Winter Camping in Pennsylvania's Most Remote Forest
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- Backpacking, Hiking & Winter Camping with Snow in Pennsylvania's Hammersley Wild Area.
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For this early December backpacking trip, I set out to hike a 3 day, 20ish mile loop in the mountains of north central Pennsylvania. I created my loop by using a portion of the Susquehannock Trail System, some off-trail bushwhacking, and a ridge hike along the adjacent Twin Sisters Trail.
My weather conditions were forecasted to have some fresh snow, temps mostly in the 20’s and a potential for freezing rain as the temps rose further into the trip. While this was a pretty wide range of possible conditions, it also wasn’t terribly cold, so I was still able to pack somewhat ultralight and minimal. My camping target for day one was down in the hollow along the banks of Hammersley Fork. On day two I planned to head up to the ridge and camp in the area devoid of trees due to a forest fire back in 1962. Due to the potential lack of trees, I swapped out my typical hammock setup for a single person tent and sleeping pad to keep my campsite options flexible.
For an easier read and downloadable GPS data, check out my full blog post
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The Hammersley Wild Area is the most remote swath of public land in Pennsylvania, with some spots over 5 miles from the nearest road, which combined with the season, I hoped would make for some rather secluded camping. Conversely, this area is also a haven for public hunting, so I made sure to wear some blaze orange and remain somewhat quiet and on the trail until I got further away from any road access, as it was the middle of PA deer hunting season.
Trailhead: Susquehannock Trail Crossfork Parking
75 Fire House Ln, Cross Fork, PA 17729
41°28'54.8"N 77°49'06.6"W
Trails Used Day 1
Road Hike back over the bridge on Main Street
Left (south) on Rt 144 (you’ll see orange blazes along the road)
Just after Windfall Rd, hop the guard rail and follow the blazes into the woods
Continue on Susquehannock Trail (STS)
Camp along the STS and Hammersley Fork at a site known as “the pool”
This is a large established campsite with a firepit, reliable water, and room for several tents or hammocks.
Day 1 Mileage: 6.6 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,380′
Day 1 Gross Descent: 1,114'
Trails Used Day 2
Continue north on the STS
Leave trail to the right (east) to begin a bushwhack up to Elk Lick Knob
This is a random bushwhack. There is no established path, markings or indicators, but I began about one mile after passing the Bunnel Ridge Trail. I crossed Hammersley Fork and headed uphill when I was almost directly adjacent to Elk Lick Knob to the east.
Intersect with the Twin Sisters Trail and turn right (south)
Camp in woods along TS trail
The clearing I hoped to camp in ended up being covered in dense underbrush and saplings, so I cut my losses and headed further into the woods. With the approaching darkness I was unable to scout around for too long, but it’s entirely possible that there are some nicer camping spots out on the bald.
Day 2 Mileage: 6.6 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,381′
Day 2 Gross Descent: 454′
Route Day 3
Continue south on the TS Trail
Straight (south) on STS
Follow road back to parking
Day 3 Mileage: 6.3 miles
Day 3 Gross Elevation Gain: 314′
Day 3 Gross Descent: 1,505′
Total Mileage: 19.5 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 3,075′
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It's been way too long since the last video, so here's 80 minutes of winter backpacking to make up for it ;)
Thanks to Dr Pepare for sponsoring this one. You can use my code STDP10 for 10% of their 178wh Portable Power Station.
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Another great video. 👍
Dr Prepare* didn't know if you noticed that. I'm new to the channel, stumbled upon this in my feed randomly. Great video, from a fellow backpacker and camper, you do a great job documenting your trips and are very articulate in explaining what you're doing and why.
good to see you back. I am AC for five quadriplegic paralyzed from the chest down. I love your videos it's the next best thing to actually going on a hike. Just wanted to thank you because your videos mean so much to me.
lol
Im a new subscriber to your channel. I have enjoy your videos. Keep up with the good work you do!
Love the way you document your trips. I truly feel like I was there with you. I have followed all your trips and have been to several of the exact places you were in PA. I'm 72 now and can't do those trips like I used to, but you let me relive it. I admire how minimal you travel and stay so 'comfy'. Love your trips w/ Sara and Nali too. Been checking out your Dad's channel too, can relate to him in a lot of ways too, just as a man who enjoys camping and hanging out with his son. (my son is 35). Thanks for sharing.
I've done the whole STS twice now, the first as a section hike and the second was a through hike. North Central PA has some of the best trails I've even been on - Black Forest, West Rim, STS, Donut Hole, etc. Bikepacking on the Pine Creek Rail Trail is a blast as well.
People really do sleep on PA sometimes. It's got a ton of awesome trails and great views. Bikepacking sounds fun. I've been wanting to try that for a while. ...but I don't own a bike, haha
@@sintax77 I've been trying to get my hands on a Diamondback Sync'r for quite a while. I wanted to purchase from my local dealer but he never received any. Next time they are available I'm buying direct.
@@sintax77 been preaching this about PA for years. Glad you made this
@@sintax77 ❤
Heck yeah!! My Friday night viewing is all organised now for this evening!! 👍
Great to see a video pop up as always! Take care and be well
Thanks! Hope you enjoy it.
Shoulda poured some of that HEET on the fire
Believe it it not, I actually spared a good bit of heet trying to get that fire to a point of self sustainability, but I still failed, haha. The damp wood and falling snow got the best of me that night.
I don’t hike, or backpack or camp, but I love the videos, the conversation, the views, the knowledge. I love it, very relaxing for me to sit and just watch. Great Job
Thanks, Rod. That's awesome to hear! :)
Sweet placement with your log throw to cross that stream 😀
Man that music always gets me going. The older I get the less I care about making a fire. But I do like bringing a handful of tea lights for the ambiance
I hear ya. Especially when I'm by myself. If I'm I'm the mood to eat some chilli and sit in my tent with an audio book, that's what I'm gonna do! On the flip side, there's also been solo trips where I've looked at my watch and realized I just spend 3 hours mesmerized and feeding the fire. Depends on my mood and motivation, I guess. ...and hunger :)
Love the STS. That swimming hole was heaven in the summer. Hundreds of butterflies landing on me and my companions to sip our sweat. It looks otherworldly in winter. I would love to come try in the fall/winter months. Thanks!!
The only thing about winter I like...The stillness of the forest
Only guy I will sit and watch for 1.2 hours.
I backpacked the Susquehanock Trail System in the summer decades ago. Nice map and book from the STS folks was very helpful. But my winter backpacking in PA's Allegheny National Forest in the '90s at -5 F. both nights.
Just want to let you know some of your fancy camera work is noticed and it really adds to it. The shot of you walking across the street in the beginning and putting your leg over the guardrail and then you cut to a close up of your hand on the guardrail and then back to the wide shot was really nice editing.
Shit, now I need a cheeseburger 🍔👍
Man, you're fast, haha.
I will not finish news articles, switch videos, fidgets with channels etc, but give me an 80min Sintax video and I’ll watch it straight! Thank you for bringing us along.
Whenever I get notification that a new vlog has landed I just gotta drop everything and watch it. Great to see you back out again. Unusual terrain but quite spectactular in winter time. You bo bushwhacking then you've got to retrieve the camera now that's dedication. Thanks for an awesome adventure. Bushyboy Oz
Thanks, Ewen. I picked this area on a whim because it was close to the cabin, but ended up being one of my favorite PA hikes so far.
Hi Sintax thanks for taking us along on your adventures. I would not have wanted to climb that hill twice to get the shots you did, but I do appreciate it.
ALWAYS get your wood supply first
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing another fine video. You're a true outdoorsman. Stay safe and healthy out there. I look 👀 forward to your next exciting outdoor adventure. 🤗
Thanks, Ronald. I don't know how much of an outdoorsman I am, but I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for posting such real content. Part of my enjoyment is watching how your enjoyment and love of hiking and camping comes thru your videos. I’m biased and love seeing your hikes in WV since it’s my home state. Stay safe and stay on the trails.
Thanks, Ben. I can't argue with your stance on WV. I love it down there too!
Who doesn’t love some winter backpacking! 🥰
Fewer people and no spiders, what’s not to love?!
Some of my favorite backpacking/camping has been in the winter! Cheers from New Hampshire!
I've never understood, in a winter setting, why anyone would want a tent that doesn't seal at the bottom.
Very nice video! Live in SE Wisconsin, terrain can be similar in some areas of Wisconsin as Pennsylvania but even though we have plenty areas to hike I don't know of any (yet) that we can hike and camp like you do there.
If anybody can beat this, it is YOU GUYS! Sending Love and Support from Rural Mexico.
Check out the Laurel Highlands trail started at Ohio Pyle to Johnstown. Approx 70 miles.
Great video, thanks for posting, stay brave
Thanks for all the videos 👍 great guy for sure! One thing, I can’t ever image putting anything in my water from a fast running creek in northern Ontario! We cup our hand in the river for clean fresh water while paddling. Anyway love the videos! ✊
80 minutes of my favorite adventurer? Yes please!
Another great vid w some great info. If I could add something, it's always colder sleeping by a water source, (stream/lake) and colder down low in a valley or at the bottom of a ravine due to a phenomena called "Katabatic Wind" flow. Stay warmer by camping up higher. Peace!
Hi Shawn 👋, Good to see you buddy, thank you, hope all is well, stay safe and take care my friend 👍✌
Oh, man. You're going way back! :) That was actually down I'm Harper's Ferry, WV. I've always wanted to go back and see if that thing was still standing...
I did the whole STS in May. Talk about solitude. I saw 5 people total in 5 days over the 85 miles. Only one other backpacker that I saw twice, an older couple walking on the rail trail part near a small town and two hunters startled me while I was sleep outside a shelter in the morning.
Just did this exact rout reversed over the weekend. Can't say I would do it again but thanks for sharing as I always enjoy trying out new areas. The snow plus lack of markings makes it challenging to follow the twin sister trail and the trail by the river once you come down has a lot of camber to it. I must agree though that that is by far the best view I have seen in PA. Thank you again for posting it.
And you are wearing your orange - Good man - Thank you!
Stone structure looked like an old root cellar or chimney foundation. Would be cool to metal detect that area...good stuff as always S77!
So glad you did this! I've been thinking about doing the Nelson Hollow trail up there, so it's nice to get a sense of what the terrain is like. I couldn't even find a ranger who knew much about that one, I guess everyone does the STS!
I don't believe I've heard of that one either. I'll have to add it to the list!
I lived up in that area for a couple decades and the Mid-StAte trail or West Rim are just as isolated and wonderful.
There’s a lot of dry wood around there you just gotta do a little work to get it and I’m sure there’s some downed pine trees. You should look for some fat wood and made a bunch of shavings and chunks of it. shall we say ignites really quick and burns hot !!!
The best part of hiking in the winter is no bugs and no snakes. Especially where you were as there are tons of rattlers up there. Where you parked is where they have the rattle snake hunt every year. Cool video
You could have got dry wood from under the pine tree and low lying trees everything on top is wet but underneath is dry and the center of them down logs would be dry as well
I used to live up in that area off kettle Creek rd and Peter's lane very beautiful area
Awesome trip. Thanks for sharing it with us. I love bush whacking.
The crunch of those leaves is like ASMR quality. Looks like a fun time!
for your thoughts, folks love hot chocolate, I started using whey protein powder and tried something. Using hot water from the tap I mixed the chocolate protein powder slowly. No clumps, tastes just like 'swiss miss' chocolate ,and mix. It offers all that extra for the person in the field. I switched out my kit to now carry this powder in a nalgene bottle instead of hot chocolate mix.
What a great way to start the weekend "early" on Thursday! As ALWAYS, Great editing, even with the sponsor pitch. What did you use as your second night fire starter?
Not sure what he used, but I always melt down tea light candles into a bucket of sawdust, make a couple small balls of the mixture and throw it in a Ziploc bag. They're easy to start a fire with, stay lit for quite a while and can definitely make it easier to start a fire in cold and damp conditions.
I love your videos thank you for taking US along.
Awe love the Potter and Tioga Counties area. If u haven't heard of Wandering Woodsman Cliff to do some hiking in Pennsylvania, that would be awesome, as he goes to Tioga County as well. Always enjoy your videos!
I hadn't heard of that before. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!
My hunting camp is in crossfork. I've hunted elk lick many times. Not the easiest walk or hunting but it sure is beautiful.
You're up for my parents live. They have 10 acres on the top of one of those mountains off Rt. 6. Wellsboro is about 35 minutes from them. I'm enjoying your hike. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Deer hunting in Michigan seemed like going to war. Every year someone was drinking and shot at a sound that turned out to be a hunting buddy.
Great video. I need to put this on my trails to-do list.
Thanks for a great video! I always look forward to a new trail or one you have experienced in a different way or in a different season. My husband and I hike every day. Our primary home is in Ohio near CVNP. The trails there are perfect for us - we can always hike one in the 3 to 4 mile range - perfect for us at our age. You would probably not find them long enough or challenging. You may consider the Buckeye trail but it may be difficult to make that a loop. But, that is why I find your videos so interesting! I feel like I am along on those longer hikes. Plus, I am from PA and know many of the areas where you hike.
Split the wood you collect with a knife and baton. It will burn when split. Great trek, you are a great navigator.
That is a great tip. I'll may have to put in some extra effort on the next trip with those conditions and do that. Sometimes when I don't have a hiking partner to hang at camp with, it's just so tempting to call it a night and crawl in the tent, haha. Thanks!
Great vid. Pocket Bellows is what you need for that fire.
I hadn't heard of that before, but it looks interesting. Just ordered one for the next trip. Good looking out! :)
I use a kitchen sink woven plastic discarded spray tube; helps O 2 reach under twigs starting.
Nice 8 point 👍🏼 an good shot
Thanks, Finn! I'm guessing you watch my dad's channel too :)
Around 26 minutes in, I think that is the remnant of a small mill.
Ramen leftovers in coffee. We've reached a new peak in human efficiency. 😆
this is a well used trail and very scenic 😊 only one section that may require a water carry . for LT hikers this can b done in 4 days. but 5 or 6 lets u stroll and enjoy it 😊.. eiter not my choice but u know what they say 😮😊.
This is one of my favorite videos you’ve ever posted…
The little bleacher set up is a rattlesnake arena there at the parking area by the fire station. And can confirm the water there at campsite night 1 is 55 degrees at most in mid summer. Lastly, great video.
may I suggest you carry dryer lint with you too. It starts with a ferro rod real easy. I use this to start my fires all the time. I carry it in a empty paper towel roll. I also carry some lint dipped in wax it helps it burn longer. just a tip. it is light weight. you can carry a lot in a small zip lock bag.
LOOKS LIKE YOU HAD FUN, DO YOU PERFER TO TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU OR GO BY YOURSELF, ITS ALWAYS NICE TO HAVE SOMEONE TO GET CAMP SET UP AND ENJOY THE WILDLIFE , AND ITS NICE TO JUST GET OUT THERE AND BE ONE ON ONE WITH NATURE AND GOD. I JUST WONDERED WHAT YOU LIKED .
Thanks for sharing.i love camping.always take care wherever you camp .
I was in blackwater SP in WV yesterday. A gorgeous slog through deserted woods. And cold. the best.
Scooting across a snow covered log while filming, that’s called dedication folks. Well done sir
This is close to my neck of the woods! Elk county. Hope you made the trip to Benezette to see the elk and the viewing center.
How did I miss this one?
From south central Pennsylvania near Susquehanna River
Pennsylvania woods offers some of the best camping. Hopefully no one will get triggered over this I've camped all over the United States I happen to be from North Western PA so that's probably favoritism. Fire starter o'natural, I use pine pitch works very well in wet conditions.
As long as I have been watching you mention this cheese burger you eat after the or at the end of the trail . It would be great if you filmed that in your video . So if you could fit that in to one of your videos that would be great. The mentioning of the cheese burger is like Sasquatch you here about it but never see it
Thanks on the hunting info!!! I don’t hunt and have zero clue about it, and that tidbit about getting deep in land (past half mile) was perfect!
That was obviously some Pennsylvania chupacabra scat! Always great vids.
I hike the boarder before NY for warm ups and you can get 10 miles deep away from
Any house and road, come on up!
we are in galeton with the camp, hunt up on sunken branch
From York PA! Here we definitely have alot of state game lands an forests thats for sure especially up north
Thanks for this video! Inspired me to do the full STS. Had a great time and my friend and I had all of the shelters to ourselves.
Would love to see you do the Bartram trail, or some part of it.
Dude, glad you are back. Look into stuff called shoegoo. Smells horrible while drying so let it dry in a garage or outside but that stuff works wonders on sealing boots and sneakers.
Good looking out!
You do a great hike... Thanks for allowing us to go with you. GOD Speed.
.. if you have to be there ,, on that log crossing , put on micro-spikes and use a long staff for support ..... Why push the sunset ,, stop,, set up camp ,,meal and warm drink ... kick back ,, relax , keep an ear out for bigfoot ... or banjo music ......
Oh hello! I grew up in the pine creek valley .. north central pa.. and I have never heard of this place! Wow PA forest is big. Anyway great video. Curious about winter camping
This only about 30-45 mins from slate run.
When is your lovely wife going to join you on another hiking, camping video? Miss seeing both of you together!
So glad you’re safe and back on the trails
Great video, as always. You're not kidding about remote; I've been on Interstate 80 a few times and felt like I was beyond civilization. I gotta do this hike someday. Keep doin' you S77!!!
Thanks, Steven. You should definitely check it out. I highly recommend it.
Nice video . Not sure if it was open but Debs Inn right in cross fork makes a tasty “bubba” burger . Good wings too. We did a similar loop a couple years ago but took the gas line instead of bushwhack . Not sure which would be easier . There was an established campsite at the burn area but it might have been covered by the snow.
Thanks, Niko. I'll have to go back sometime with less snow and more daylight and take some more time looking around up there before dark. I may have to check out that burger spot too :)
I cant always hike as much as I wish (Restaurant). But at least I can live vicariously hike through you. Thanks for the cool vids and all the hard work you pour into your channel. Whiterook is on point as well. Happy trails!
Glad to see another video from you. I've been checking often, LOL! I could have used my little saw, inspired by you, while at our cabin in the Smokies a week or so ago. No power for 5 days. We spent $100 on firewood and it only lasted for two good fires, going most of the day, to keep us warm. We had lots of fallen wood we could have used in our yard, but alas, I had forgotten my saw! Also, looks like we could use a Dr . Prepare. I enjoyed the views and the experience, vicariously, from my bed. Keep hiking!
That 308 win mag round probably cost over a buck.
**308 win
Nice hiking views...great video..quite,3 days woods.relaxing..thanks for sharing
Hey Shawn methanol is also called formaldehyde or embalming fluid
Outstanding post production audio and video editing
PG's Texas State Fair Chili is always a winner. Great to see you in the woods again!
Great Job again and thanks for sharing this one. Take a larger knife like a Ezee or BK and Baton your cuts. Wood will be dry in the core.
Thank heavens
Interesting, I haven't backpacked in years, but when we did we didn't have portable power supplies with us. We did manage to carry a bottle or two of Southern Comfort or apricot brandy. Oh how times have changed.
SoCo? Sounds like portable power to me :)
Great camping.
Love all of your videos, pick up some great ideas from you. Just wish I could get my pack weight down as low as yours. But have to stay within my budget, getting there on the UL stuff though.
Have you ever been to little river canyon in Alabama? If you haven't or never heard of it, you should try that place out it's absolutely gorgeous and a beautiful water fall? It's called little river canyon because it's a small version so to speak of the grand canyon has alot of hiking trails and campsites. Very beautiful area that's for sure!
Thank you for all the great outdoor hiking and camping videos !! I have yet to do more that a 2 night hike but your ids inspire me to go longer!..Also, like you I did KETO for about a year and a half losing 65 lbs but noe do IF and low carb...Please consider showing us a gratuitous shot of your post trip cheeseburgers !!
Another loop to put on my list! I grabbed a burger in your honor in Wellsboro after hiking the West Rim Trail last year. Thanks for the great content!
Done this trail, whole or in part, for 30 years. Great trail.
That stone structure looks like a bridge seat. It would have allowed a horse and buggy a dry crossing.