Bartlett MT Balds SGL57 Off trail exploration-highly experienced hikers only

Snapshot:
Intensity: VERY STRENUOUS
Length: 8-12 mile range
Duration: All day exploration
Pace: varied
Elevation: 1,500 +, but very rugged terrain
Description:

Hiking Bartlett Mountain Balds in State Game Lands 57 is extremely challenging with off-trail backcountry adventures and no marked or maintained paths. Navigation requires significant experience and reliable GPS/offline maps due to non-existent cell service and rugged, confusing terrain. All attendees must have downloaded SGL 57 maps from Alltrails, Gaia or any other mapping source that runs on GPS. Our primary route will be the " Bartlett Mountain Balds" route posted in Alltrails, but we will be adding to it.
Given the above, the hike will be limited to 15 very experienced hikers that have hike with me or the co host before OR can provide info to prove the necessary experience. All signups will be wait listed and then approved or denied based upon your hiking level. This is not to be difficult, but to be SAFE!
I have NOT hiked here before so please pack some patience and team spirit. We will work as a unit and stay together. Pace and style will be different then my usual hikes. This will be FUN and CHALLENGING!

About Bartlett Mountain:
The only spruce bald ecosystem in Pennsylvania. Bartlett Mountain in general is incredibly diverse and scenic with views, waterfalls, miles of giant rocks, caves, chasms, mazes, overhangs, spruce forests, hemlock forests, boreal wetlands, old mines. It is a very unique in that no other mountain in PA has its level of diversity and scenery.

Here is a great article about it: Hike Bartlett

GEAR REQUIRED:
1- Proper footwear- hiking BOOTS given the water, mud and possible residual snow.
2- Appropriate clothing for conditions: layers, wind and rain protection based upon forecast. Extra socks for wet weather hikes or hikes with stream crossings.
3- WATER or other source of hydration, food. first aid supplies
4- Electrolytes helpful
5- Hiking poles and backpacks as needed.
6- Bear spray as desired
7- Headlamps for caves, etc
8- Must pack micro spikes on all weekend hikes December through March. Ice and snow always possible.
WEATHER: We will monitor the weather and conditions the week of event to ensure proper safety
PARKING AND MEETING LOCATION: Parking lot near White Brook on Windy Valley Rd 41.496533, -76.13188 See Meetup PIN which will get you very close to the lot. Check out satellite view to see the lot.

GUEST and ATTENDANCE POLICY: All attendees must be members of Outdoor Adventure Friends. This is for communication purposes to ensure that those in attendance understand exactly what they are signing up for. Please be courteous and change your rsvp in a timely fashion if you can no longer attend an event. Repeated no shows or a history of signing up and dropping off excessively when there is a waitlist will exclude you from being moved off of future waitlists and special events
PLEASE NOTE: I cannot respond to calls, texts, emails, messages on meetup, or comments on the event page once we start hiking. Please plan accordingly.
NOTICE: Meetup organizers are not professionally trained. By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.