BEGINNERS TO MINISTER

Last year I taught an intro to backpacking class to one of our Meetup groups. We then did 2 different overnight trips: Morrison and Laurel Highlands. I was asked to do the class again, and this year we went to Minister Creek in Allegheny National Forest. This might be the best trail for a first-time backpacker. Rock formations, nice views, and streamside camping, if you don’t like this trip get rid of your gear.

I thought about cancelling the trip since it was going to be hot and humid with potential thunderstorms. It’s a short hike, let’s roll the dice.

I suggested people arrive Friday night so we could get an early start on Saturday in an attempt to avoid the heat. We got an early start but did not avoid the heat.

There is free camping available across the road from the campground. Four of us camped at the star, one slept in her car and 2 got up crazy early to be on time for the 8:30 start.

Friday night we watched a group for about an hour as they hauled load after load of gear from their campsite to the parking lot. I was pretty sure they exceeded the 14 day stay limit.

Lilly brought a scale so we could weigh packs. Why is the old guy carrying the heaviest load? Leann’s was the second heaviest, LOL. Maybe we are the newbies.

The first half of day one is a continuous climb to the overlook, then it is all downhill to camp from there.

Before the overlook you walk through several interesting rock formations.

I set up the tarp to appease the gods of backpacking. They will not let it rain if you set up a tarp.

It actually cooled off enough at night to have a fire. Kudo’s to Jacob, the rest of us sat on our butts watching him keep the fire going.

The North Country trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in America at 4,600 miles. The trail starts in North Dakota and goes to Vermont. Ohio is second to Michigan in number of miles 1,076 to 1,176. Only 20 hikers have completed the entire trail. There is a lot of road walking which backpackers hate.

National Scenic Trails ranked by miles.

• North Country Trail: 4,600
  • 97 miles in Allegheny National Forest
• Continental Divide Trail: 3,100
• Pacific Crest Trail: 2,650
• Appalachian Trail: 2,190
• Florida Trail: 1,500
• Pacific Northwest Trail: 1,200
• Ice Age Trail: 1,000
• Arizona Trail: 800
• Potomac Heritage Trail: 710
• New England Trail: 215
• Natchez Trace: 60

I asked the newbies to give me a thumbs up or flip me the bird based on their experience.

The parking lot was full but we only saw one other group in Triple Forks. We got lucky with the weather. It cooled off at night, I actually had to use my sleeping bag. It did not storm or rain until we were on the way home.

I never know what to expect when stepping off on the trail with new backpackers. These 3 had a great attitude and were strong, fast hikers. Usually packs slow down new backpackers, not these three.

HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE