Great hike on the Lincoln and Marion Brooks Loops last weekend.

I spent a few days in the Elk Country area of PA Wilds this summer and thought I would share for anyone planning to visit during the rut this year.

The first part of my trip was camping in Parker Dam, though it is probably too cold to camp or paddle there now it was really beautiful and peaceful, so I would recommend it for next summer. They say its a good place to see elk in the PA Parks passport, but I didnt see any there.

The second half of my trip, I stayed at a bed and breakfast in Emporium. The owners told me there is a lookout over the city where you can sometimes see an elk herd, but when I went up it was overcast and I couldn't see anything so I didn't spend much time there. It was a really charming bed and breakfast called Hygrade Inn that was decorated really cool, with dark academia/fantasy vibes that reminded me of Over the Garden Wall (a cool 10-min 10-episode cartoon series perfect for October vibes!). The breakfast was amazing each morning, and I'm glad I reserved dinner my first night because the mushroom sauce was to die for.

Not too far away is St. Mary's where I believe is PA's oldest independently owned brewery called Straub Brewery. They have an "eternal tap" during business hours where you can get a free draft brew right in the warehouse, and also offer free tours of the brewery. Fun and unique. I didn't have time to explore more but it looks like a cute town with little shops to visit.

I also tried to get a few hikes in, but during my visit it was raining a lot so I didn't get to do as much as I had wanted. I love exploring the PA Wilds though and have been to a few different spots in this region over the years. I really want to come back and see more of Allegheny forest and Cook Forest further west.

If anyone is interested, I wrote a full weekend itinerary that might be good for elk viewers: https://theadventuresabound.com/elk-country-weekend-itinerary/

The blog post was part of working with the PA Wilds but this post is not, I just wanted to share in case people were looking for a personal recommendation and more stuff to do in the area. I thought it was really cute, and want to help support these rural communities - they can really use our support!

Hiking the Panther Hollow Loop Trail at Schenley Park was a great time! It’s a beautiful park and worth the exploration.

I live like 10 mins away from Ricketts glen and I’ve only touched that this summer due to work but since I’m moving in less than a year I wanna hit a good chunk of trails before I’m in NY for a couple of years

Marsh Creek State Park - Oct 2026
Still In Front

There is that moment every morning when the day is still in front of you, all outcomes are still on the table. Shot with a Sony A99II and CZ 16-35 lens using a Lee100 GND filter. Camera mounted on a RRS tripod & head with a 3 Legged Thing universal mounting plate.

Spent a quick overnight last weekend at the Minister Creek overlook - beautiful surroundings and perfect weather! Heard an owl and some coyotes during the night, but otherwise not too much animal activity.

Was anyone here in attendance of this fun event in Asaph Sunday.

I am looking for a somewhat leisurely 4-5 night (40 miles or so) section of the AT to do. I am open to starting my hike anywhere along the AT but it should ideally end towards the Lebanon / Lancaster area or at least within an hour of there so I can arrange a pickup. I am not crazy on the shelters, so I am planning to primitive backpack in the trail, but if there are sections of the AT that go through a town and are worth checking out I can extend my time to visit that town!

Anyone have a good section of the AT that could fit my needs?

THANKS

A new application has been submitted for this access road/staging area in this incredible section of state forest. Comment period ends 10/26, please make your voice heard.

https://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2026/09/dep-invites-comments-on-new-pa-general.html

North Park has a beautifully scenic 75-acre lake in the heart of the park. The 5-mile loop paved trail around the lake is well used by walkers,
joggers, runners, cyclists, dog walkers, and skaters all year long and runs alongside the road. Overall a beautiful place to explore! #Yeshua #Jesus #hiking #nature #trail #2026

hello all! we are planning on making the 4.5 hour trek this evening for stargazing and of course all of the campsites are fully booked for tonight! is there anywhere nearby where we can simply park the car and throw the air mattress in the back for sleeping overnight?

ALSO do we think it is worth it for the drive? clear dark sky is confusing me for tonight especially with the second row showing cloudy and weather forecast showing cloudy after 10!!

thanks in advance!!

Hi everyone! We had a trip planned on the AT in PA in October but decided to do the BFT instead, it looks to be a very rewarding challenge:)

From what I’ve read, CCW is the preferred direction. I saw someone mention stopping at the Manor during the hike and grabbing burgers to hike back out with. Does anyone have any advice on where to start to make this happen? I think I saw Route 44 parking but wanted to ask people who’ve done it.

I’ve been reading a ton about the trail and the area but any advice is welcome. This will be our first time on the BFT and we will be coming from Ohio, we should have 4ish days and 3 nights to complete it. We are late 30s and in good shape, I think the closest trail we have to this is Shawnee in southern Ohio which is pretty tough, we visit there often.

Thank you!

Does anyone know of any locations in central or Northern PA where you have to take old dirt roads to a camping spot, preferably by a lake? Almost like all those car commercials where the family drives through the woods to a remote unofficial camp site. Bought a new truck tent and want to find some off grid areas to camp with it.

I’m headed up to cherry spring state park this weekend (oct 9-11). Im hoping to have great visibility because of the new moon. I did a lot of research on this trip but does anyone have any fun tips or food recommendations in the area? I’m SO excited.

I am moving to Pittsburgh (arriving tomorrow!) from the Seattle area and looking to get out and explore some hiking trails. I am quite experienced and in decent shape. I have hiked and backpacked A LOT, but almost entirely in the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. I've included some elevation profiles and pictures of recent hikes in WA.

I don't know anything about hiking in PA, but would love a few recs for trails that will show me what hiking in Western PA is all about.

Desired traits:

• wilderness - away from road noise, not super busy

• within 90 minutes drive of the university of Pittsburgh

• can take my dog with me

• 8-14 miles: loop or out and back

I have an America the Beautiful pass, but if any other passes are required, please let me know.

Looking to get away from everything for two days. How would catching the mid state trail in Little Pine State Park, packing in maybe 10 miles to spend the night and then back out the next day be? Would there be issues finding a site? Is that a good area and time of year to avoid humans? I have lots of hiking and a bit of winter camping experience and really like that part of the state.

Around Autumn of 2027 (I plan WAY far ahead 😆) I will be planning a hiking trip all around Pennsylvania.
I plan to hike Hawk Mountain, Ricketts Glen, PA Grand Canyon, and Pocono area. Having said that, since it is hunting season, should I be concerned with bear activity? I plan to wear blaze orange and stick to the trails. I assume I should be perfectly fine but you never know.
Thank you in advance, God Bless ✌️