Winter on or off-trail backpacking in Hickory Creek "Wilderness"

Hickory Creek Wilderness Area Winter On or Off Trail Adventure

Summary:

Saturday – on or off trail hiking to campsite – leave parking area at 10:00 AM

Sunday – on or off trail exploration

Monday – on or off trail hiking back to cars

This is an on or off-trail winter hike. Conditions could be no snow and reasonable temperatures. Conditions could be feet of snow and brrrrr, very cold temperatures. It could be raining. It could be snowing. You never know about winter hikes.

Since this is an on or off-trail hike, we will be hiking together – all within sight of each other.

Saturday, we will be hiking to Jacks Run, using GPS, compass, and map. We step off at 10:00 from the Heart’s Content parking area (see link below), not the trailhead parking for Hickory Creek. We will start here since this area is usually plowed and the trailhead parking may not be. If you are not here by 10:00 to leave with us, please do not attempt to follow as where we will camp is not known.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/41%C2%B041'31.7%22N+79%C2%B015'09.5%22W/@41.692142,-79.2531782,167m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d41.692142!4d-79.2526313?hl=en&authuser=0

The current plan is to camp along Jacks Run, however who knows, we may have to divert to Coons Run, or on to East Hickory Creek, or??? We will remain flexible and play it by ear.

Sunday we explore the area near the camp. Where we explore depends upon where we camp. All this exploration will be off-trail.

Monday, up and back to the cars, once again hiking on or off-trail.

The mileage for the weekend will be 20ish.

Now for some caveats:

· We will be approximately six miles (by trail) from our cars – you must be prepared for winter conditions and all that entails.

· If you haven’t winter camped/hiked with me before, contact me prior to signing up – I need to know your capabilities and what equipment (sleeping bag, snow shoes, etc.) you have. I will let everyone signed up know if I think snowshoes will be needed.

PA snow map for region:
https://www.weatherstreet.com/city_snow_depth/16353-Tionesta-PA-snow-depth.htm

· Adult beverages in moderation are OK

· No firearms

· If you smoke, you will need to leave the campfire to partake of your nicotine

· Trip is limited to 6 to get warmth from the campfire

NO GUESTS; guests can become members and sign up