OLD LOGGERS 2025

I call this the reunion tour. Some time ago Ed, Jeff and I worked for the same automation company. I shared that Leann and I decided to take up backpacking. Since they both backpacked they offered to go with us on our first trip. We hiked the Morrison Rimrock trail in Pennsylvania. Leann and I were hooked. They got us started on a lifetime of incredible journeys and I am forever grateful.

Jeff, Ed and Leann on the Morrison Rimrock Trail (a few years ago)

Jeff, Steve and Ed on the same trail.

Ed, Jeff, Steve together again. It’s been a minute.

Our playground for the weekend is the Old Loggers Path in Tiadaghton State Forest. Old Loggers is a 27.1 mile backpack loop with 3,805 of elevation gain.

Tiadaghton State Forest is approximately 146,539 acres with the majority of the acres in Lycoming County. The forest extends into Tioga, Clinton, Union, and Potter counties. The forest contains more than 600 miles of hiking trails.

It’s a 5 hour drive from Ohio to reach the trail so we all met the night before at the Masten CCC campground. Masten is a ghost town. From 1905 to 1930 it was a company town for a lumber mill. From 1933 to 1940 it was a site for the Civilian Conservation Corps. The last family left in 1941. We heard a lot of coyotes and owls (Barred & Northern Saw-whet).

This fireplace is in mint condition. I would like to see the building it heated.

DAY 1

If you camp by a creek the next day will start with a climb as you leave the drainage. That old adage stayed true for this trip.

Gradual climb through the woods

Coyote paw print

I thought it was interesting the way the bark peeled from the core. You can see the Orange blaze designating Old Logger Path in the top right corner of the picture.

There was a very steep section of trail to reach the vista. It was worth the effort. I don’t mind climbs as long as there is a reward.

You can hear Leann talking to Ed’s son in the background.

Last minute I decided to take the Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 person. Leann reminded me that I was trying to lighten my pack weight, maybe next trip.

After we set up camp 2 groups of women came through looking to camp in the same area. One was a bachelorette party, the bride even had her veil attached to the back of her pack. The other was a group of 5 women. We did not see the bridal party again but the other group was with us for the entire weekend. We all agreed that this is the most women we have seen backpacking at the same time.

DAY 2

Since there were potentially a lot of people headed to our next camp area, Leann and I left early to see if we could grab a good spot. Apparently another group had the same idea since they were packing up as we went by. Unfortunately they had a ringer in their group.. Leann and I were part way up the first climb when this lady came flying past. Her pack looked about the same size as my old lunch box. She was young, fast and we were not keeping up with her.

We spent the rest of the day playing leap frog with the rest of her group. We would stop for a snack and they would pass, they stopped, we passed, repeat. The lady leading this group had a very loud voice and she never, ever quit talking. My ears were bleeding. We saw two other hikers that were on a 23 mile day hike and they even commented on her constant noise. One guy said we come here for peace and quit, not that.

Hard to complain with three beautiful days of clear blue skies

Jeff asked me to leave an indicator if the trail took an unexpected turn. This was my effort. He can say if it worked or not

This section of trail is known as Big Rocks. There were several short trails leading to rock outcroppings with nice views.

This is our camp near Rock Run, one of my favorite spots in Pennsylvania. There were plenty of camping spots in this area so everyone found a home.

Nice swimming hole, the water was too cold for me

DAY 3

This is the shortest day of hiking but had the longest climb. I didn’t think we were ever going to reach the top.

Last look at Rock Run.

My view for most of the day: roots, rocks and uphill

Ed was talking to the fast hiker in the parking lot. She said the older couple with the huge packs could hike further distance and longer into their golden years if they (us) embraced the benefits of ultra light backpacking. LOL.

THE OLDER COUPLE WITH THE HUGE PACKS

It was great hiking again with Ed and Jeff. Lots of great stories around the camp fire. Let’s do it again but not wait for so long.

HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE