The Susquehannock Trail: Does Pennsylvania have a Grand Canyon?

Who am I?

Call me bear bait. I am a career Navy sailor and am passionate about outdoor activities, as well as their inherent risks. I only have one real hike under my belt, The Foothills Trail (it’s great!) which I knocked out last October. I’ve taken many short overnight hikes throughout the continental United States, but because of my work schedule, I rarely have enough time to go out for more than one night. However, whenever I can, I am in the forests and mountains, where I feel most at home.

living the dream

My goal in hiking the Susquehannock Trail is to show my fellow service members that life exists outside of work. Being in the military doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your hobbies. In fact, you can balance your work with your passions. Staying in the backcountry is how I learned to recharge and I recommend it to everyone.

What is the Susquehannock Trail?

The Susquehannock Trail System (STS) is an approximately 85-mile loop located deep in northern Pennsylvania. It is the oldest backpacking trail in the state and notable for its isolation, with few recent signs of civilization beyond the decaying relics of a hundred years ago. Although it is a fairly new trail, having opened to the public in 1966, the STS comprises many older trails and roads. These older trails still exist and primarily comprise Civilian Conservation Corps trails, abandoned railroads, and lumberjack trails. In truth, it is a segment of time that nature is gradually recovering.

Why STS?

As a proud Arizonan, the idea of ​​there being more than one «Grand» Canyon seemed absurd to me, so I investigated. After a long dive into Wikipedia, I decided the area was worth a visit. Although the Grand Canyon initially caught my attention, my attention was focused elsewhere. It was the STS with its history, its rumored loneliness and its sheer isolation that I decided to address. It’s the kind of trail you want to ride.

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