12/11/2023 0 Comments Black forest trailWe continued on the BFT at the Alcinda Trail and reached the edge of the plateau with another superb view. At a juncture with the Algerine Trail, which is a part of the Long Branch Trail that connects to the West Rim Trail, the BFT turned left. We dropped into a cove with a reliable spring and some campsites. We hiked through scenic woodlands with laurel. The climb continued and became steeper and rockier to the top of the plateau, where the trail promptly leveled off. The climb continued on an old grade up the mountain to a second view, a stunning panorama over Slate Run. We reached the first view at an old quarry with large cliffs and cairns built from all the flat rocks. We passed two female backpackers, whom we would see again. A long, and mostly gradual, climb began along a narrow ridge with cool rock formations and pine trees. There we turned right onto the Black Forest Trail (BFT) which is blazed orange. We began at the parking area along Pine Creek, crossed the bridge, and passed the Hotel Manor. This route is very similar to the Slate Run 25k trail run race. They rebuilt some of the trails and cleared others, so say thanks to our trail running friends. This description is counterclockwise.īig thanks to the PA Trail Dogs for their work on these trails. Clockwise will bring you just the opposite. If you like gradual climbs and steep descents, hike it counterclockwise. It has about 3,700 feet of climbing and about the same for descending. This 18 mile hiking route will blow you away with its scenery. The first was the Golden Eagle-Hilborn Superloop, and now gorgeous Pine Creek has a second- the Slate Run Superloop. Hikers seem to like the Superloop concept- challenging all-day hiking loops with tons of great scenery. If you continue on the Black Forest Trail, you will reach a long, steep descent into Naval Run, so you will want to retrace your steps. Continue on the orange Black Forest Trail as it descends to another view of the gorge, this one looks north. The size and scope of the canyon are breathtaking, as it is surrounded with towering, vast plateaus with furrows of ridges. This is a famous view of the gorge and it is stunning, particularly in the morning when it is often above the clouds and mist. Reach a dry campsite and an excellent view looking south down the gorge. Continue climbing under pine trees as the trail begins to level. Enjoy one view looking toward the plateau with two windows through the trees. The trail then begins a steeper climb up Hemlock Mountain. After another descent, reach the orange blazed Black Forest Trail, on which you will go straight, or left. Follow the yellow blazed Old Cutoff Trail as it descends on some long switchbacks and then levels off along a forested ridge with hardwoods and laurel. Park at the small parking area on Big Trail Road, located at about 41.454056, -77.564225. This hike is a little over 2 miles, one way. While Hemlock Mountain is known for its steep climb if you follow the Black Forest Trail, there is an easy way to get to the mountain and enjoy its superb views of the Pine Creek Gorge. Hemlock Mountain is one of the highlights along the rugged 42 mile Black Forest Trail, a popular backpacking trail loop.
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