Explore Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell

05/23/2026

The Black Forest/Golden Eagle Loop--the best backpacking loop in the Pine Creek Gorge? Combines the classic Black Forest and Golden Eagle Trails. Camping isn't allowed on Golden Eagle or Hilborn Trails, so that part needs to be covered in a day. Total loop is about 33 miles. Big views, big climbs, deep gorges, waterfalls, rock formations, excellent campsites, and an epic swimming hole. So many views. Can't wait to hike it. Get out there!

PA is a backpacking wonderland.

05/19/2026

A hike to Alder Marsh Pond and Falls in SGL 159 in Wayne County. Also saw Upper and Lower Woods Ponds. Both are very scenic. Upper Woods Pond is unique, an undeveloped natural glacial lake over 70 feet deep. The water was clear and pristine. The map shows the location of Alder Marsh Pond and Falls. Get out there!

05/17/2026

I went exploring in SGL 134, near the Loyalsock State Forest. There was an escarpment of cliffs I've been wanting to see. There were cool rock outcrops and formations. The cliffs became huge and featured a nice view of Smiths K**b. I continued under hemlocks. I came upon another cliff with giant separated boulders and felt the rush of cold air. Below were caves and deep chasms. I definitely need to come back to explore this area, it looked, and felt, so cool. I reached the end of the cliffs at a view through the hemlocks. There was a ledge with an open view but it was too sketchy to reach. This hike was mostly off trail. The woods were pretty open. There were also beautiful hemlock forests with ferns. A map is included, locations are approximate.

05/14/2026

Mosquito Creek Gorge Loop. An incredible 25 mile loop in the beautiful Quehanna Wild Area. So much scenery and diversity. Get out there!

https://endlessmountains.wordpress.com/2026/05/14/backpacking-the-mosquito-creek-gorge-loop-quehanna-wild-area/

05/14/2026

This loop is so beautiful. Thanks to all the volunteers who maintain these trails, including Betty, who has singlehandedly kept many of them open. Get out there and explore.

Mosquito Creek Gorge Length: About 25 miles. Parking: This description begins from Lost Run and Riddle Roads, 41.228527, -78.213407 . There is also parking here: 41.215246, -78.244261 . Roads may b…

05/09/2026

An off trail hike on Moosic Mountain to a falls and mini slot canyon. This is in the headwaters of Aylesworth Creek, in SGL 300. Due to Moosic Mountain's unique geology, there are several falls and canyons along the creeks that flow down the mountain.

05/06/2026

Photos from the west loop of the Chuck Keiper Trail. Thanks to everyone who have been working on this trail, including the Sproul State Forest recreation forester, Keystone Trails Association, PA Outdoor Corps, trail running groups, and others.

https://endlessmountains.wordpress.com/2026/05/05/backpack-the-chuck-keiper-trail-west-loop-sproul-state-forest/

05/05/2026

After years of neglect, the Keystone Trails Association has been working to bring the CKT back to life with several trail care events over the last few years, with more to come. I recently backpacked the west loop and it was beautiful and rugged. If you're looking for a challenging and isolated loop with great camping and beautiful creeks, check out the west loop of the CKT.

Fish Dam Overlook at main trailhead. Length: The west loop is about 33 miles; the entire Chuck Keiper Trail (CKT) loop is about 50 miles. Blazes: The CKT is orange. Parking: Main trailhead at Fish …

05/05/2026

Want to tackle the wild, rugged, isolated west loop of the Chuck Keiper Trail? Here's your map! Locations are approximate. C is for campsites. This loop is about 33 miles, and the northern half is difficult. This trail needs more hikers. Get out there!!