First full day in Pennsylvania! (Day 83)

After crossing the Mason-Dixon Line yesterday afternoon, today was our first full day in Pennsylvania. I woke up to the sound of water rushing from Falls Creek just to the north. When I unzipped my tent at 7 a.m., all but one of the hikers had already left.

magic trail

There was a short climb out of the campground and before long we were greeted with the magic of the trails at Old Forge Park. A trail angel named Tycoon loaded me up with three bunless beef hot dogs, two bags of chips, and two Mountain Dews. He told me that hikers are always hungry and protein deficient at this point, so I should eat. More than anything, I crave sugar these days. At home I rarely drink soda, but when someone offers it to me here I can’t resist.

Pennsylvania Rocks!

The day’s terrain was generally easy and we only got to try a few Pennsylvania rocks. It was nothing worse than what we experienced in the southern states, so I know that what people mean when they say “Rocksylvania” must still be ahead.

Caledonia State Park

I decided to stop two miles from where I was camping for the night and dinner. Caledonia State Park charges for tent sites, so it’s not ideal for hikers, but they have nice picnic tables and running water. I cooked my macaroni and cheese and washed my pot in the bathroom sink, which is much easier than using my water bottle.

Resident Rattlesnake

Less than an hour later I arrived at the Quarry Gap Shelter and was immediately warned by the shelter residents that there was a rattlesnake living at the entrance to the campground. At that moment, he was coiled up and propping up his rattle. They could have easily missed it and trampled it since it was right next to one of the trails.

I pitched my tent far away so as not to disturb him. If I go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I have committed to using my headlamp to avoid having to go to the emergency room.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.