Day 1: North gate to Bolich Run shelter
At the north gate
I start the day at the Pennsylvania State Forestry Office, where I register my hike (it’s free) and eat a quick breakfast sandwich at the gas station before hitting the trail. The two nice ladies working the office desk told me that I am one of three people on the trail and that I probably won’t see anyone else while I’m there. This suits me well; I’m here for the nature and the isolation. I start later than I had planned due to a back pain that I had to wait. I’ve also been working through tendonitis in my lower leg, which I hope is gone for good (an omen!). After a final check of my gear, I realize I brought the wrong gaiters for my Terraventures. No problem, I say to myself, You probably don’t even need them. (more foreshadowing!). I lock my car, put in my airpods, and head to the trailhead.
Tones on Trail: Basura, “I’m only happy when it rains”; Goat “hide from the sun”
On the way
The trail itself starts on old forest service roads, so the trails are very easy to navigate at first. Then I turn right and find myself with a pretty impressive climb. I turn off the service road and onto the single track trail and the atmosphere changes instantly: all wet all the time. This part of Pennsylvania always rains in May, but the air is absolutely loaded with humidity. The forest is thick, with lots of hardwoods and knee-high grasses everywhere. The center of the single track trail is filled with wet grass, so as soon as I entered the trail, my legs and shoes were instantly soaked. I really wished I had brought the gaiters, but the Helium UL shell came to me.
First signs of the old days
I walk through ten miles of hardwood forests and lush tall grasses before I find my first building. Apparently it’s an old dynamite house, literally made to store dynamite, left behind by the logging companies when they moved out of the area. The Susquehannock Club maintains it for hikers and they stocked it with bottled water, candles, lights, tools and even some Ritz crackers. Unfortunately, there is no dynamite. I took a short break to admire the numerous Red Eft salamanders nearby and then continued along the trail.
Onwards and upwards
I walk an easy mile or two and then cross Cherry Springs Tower Road and begin the Cardiac Climb. It’s a 500-foot climb over half a mile of wet rocks surrounded by cherry, maple, and beech trees. After a hard hike I am on the plateau and the forests are beginning to give way to mountain laurel. The plateau is a nice change of pace and at mile 13.5 I found my first real shelter.
I’ve heard a lot about the famous East Coast lodges, but I’ve never seen one before. The STS really did a great job: there is a three-sided covered shelter every ten miles or so and most of them have water and supplies. I was very impressed with the site. I almost camped but decided to continue. The rain continues on and off for the next four miles or so, but I actually feel refreshed as I continue into the evening.
Space for one please
I walk through Hogback Hollow, slowly winding through low-lying swamps and marshes until I reach my house for the night. Bolich Run Shelter is at mile 18 of the trail and comes with a fire ring, battery-operated lights, plenty of water, benches, and a place to hang my wet clothes. Happily I have the place to myself. I make some quick buffalo chicken macaroni, hang up my bear bag, and then mark the first day of the trail.
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