virginia and West Virginia was mostly well-maintained, and there were only a few areas where the trail was overgrown and a nuisance to hike on. For more information, visit. Most other water sources fell somewhere in-between. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Weather was crisp and perfect. Also, the blue trail that leads off this initial trail/road can be located by two green blazes circling a tree, not too mention that the fire road begins to descend as per the instructions. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 0 min to complete. Despite the 90+ degree day, the temps at the top and along the hike were manageable. The information available on this site, including without limitation, overviews, opinions,directions, GPS data, photographs, (collectively "Content") may contain information relating to a hazardous activity. Before you take your first steps, enjoy the mountain views in the distance. I did it in "reverse" that time since the hike up the standard way was pretty tough. Dont forget, the last mile is nearly all uphill until the end. And occasionally, you do get nice landscapes. The Great Eastern Trail is roughly 1600 miles long, a consists of a patchwork of other trails and roadwalks that will eventually stretch from the northern terminus of the Florida Trail, to the North Country Trail. At this point the trail is a closed forestry road (FS) that slowly climbs the side of the mountain for 0.8 miles before the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail makes a sharp right, and the FS road continues straight. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Tuscarora wasnt my favorite hike, but, on the whole, I had a good time. Although they rate in discreet integers, I think a 3.5 is in order if you're looking at picking a trail. Tuscarora Trail: Route 55 to Van Buren Furnace Hard 4.2 (10) George Washington National Forest - Lee District Photos (615) Directions Print/PDF map Length 25.8 miElevation gain 4,058 ftRoute type Point to point Head out on this 25.8-mile point-to-point trail near Wardensville, West Virginia. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. There seemed to be a lot of interesting trails in the George Washington National forest in Virginia and West Virginia, and it would be fun to explore those. This is a pretty hike that rewardsyou for the early miles of uphill exertionwith wide views to the east and west anda very well-maintained shelter for a rest stop. All uphill though, a shorter day and the trail guide promises a waterfall near the shelter. Being out of hiking shape (and with it hot and high humidity), the Roller Coaster section of West Virginia was brutal. It wasn't raining on us as expected but it was pretty cool and overcast for much of the day. The best view is from the top of the scramble. The PATC revived the trail, began maintaining it, and united the Tuscarora-Big Blue Trail with blue blazes and one name. At this point, we should have been at the 4.0 mile marker butour GPS was 3.87 mi. While I doubt Id hike the whole thing again, there were a couple of places I wouldnt mind revisiting. In a few more steps, you will reach the Pinnacle Shelter. We saw nobody else the entire day. I also noted ice on some streams and frozen over puddles that didn't seem tempted to thaw. Hike itself was great, with plenty of sweat and breaks. Get to know this 8.5-mile loop trail near Newville, Pennsylvania. Perhaps a bit cold up on top in the wintertime (of course that's what fires are for, lol, and there is a spot for one at the shelter). THE AUTHORS OF THIS SITE AND THE PATC ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR HARM TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY THAT RESULTS FROM YOUR USE OF THIS SITE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, USE OF ANY CONTENT ON THE SITE. he trail can be accessed by road from both the northern and southern termini of section 5: he trail can be accessed by road from both the northern and southern termini of section 6: Limited shoulder parking onFannettsburg Road (. Roadwalks do have the benefit that its generally easy to keep a fast pace, but they are typically also quite boring, and pavement and asphalt are much harder on the legs and knees than dirt. Exercise caution in SGL #124 during hunting season. Reservations can be made online at the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website at any time, or by calling 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday through Saturday, 7:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. There are several overlooks, too. This is an easily accessible parking area with room for a half dozen cars. Turn right onto the spur trail to reach the three-sided Pinnacle Shelter. Information on this site is presented with intent to be as accurate as possible at the time of posting, but it is provided as is and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. Additional Road Access in Tuscarora State Forest: Limited Parking at Three Square Hollow Road (40.228, -77.569), Limited Parking at 2nd Narrow Road (40.224, -77.594). US Route 30, Tuscarora Summit (39.916, -77.9565) Additional trail connections in the Buchanan State Forest and Cowans Gap State Park include: Standing Stone Trail, Geyer Trail, Logslide Trail, Richmond Trail, Fore Trail, Lincoln Trail. 2017by PATC. The AT sections of my loop hike went largely as I expected, and I dont really have much to add I didnt already cover in my hike journal. I noted no hidden patches of ice on trail rocks (as tends to occur under leaves sometimes) that would make for 'awesome' footing. To see more signs and volunteers installing them, The Tuscarora Trail section just west of Massanutten Mountain is closed due to loss of landowner permission. PATC Map J, Guide to the North Half of the Tuscarora Trail. Turn right on the unblazed forestry road. Theres plenty of room for everyone, too. Tuscarora Trail: Biby Trail to Pinnacle Shelter Hard 4.5 (395) High View, West Virginia Photos (538) Directions Print/PDF map Length 5.6 miElevation gain 1,322 ftRoute type Out & back Check out this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near High View, West Virginia. Location: Gravel Springs Hut (66.4 miles) Tags: Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Tuscarora Trail, Virginia. Today is my last full day on the AT before reaching the Tuscarora Trail. Tuscarora Trailing: Day Two, May 30 - Licking Creek to Reese Hollow Shelter, ~21 miles. At the trail sign, turn left onto the southbound section of the 252-mile Tuscarora Trail. Didn't see anyone else the whole hike. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Al Musser Appalachian Trail ~ Pine Grove Furnace State Park to Woodrow Road. Highlights: Pinnacleoverlook, Laurel Run Falls. Advisory: Exercise caution in the Tuscarora State Forest during hunting season. The intense patchwork of private land ownership around the Tuscarora Trail also manifests in some rather extensive road walks. This section of the Tuscarora Trail has several overlooks, highlighted by one at Terrapin Spring near the southern end, and the Paul Gerhard Shelter at the midpoint. It was a bit cold this morning, but not terribly so. A hiking destination in its own right, the Tuscarora Trail leaves the AT near Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park making its way west and north to rejoin the AT atop Blue Mountain, 10 miles south of Duncannon, Pa. Coupling the experience of remote wilderness, green pastures, small towns, rugged tread-way and country back roads, the Tuscarora offers a truly unique hiking adventure. Turn left for Pinnacle Camp. I plan to go back at some point and hike from the Northern terminus back to this. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The view was pleasant, but it was also obstructed by leaves, so it may be better in late-fall or winter. Please contact John Stacy atjstacy@patc.netwith any questions. The information available on this site, including without limitation, overviews, opinions,directions, GPS data, photographs, (collectively "Content") may contain information relating to a hazardous activity. Grand Total Gross Elevation Gain: 1,901. Reports indicate the next few miles to the north are not nearly as enjoyable as the section described here, with multiple ATV trails intersecting the TT. 2021 Tuscarora 2021 Tuscarora Trail - Day Three - Barclays Run Shelter Posted by stoffa on 20 May 2021 Thursday, 20 May Bob and I did not put the flies on our tents last night since we knew it works be warm and almost no chance of rain in the HR forecast. The Charlie Irvin Shelter is nestled on the edge of a cliff with wonderful a wonderful view of the valley. Check out the Trail Finder feature or send Erin a message. 2017by PATC. Location: Rocky Run Shelter (412.9 miles) Tags: Appalachian Trail, Maryland, Tuscarora Trail The penultimate day of hiking on my Tuscarora-Appalachian Trail loop brought me a day of great weather and views. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 51 min to complete. Bob and I put on our camp sandals to cross stopping on the other side to put our hiking shoes back on. The nearest being maybe 3/4 of a mile, give or take, in the direction that you come in on. It connects to the AT near Harrisburg and in Shenandoah National Park (SNP). That would add another six plus miles to our day and most of that would be uphill. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Links: PA State Game Lands,PATC Cabins Rentals, PATC Maps K and L, Guide to the North Half of the Tuscarora Trail, Max Elevation: 395 ft. Min Elevation: 415 ft, Highlights: C&O Canal NHP Visitor Center, Little Tonoloway Day Use Area. Proudly created with Wix.com. White blaze downhill after the Shelter was steep, and pressure on the knees. It may have been in the high 20s up high, as my beanie cap seemed stiff in parts, I think from frozen sweat. Tuscarora Trail: Biby Trail to Pinnacle Shelter Hard (377) High View, West Virginia Photos (495) Directions Print/PDF Map Discover this 9.0-km out-and-back trail near High View, West Virginia. The information available on this site, including without limitation, overviews, opinions,directions, GPS data, photographs, (collectively "Content") may contain information relating to a hazardous activity. Looks like cell service is good here. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 44 min to complete. I will comment on the trail head. Philip L. Southers Lee Drive North. Cowans Gap State Park to PA 16, 9.6 miles, PATC Map K, Guide to the North Half of the Tuscarora Trail. The sign marking VA and WV was cool. Turn right on the yellow blazed Wilson Cove Trail and FS road as it winds through the valley for 2.0 miles and passes a closed gate and small parking area. You'll have to watch your PA water sources, as several shelters are dry or a legit mile plus down off the ridge for water. I really enjoyed this hike and felt good afterwards. Tags: Pennsylvania, Tuscarora Trail Today is the penultimate day of my Tuscarora Trail thru-hike, to the northernmost shelter on the Tuscarora, the Charlie Irvin Shelter. It's not so bad that it's not doable, but I'm hoping she'll come to enjoy hiking so I didn't want to overdo it with her. This is because a large portion of the Tuscarora is on or adjacent to private land, where no camping is allowed. From here, begin your descent along the rocky switchback-laden trail. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Despite this, the Tuscarora Trail remains a seldom traveled long trail. The Tuscarora is a bypass route of the Appalachian Trail (AT) that is about 250 miles long. Still warm. Take it slow on this white-blazed trail. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. We are working on a shorter reroute. Section Update, Camping:Licking Creek Campground (39.651, -78.048). In a few more steps, youll start to hear moving water, then an easy-to-miss spur trail turns up on the right at the 1.9-mile mark. The information available on this site, including without limitation, overviews, opinions,directions, GPS data, photographs, (collectively "Content") may contain information relating to a hazardous activity. Overall, this was a great hike, but the first three miles till you get up to the ridge was just OK. In Pennsylvania, the Charlie Irvin Shelter had one of, if not the best view of any shelter Ive ever stayed at, overlooking the Cumberland Valley and providing a fitting place to spend the last evening on the trail. But its a difficult trail to thru-hike because of the challenges presented by the trails location and design. Once you reach the Tuscarora Trail, turn right to continue on to the Pinnacle Overlook, which turns up on the right at the 2.9-mile mark.
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