In a previous post, I sought input on food storage for my first overnight hike. Over the weekend, my 13 year old son and I were able to accomplish this first.
We headed to Raccoon Creek State Park in Western PA. It was about a 2 hour drive from our place in Ohio. Aside from location, we chose this hike for 2 reasons. It was a loop hike (20 miles total) and there were lean-tos available. The lean-tos were key as I have yet to invest in a tent. Interesting thing we discovered about the lean-tos was the fact that EMS donated the supplies for them.
We took off Saturday afternoon and hiked the first 9 miles in a little over 3 hours. The park office staff indicated this would be a rugged hike. They obviously haven't been to the High Peaks! But I was pleasantly surprised by the rolling landscape and remoteness of the trail. We both enjoyed walking a trail that didn't include stepping up and down off of large rocks.
We got to our lean-to and discovered that there was primitive camping area not more than a 1/4 mile from us. This was a pleasant surprise as they had a water source and outhouse. We unpacked and cooked our dinner at a picnic table that they had placed far away from the 5 lean-tos.
While cooking we discovered a tall pole with "branches" that was for hanging your food. Another welcome surprise. After feedback from forum members, I had intended to buy a bear canister for this trip. But REI did not have the one I wanted so I changed plans and was going to hang our food. This pole made things easier.
We headed to bed about 9:30 and woke in the middle of the night to a hard rain. Very glad for the shelter at this point! We woke again about 7:00 and got ready to finish the loop.
The second part was 11 miles. We really pushed the pace as it appeared that we were going to get dumped on. Fortunately, the rain missed us. We did however get soaked as the trail at several points was very grown over. With the rain during the night everything was wet.
We finished in a little over 3.5 hours and headed home, with a stop for food along the way.
Total trip was roughly 20 miles with 2000 ft of elevation gain. The trail was easy to follow and remote. We might have seen 10 people the whole time.
I attempted for the first time to upload photos. Hope it works!
We headed to Raccoon Creek State Park in Western PA. It was about a 2 hour drive from our place in Ohio. Aside from location, we chose this hike for 2 reasons. It was a loop hike (20 miles total) and there were lean-tos available. The lean-tos were key as I have yet to invest in a tent. Interesting thing we discovered about the lean-tos was the fact that EMS donated the supplies for them.
We took off Saturday afternoon and hiked the first 9 miles in a little over 3 hours. The park office staff indicated this would be a rugged hike. They obviously haven't been to the High Peaks! But I was pleasantly surprised by the rolling landscape and remoteness of the trail. We both enjoyed walking a trail that didn't include stepping up and down off of large rocks.
We got to our lean-to and discovered that there was primitive camping area not more than a 1/4 mile from us. This was a pleasant surprise as they had a water source and outhouse. We unpacked and cooked our dinner at a picnic table that they had placed far away from the 5 lean-tos.
While cooking we discovered a tall pole with "branches" that was for hanging your food. Another welcome surprise. After feedback from forum members, I had intended to buy a bear canister for this trip. But REI did not have the one I wanted so I changed plans and was going to hang our food. This pole made things easier.
We headed to bed about 9:30 and woke in the middle of the night to a hard rain. Very glad for the shelter at this point! We woke again about 7:00 and got ready to finish the loop.
The second part was 11 miles. We really pushed the pace as it appeared that we were going to get dumped on. Fortunately, the rain missed us. We did however get soaked as the trail at several points was very grown over. With the rain during the night everything was wet.
We finished in a little over 3.5 hours and headed home, with a stop for food along the way.
Total trip was roughly 20 miles with 2000 ft of elevation gain. The trail was easy to follow and remote. We might have seen 10 people the whole time.
I attempted for the first time to upload photos. Hope it works!
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