Phoenix Backpack Club

This is a 33ish mile Counterclockwise loop on the STS, starting at the Northern Gateway (Susquehannock District Office). About 5,500 feet of elevation gain over the entire trip. Link to map is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vg2b8HdwZlRZuBVvvuORiGnqgJTi593h/view?usp=sharing

NOTE - The District Office is off Route 6 North of the State Police Barracks and not in Coudersport. I have the map marked accordingly. You can also search for the STS Northern Gateway. Parking is in a gravel/mud lot adjacent to the District Office. A number of service vehicles are parked there to denote the location.

The mileage is approximately 5, 14 and 14. Some decent elevation change, if you're not familiar with the area. I plan for snow and a couple of wet crossings - less than knee deep. The trail crews are fantastic, but it is not possible to keep up with storms and such a large trail network.

Wednesday is flat, then gradual downhill with opposite climb to the Sunken Branch Shelter 1-4 PM. Thursday and Friday are 8AM to 4 PM "up and down"; however, this is not as challenging as the neighboring Black Forest Trail. We'll camp Thursday night at the new Cherry Springs Shelter. I average around 2.2 mph moving speed. Plenty of time on Friday to hop on over to your next outing.

Deep snow will make this much more interesting. In weather like this I do not expect crowded shelters, but I do carry a back-up tarp in case there is no room at the Inn. Wear enough orange so as not be a target for ridicule.

The Kennerdell Tract is a relatively small piece of PA state forest land along the Allegheny river. With 16 miles of interconnecting trails. It makes for a "chose your own adventure" type of area. The description that follows is a nice scenic loop option.

Saturday we will meet at the Dennison Run Road trailhead at 10:30, and hit the trail no later than 11:00. Make sure you come to the right trailhead as there are several.

Correct trailheadad: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T8bBRo3uHFg1RLvx9

If you arrive late and we have left, hike on and meet us on trail or in camp. We will be camping at Danner Primitive Camping Area. Picnic tables, fire pits, lots of tent sites, walk up spring, and new vault toilet.

Planned Saturday trails are a 0.15 mile road walk south on Dennison Run Rd, then Ridge Tr, to Goat Tr, to Dennison Run Tr, to Overlook Tr up about 400 ft of elevation and back down, continue on Dennison Run Tr, to River Tr for last mile or so into camp. The suspension bridges on Dennison Run and the scenic view from the Overlook are highlights. About 4 hours of leisurely hiking, mostly downhill except for the climb to the Dennison Pt. Overlook.

Sunday will be uphill for the first half of about 2.5 leisurely hours hiking. We will use River Tr, to Ridge Tr, to Window Tr, to Rock Oak Tr, to Pipeline Tr, to Parking. Window Tr is high above the river with views.

Meet at Dennison Run Road Parking area: 41.295916,-79.878551
OR this works too: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T8bBRo3uHFg1RLvx9

Maps and info:
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/ClearCreek/Pages/Maps.aspx

Any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Each participant agrees by signing up to be completely responsible for their own safety, nutrition, hydration, navigation, and shelter while on the trail and while traveling to and from the trail. Participants may decide to hike slower or faster than the rest of the group. If participants decide not to finish the hike, they will be responsible for getting back to their vehicle at the Trailhead.

As usual, each participant needs to submit a signed Phoenix BCP Waiver Form, if you do not already have one on file with the group:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qqqxdduose9y33l/Phoenix%20BPC%20Waiver.pdf?dl=0

And as always, please observe the Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles while in the woods and on the trails. Refresh yourself here:
https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles