We planned a 5 day backpack trip on Black Forest trail with our MeetUp group. Looked like the weather was going to be bad on the first few days with storms, high winds and hail. We cancelled the Black Forest trip but kept an eye on the weather. Thursday and Friday were looking great so Leann and I headed to the Allegheny National Forest for a quick overnight trip in Hickory Creek Wilderness.
The trail was trashed a few years ago during a major storm. There is still a 2 mile section with major damage that we had to fight our way through on the first day. It is a challenge to work your way around, over and under downed trees with a full pack.
Our camp for the night, we were both surprised by how much the vegetation has grown. You can’t see the the camp from the trail. Sammy went to rover for this trip. The downed trees would have been an issue for him.
Guess who’s coming to dinner? A Giant Crane Fly
We heard Barred Owls calling during the night, never gets old. It was a cold but beautiful morning.
Shelf fungus: Hemlock Varnish Conk (Hemlock Reishi). The white part is edible when young but can be chewy.
Chicken of the Woods, this one is past it’s prime so it would not be good to eat no matter how much butter you cover it with.
Only 1.4 miles to go
Looks like I agree with the way to the parking lot.
After the first day I said I am never coming back here. Camp was nice and the hike out was better than the hike in so we will be back
This was a quick last minute trip but it sure was nice to get into the woods.
HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE