North Country Trail - Allegheny National Forest: Willow Bay to North Branch Sugar Run, Pennsylvania

A super day for a winter hike! Blue skies and temperatures around 25 degrees made for a comfortable trip. We set out to hike the North Country Trail from Willow Bay to a parking area near North Branch Sugar Run, in what was supposed to be a 10 mile trip, but turned out to be more of a 15 miler after taking the scenic route through Hopewell.

I've finally got the winter clothing down to a science... I was dry and comfortable the entire 9-hour hike with only a couple light layers. Plenty of snacks and a 70 oz Camelbak kept me hydrated and energized.

It's amazing how much movement goes on in the woods during the winter... footprints of all shapes and sizes running in all directions. There are some busy critters out there...

Numerous campsites along the trail will make for some excellent camping this spring and summer. A couple sites are set along a promising fishing stream, many others are just along the Allegheny Reservoir.

Through quite a few elevation changes, the trail gave us a nice workout when it was all said and done. A number of trail maps were no longer readable due to animals, so having the GPS handy as a backup is recommended (especially on a winter hike when there's not quite so many daylight hours). Portions of the trail were on somewhat of a steep mountainside, which made for tricky footwork in the snow, and stunning views of the Allegheny Reservoir at the peaks.  

I'd absolutely recommend this trail. Be safe, take a friend along for company, and let someone know where you're hiking and when you plan to return.

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Mark your calendars guys and gals!

Planning is now underway for the 2nd Annual Allegheny River Clean-Up. For those who missed it in 2009, this is Warren's extreme cleaning event of the year -- five days of lugging every man-made thing under the sun out of the Allegheny River and two of its tributaries. Five days, 31 miles, free canoes, hundreds of volunteers and all the appliance hauling contests you can stand. Last year's haul included 18 mattresses, five folding chairs, four street signs, 7,200 pounds of metal, 285 tires ... eek! It went on and on. And there was plenty of stuff we left behind for 'next' year so be sure to come out, get grubby and help take care of one of America's Wild and Scenic Rivers! The clean-up will be held September 18-25, 2010. Updates will be posted on www.alleghenyrivercleanup.com as we get closer to summer. Thanks!

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Subaru Leave No Trace Trainer Course offered

Allegheny Outfitters is partnering with the Subaru Leave No Trace training team this spring to offer a two-day condensed trainer course. Participants will learn basic concepts and prepare to teach Leave No Trace curriculum in a variety of settings including schools, camps, parks and wilderness areas. Cost is $75 per participant, which covers all training materials, meals for the weekend, group equipment and canoeing/camping fees. Course dates: May 8-9, 2010. Learn more here.

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XC Skiing

Cold. Cold. Cold. The last week has been a cold and nasty one but at least the snow gods gave us some more of the white stuff. With the new snow on the ground I decided it was time to go out and use the new skis that I've been drooling over for two weeks. So I headed out to Gardner Rocks in the afternoon. The snow was not that deep but there was a decent base on the road so I didn't destroy my new skis. Had a great ski and hope that we receive much more snow so that i can get out in the woods and do some off trail skiing.

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