MO: West Rim Trail, Summer Cliff Camping Edition (30 miles)

Update: I moved the dates to Aug 8-10 to see if there is more interest/availability for that weekend.

Ever since I hiked the West Rim Trail on a snowy February weekend a few years ago, I've wanted to return in summer and camp at one of the campsites near the edge of the gorge. This trail runs 30 miles along the rim of Pine Creek Gorge (often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania) and the views are stunning, especially in the northern half.

We'll meet at Grosvenor Metro Station Kiss & Ride and drive around 4.5 hours to Rattlesnake Rock (https://maps.app.goo.gl/K5xEg1rzhW5CgadY9), with a dinner stop along the way. The drivers will run a shuttle to drop cars at the north end while the rest of the group sets up camp for the night at the free Hoffman Camping Area, a big grassy field which is half a mile from the southern terminus. A note about timing: I am hoping to start at 3 pm because I don't love getting to bed late after setting up the shuttle. But if that time is difficult for most people, I'd be willing to start at 4 pm.

On Saturday we'll hike close to 19 miles north along the canyon rim, gaining around 3300 feet of elevation over the course of the day. We'll camp at a site overlooking the gorge, about a mile past Little Slate Run, where we'll grab water as the campsite will likely be dry. On Sunday morning we'll have a remaining 11ish miles to the cars, with a long downhill at the end. I plan to start early and take my time with this section, as I think it's the most beautiful part of the hike. We'll pick up the car(s) from the southern end and grab quick meal in Williamsport on the way back.

I'm sorry I don't have a summer-appropriate photo, but Google Pine Creek Gorge and see for yourself whether you agree with me that it's worth the longish drive and the shuttle!

Splits: 19/10.7
Weather: https://bit.ly/3y2xoMY
Purple Lizard Map: https://www.purplelizard.com/products/pine-creek-pennsylvania-grand-canyon-map
Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/2ESBC4V

The Fine Print
1. Per our carpool policy, riders should plan to pay drivers $0.10/mile.
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