I'm new to the forums, and I browsed for a bit, but I think this is the best forum for my question.

I'm looking to do a hike-in primitive camp. Particularly I'd like to get into the remotest area possible. Gonna be a real trick with the zig-zag of logging and well roads out there, but I'm up for a challenge. I'm good with researching maps and that kind of leg work, so I'm really just looking for for a little advice on where to start. I'm in NW PA, but I can be pretty flexible as to what part of PA this trip would take place in. Ideally, travel to and 1 day hike in, camp 2-3 nights, 1 day hike out and travel home. Everything in and out on our backs.

Let me know any thoughts.

Thanks!!

Like you said, that's a tough one. I do know that there are a lot of trails in the state forests. I'm familiar with Moshannon State forest and when you get up on the Quehanna Hwy there are some places where you can walk for a few miles, but you will eventually cross logging roads. Going to get worse once all the leases are signed for the gas wells.

The first thing that came to mind would be to drive to the Appalachian Trail and hike parts of it. The problem is that it isn't a loop. You would have to backtrack on the same trail you walked in on.

Good Luck!

Hey There Scott... Welcome to the site first of all... :

My first thoughts were also the App Trail...

You could find an area where you can park a vehicle and walk towards it, or park your vehicle at the end and have someone drop you off at the beginning.

I have done this before on the app trail... Great Walk!

Other than that, I am not sure what else to tell ya...

Maybe someone else can help you out when they see it...

Good Luck! And Again Welcome ! :

Hammersly Fork Wild Area in Southern Potter is a great place. No roads within the area, several marked trails. Beautiful scenery. Just bring a GPS or compass (and skills) with you, and get out and enjoy the fall. I think that you are probably supposed to register with the state forest when primitive camping in there, but I sincerely doubt you will see another soul, so registering, while a good idea, really isn't necessary.

Larry, you're right about registering. The foresters I've talked to said it is primarily in case of emergency. Gives them an idea of where to start looking for you if you don't show up at home when expected.

Good thread, Ron. I prefer pack-in camping as well.
I think the State Forests are probably the best options. Also the ANF.

Minister Creek in ANF this time of year is great. Hike up and check out the scenery. Boy scouts used to use it frequently though, not sure if any way to check usage.

Groz

The only way to check minster creek is show up and see if anything is available.

for a place to start try this,www.dcnr.state.pa.us at the top of the page,click on outdoor adventures.

All great ideas. Thanks to everyone!!! I thought of the ANF, but the Applachian Trail didn't even cross my mind. That's really got my interest peaked. I'm okay with going really primitive, so I'm not that concerned with trails at all. I've got a GPS, and I'm really handy with a compass and topos. So it doesn't necessarily have to have a regular trail system for it to be an option for me. In fact I'm more looking for for someplace where I can get well off the regular trails, anyhow.

Good deal Scott... Let us know how you make out...

Pics and detail of your trip will be required... :

Come on back and give us all something to :

Have fun! Think of us while you are out...

Burn a log in honor of CampingPA for us... :

I'll make everything is well documenter Ranger!!

I'm sure I don't have to tell anyone using this board but the Internet Rocks!!

Just a little snooping on the ANF's website, I found a pdf file that had a map of the "inventoried roadless areas" for the nat'l forest. Here's the link if you're interested: http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5068538.pdf

There are 4 good sized areas that are designated as roadless, where repair and reconstruction of roads is prohibited. So that's my jumping off point for this research.

You do not need to inform the DCNR when primitive camping unless you camp at the same spot more than one night (there are other 'things' too, read the links below). If you want to use the same camp site multipal nights then you are saposta get a permit. I would advise you get one anyway, they are free and someone has an idea where to start looking if you go missing. The are very easy to get too, just call the state forest district office you intend to be in and give them your info. I just called for one this past monday and had it the next day.

Here are a couple useful links.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/camping/index.aspx
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/camping/primitive.aspx

Thanks Tracker, good info.

I've been working on reviewing several maps side-by-side trying to find the largest tracks of roadless/trailless properties in the ANF. I've got one picked out, that appears like a good option. Next step would be to drive the perimeter, and verify the road access points, and to see if there's overnight parking options. With that info, I'll decide if this is going to be a hike through (point A to point B) and need two cars, or if this will be a loop (point A to point A) and only need a single vehicle.

You may want to give Colotn Point SP in Ansonia, I love it there