This trip is for experienced backpackers and would not be considered for an introduction to backpacking, or for individuals lacking appropriate equipment. “Leave No Trace” (LNT) principles we be applied, and fire risk will be adhered to. You will be responsible for your own navigation whether digital map or paper, but we will try to stay somewhat cohesive on our hike. We should have plenty of daylight at this time of year for the hike.
This is a point to point hike going North to South, therefore a shuttle is necessary, taking about 45 minutes on the morning we start. We'll need to leave at least two cars at the southern trailhead which is located at the Rattlesnake Rock parking area (South of Blackwell off two lane road 414). We will need at least a third vehicle to take us (with packs) to the North trailhead parking lot (Just South of Ansonia off Colton Road). We will have to leave Rattlesnake Rock parking lot by 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning so we can be at the Northern trailhead parking lot and on the trail by 10:00 a.m. Some people may be able to park at the Northern parking lot if they need to start on Friday morning.
It takes at least 5 1/2 hours to get to Pine Creek area from Cleveland so plan your commute appropriately. I plan to leave Thursday early afternoon to camp near the Southern trailhead at Rattlesnake parking area. The parking area has a pit toilet - no water. Good campsites are about a quarter mile up the trail near a nice stream. Please let me know whether you will be spending Thursday night at Rattlesnake and whether you can shuttle. I will be leaving my car at Rattlesnake parking area.
Description of trail as copied from previous trip is as follows:
The West Rim Trail is a 30.5 mile point to point hike that skirts the edge of the Pine Creek Gorge, also referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The trail offers many dramatic views of the canyon with it’s steep 1,000 foot walls. Also, throughout the trail you’ll get to enjoy a variety of forest types that contain an abundance of wildlife.
Trail Facts
• Length: 30.5 Miles
• Duration: 3 Days
• Elevation Gain: 5,648 Feet
• Grand Canyon Views
• Photo Ops
• Beautiful Forests
• Cascading Streams
• Abundance of Wildlife
• Parking
See the interactive map link below, the caltopo map, for the exact parking and trailhead locations.
The first 2 miles of the West Rim Trail are the hardest (or last 2 miles, if you’re hiking southbound). You have a 1,000 foot climb up to the top of the canyon. Once there you can easily be deceived into thinking that the rest of the trail will be flat since you’re hiking the rim of the canyon. However, that’s far from accurate. What you’ll find out is that even though you’re following the rim of the canyon, the trail dips in and out of ravines that cause constant changes in elevation, which in turn increases the difficulty of this trail.
On the West Rim Trail there’s definitely less water sources available in the southern half compared to the northern half and some of these water sources aren't reliable especially in dryer conditions. So, make sure to carry a little extra water in case your planned fill-up spot is dried up and you have to hike to the next one.
There’s no shortage of campsites on the West Rim Trail. However some campsites are a lot better then others. I recommend the campsites at mile 10.25 and mile 19.25. Both areas have you camping in beautiful hemlock forests. The spots are also flat and can accommodate multiple tents. The only down side is that they are not near water sources so you’ll have to carry extra water to them. Be sure to have enough containers!
3 Day Trip Option
Day 1:
• Start at the northern terminus of the trailhead near Ansonia
• Hike for 11 miles
• Camp in a nice hemlock forest (dry campsite)
Day 2:
• Hike for 9 miles
• Camp in another beautiful hemlock forest (dry campsite)
Day 3:
• Hike for 10 miles
• Arrive at southern terminus of the trail
HERE IS A LINK TO AN EXCELLENT INTERACTIVE MAP BY CALTOPO:
https://caltopo.com/m/7FUF
HERE ARE LINKS TO DOWNLOADABLE AND PRINTABLE MAPS FROM PA DNR:
https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1743735&DocName=d16_west_rim_south_10_16_17.pdf
https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1743734&DocName=d16_west_rim_north_10_13_17.pdf
You've always wanted to do this! So come on along
