Over the years setting boot tracks across places less traveled has served me well. Fact is, traveling to unfamiliar ridges and valleys across the state has opened the door of opportunity for me over a lifetime. For those willing to take on the challenge, hiking can do the same for you.
Annually I challenge myself to travel someplace new. The practice has helped me expand my enjoyment of the outdoors and locate those nooks and crannies others dream of finding. And as a hunter, the trekking during the off season has provided me with a unique advantage of not being locked into applying my skills to the same old places from one year to the next.
But it’s not just about hunting. Anglers often fall into the trap of wetting a line time and again in the same places. Tell you what, there are some great fishing that can be found in the headwaters of streams in nearly every area within the state.
Yes, taking the time to seek out and walk to the headwaters of a given stream often requires an investment of time. And sometimes you lose and the fishing is lackluster at best. However when the fishing is good, especially when fishing for native brook trout, the experience will result in a “keeper” and will be remembered for a lifetime.
The neat thing about hiking is that the adventure is not limited to sportsmen. Fact is, nearly everyone can join in on the fun.
The equipment needed for trail hiking can be as elaborate as you like. At an absolute bare minimum, a pair of good hiking boots and a trekking pole will do.
A great starting point for those new to hiking in the Allegheny National Forest is it provides a great online portal that was developed just for hikers.
Within the site is a section that offers a comprehensive overview of hiking, tips, great information, along with a touch of sound advice.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/allegheny/recreation/hiking
Open “What You Need To Know” located near the bottom of the page and click on Safety. There you’ll find a comprehensive list of hiking information.
Simply put, the Allegheny National Forest covers a huge chunk of real-estate. In all, this National Forest covers 513,175 acres, and the ANF’s website is designed to help you find your way.
At the ANF, ranger stations have personnel on hand to provide information. Also they also have a variety of public use maps to help you find your way.
Another great resource can be found on Pennsylvania’s State Forest System web site. https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/Pages/default.aspx
Each of the Commonwealth’s 20 State Forests can be found. Located within the State Forest system are 121 State Parks.
While searching online, on each of the State Forest sites you’ll find a map of each forest. Wild Areas, topography, and much more can be found. And for those who want to locate those “out of the way places”, hiking trails are also included.
The maps are great to be studied at home, however I prefer a hard copy. The multi fold maps fit neatly into a daypack for quick reference. Also the maps are free. The district office headquarters will have this map on hand. The state park offices located within a given forest district will also have maps available as well.
For those new to hiking consider taking part in a hiking club and learn what is involved before launching yourself into a new adventure. Another great starting point is to check out the interpretative programs held at State Park facilities across the state.
Over the course of a lifetime having the confidence of striking out and exploring unfamiliar areas has given me a certain sense of self-reliance.
However it didn’t happen overnight. The skills required to confidently navigate the back woods can be learned. However it does require time. But believe me, it is time well spent.
I admit, I have been absolutely lost a time or two. Was the experience scary? Yes, at first. However having been taught the skills necessary to access the situation then figure things out and making a safe return was rewarding.
Walking the woods provides the opportunity to relax and explore the natural world on nature’s terms.
If you’re new to hiking, enjoy. For those who are seasoned veterans, I hope to see somewhere along the trail.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net
