About us
Rising up like the mythical Phoenix, this group has been organized to replace the former Northeast Ohio Backpacking Club, which helped many in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere get out on trail more often, and to make new friends who share a passion for trail time. If you like to backpack, and don't like to go out by yourself, and especially if you are a former member of NEOH Backpacking Club, this club is for you. The legend of the phoenix inspired the name for the new club. Our mission will be to allow club members to plan trips, to sign up members to participate, and to share discussions about backpacking. Most trips are likely to be within a few hours drive of NE Ohio, but some will be to destinations much farther away in the USA or even international.
Featured event

BLACK FOREST BACKPACK
My opinion, this is the nicest trail in Pennsylvania: waterfalls and scenic views. It is also known for it's legendary climbs.
All trails Link
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/black-forest-long-loop?u=i&sh=i5pwm2
Leann and I park at the boat access
https://maps.app.goo.gl/g2kR5nzccouHBBwLA
We plan to arrive Sunday night April 26th and camp near the start. Cross the bridge behind Hotel Manor and you should be able to find us.
Packs on at 9:00am, Monday (27th), let's meet at the Hotel Manor parking lot.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpjmytjf9LTMBuGN8
We will hike the trail clockwise. Here is a rough agenda, let's remain flexible based on weather and how good/bad we feel.
DAY 1
Up the left side of Slate Run to Foster Hollow, in an out of Little Slate Run and down to Naval Run for camp.
DAY 2
This will be a tough day starting with a steep, rocky climb to Hemlock Mountain (great views), down to Callahan Run and then a long climb up the headwall of the run. Potential camp is a pine forest at mile 21.50
DAY 3
Less climbing today since most of our time will be on the plateau. We are taking the high route to avoid 20 creek crossings and a boulder scramble. I have done both multiple times and they very low on the fun factor. I would like to camp at Slate Run to leave an 8 mile day before the long drive home.
DAY 4
Down Slate Run and back to the cars.
Additional FYI:
Please bring crocs or sandals for creek crossings, we will be getting our feet wet.
This is not a beginners trip, this might be the toughest trail in Pennsylvania.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Happy trails, Steve
Upcoming events
5

BLACK FOREST BACKPACK
Location not specified yetMy opinion, this is the nicest trail in Pennsylvania: waterfalls and scenic views. It is also known for it's legendary climbs.
All trails Link
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/black-forest-long-loop?u=i&sh=i5pwm2Leann and I park at the boat access
https://maps.app.goo.gl/g2kR5nzccouHBBwLAWe plan to arrive Sunday night April 26th and camp near the start. Cross the bridge behind Hotel Manor and you should be able to find us.
Packs on at 9:00am, Monday (27th), let's meet at the Hotel Manor parking lot.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpjmytjf9LTMBuGN8
We will hike the trail clockwise. Here is a rough agenda, let's remain flexible based on weather and how good/bad we feel.
DAY 1
Up the left side of Slate Run to Foster Hollow, in an out of Little Slate Run and down to Naval Run for camp.DAY 2
This will be a tough day starting with a steep, rocky climb to Hemlock Mountain (great views), down to Callahan Run and then a long climb up the headwall of the run. Potential camp is a pine forest at mile 21.50DAY 3
Less climbing today since most of our time will be on the plateau. We are taking the high route to avoid 20 creek crossings and a boulder scramble. I have done both multiple times and they very low on the fun factor. I would like to camp at Slate Run to leave an 8 mile day before the long drive home.DAY 4
Down Slate Run and back to the cars.Additional FYI:
Please bring crocs or sandals for creek crossings, we will be getting our feet wet.This is not a beginners trip, this might be the toughest trail in Pennsylvania.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Happy trails, Steve
2 attendees
Bicycling the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail (EPT)
Allegheny River Trail - Emlenton Trailhead, 714 Main Street, Emlenton, PA, USBicycling the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail (EPT) Emlenton to Oil Creek SP Section: 47 miles (X2)
Venango and Crawford Counties, Pennsylvania
Total Miles: 94https://www.avta-trails.org/index.php
https://www.avta-trails.org/documents/maps/AVTA-Map.pdf
https://www.traillink.com/trail/allegheny-river-trail/Rain or Shine due to Wildcat Hollow Group Campsite Reservations.
We'll figure out how much is owed per person at the trailhead Saturday.
It's around $50 for the entire campsite.Please bring a tent as shelter space is limited.
You can also join us for a day ride which you would have to turn around or arrange your own shuttle.
Moderate experience is required, the trail is easy. We’ll try and stick together but do what you feel like. There are no rules.
Please make sure your bike is in very good working condition.
Make sure you have a bike repair kit and are self-sufficient in it’s use.
Make sure you pack accordingly like your backpacking including water treatment. I have panniers (saddle bags) because carrying a pack on your back is not fun.
There are places we can stop for supplies and water and Oil City will be the last stop.10AM: We’ll MEET at the trailhead in Emlenton behind the US Post Office NOT at the other trailhead. You can park at either trailhead or in Emlenton but be careful of no parking signs.
1030AM: We’ll start. If you are not there at 1030AM I'll surmise you are not coming or if you are than you'll have to catch up to the group or meet us at the Wildcat Hollow Group Campsite.We’re in no big hurry.
We do need to have time to set-up our gear and prepare dinner.I love this trail and so do my friends who join me. Steve has been on every one of our at least dozen rides. We ride once every Spring then once every Fall.
Points of Interest
Rockland Tunnel
Kennerdell Tunnel
Indian God Rock
Belmar Bridge
River Ridge Farm in Franklin from the EPT
Oil City
Oil Creek flows into the Allegheny River
Abundance of wildlife: Steve and I have seen many bald eagles, osprey, porcupines, foxes, turkey, deer, etc.
We should be back at the starting trailhead around 12-1PM on Sunday.
It's sort of fluid when you arrive back just load your bike and leave. Some of us may have things to do with the remainder of our Sunday.Posted
Hopeless Wanderers
Free to Roam
Phoenix Backpacking Group2 attendees
Past events
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