The BFT is a 43 mile back backpack trail in north-central Pennsylvania. This loop trail traverses the Tiadaghton State Forest and the Allegheny Plateau. Most of the trail is in Lycoming county, approximately 5 miles are in Potter County. The trail is known for it’s beauty due to numerous vistas, waterfalls and hardwood forests. It is also known as a rugged trail with 8,500 feet of elevation gain and numerous creek crossings.
We completed this trail numerous times but it has been awhile (my youthful 50’s). The first few times we did it in 4 days, the last few times we did it in 3 days. We did not have a firm plan for this trip but were leaning to 4 days. . The weather for day 4 was going to be horrible so we agreed to keep our route flexible. We love to backpack but just not in 45 degrees, hard rain and wind. We are getting soft in our old age.
This is the map I carried on all of our trips. I don’t know which has weathered more: the map or me?
The trail starts in Slate Run, this is where we park our car and have never had any problems.
Day 1: The map showed a campsite with water (yellow triangle), we planned to stop here for the first night after 10.5 miles of hiking.
We crossed Pine Creek on a car bridge and headed to the trailhead. Pine Creek is a very popular place for trout fishermen, canoers, kayakers and there is even a 65 mile bike trail (on my list).
I decided to hike the trail clockwise vs the usual counter clockwise, big mistake. The first climb was brutal: steep, long and rocky. Can you see the trail?
You can see how Slate Run got it’s name.
We finally made it to the top of the fist climb, more to go.
Leann is wearing her head net, the bugs were swarming.
At the top, BFT rewards you with nice views after you make a long climb.
This is down Fosters Hollow to a creek junction.
This is back up Fosters Hollow.
Back at the top for another view.
We thought about camping here for the night. We decided to get the next climb out of the way and camp at the top where the map showed a campsite.
We stopped where there was suppose to be camp site but there was no place to put a tent. Going up the last climb I bonked. Leann told me to eat something, I did and felt a lot better. We looked at the map and could do another 4 miles (14.5 for the day) to Slate Run or use the Gas Line trail and head to a campsite we liked. This made for an 11.5 mile day. We were both beat and chose option 2.
Red Trillium
We made it to camp a little before 7:00. That is later than we like. We set up camp, ate dinner and went to bed. On all of our other BFT trips we arrived the night before and were able to get an early start the next day. On this trip we drove over in the morning and did not get on the trail until 11:30.
We discussed options during dinner and decided to make this a 3 day trip, great decision.
We woke up to a beautiful day.
The next morning we took the George Will trail to Sentiero Di Shay Trail and then to the Black Forest Trail. We planned to camp on upper Slate Run. This made for a 12 mile day but was much easier than the day before since we had fewer climbs.
This is the old pump house used to pump water for logging operations.
We had a gradual climb after camp and were quickly on the plateau where we would spend most of the day.
This trail grade makes for an easy (easier) 12 miles.
We had a long descent to Slate Run, fortunately it was well graded.
Nice view before we dropped into Slate Run
The last section of trail before we reached Slate Run was on a forest road. I saw the run and thought, this looks like a hard crossing. I then saw a sign for a bridge and was relieved. It would have been a tough, cold, boots off crossing.
This is the LITTLE BRIDGE over the run. Sorry for the Fat Jack reference from Splash.
The creek was roaring.
The next morning the weather was not looking very good, it appeared the weather man was off a day about the bad weather.
We decided to keep low and head to a forest road and then Slate Run road to avoid the exposure in the Algerine Wild Area. This was longer but lower and potentially safer. This turned out to be a very good idea. Thunder started and kept getting closer, we hunkered down next to the road and got pelted by pea size hail. Good times.
The sun is out and this is the official start of the trail. We have about another half mile back to the truck.
We crossed back over Pine Creek and headed to the car.
I told Leann that the trail is dead to me and I will not do it again. I don’t think she believed me……what about a five day trip?
HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE