Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 10, 2024
Meet Friday, at The Elk Trail eastern trailhead at 9:45 AM and be ready to start hiking at 10:00 AM. The trailhead is on Dents Run Road off of Rt 555, east of Benezette at 41.36299, -78.29868. There is parking there. If you are late and we have left, just hike to join us.
Arrive at our camp site (41.39202, -78.39303) mid-afternoon and set up. The hike is 9.4 miles.
If you want to arrive in the area the night before, you can camp for free at the nearby Hicks Run Camping Area (41.37897, -78.28038) by contacting the Elk State Forest District Office at fd13@pa.gov or by calling them at (814) 486-3353.
Be aware that the timing of the hike will be near the end of the rut for elk in the area, therefore drive carefully. Also it’s always a good idea to wear some blaze orange this time of year.
Friday
• 10:00am – start the hike from the eastern trailhead - Dents Run Road Trailhead
• Hike approximately 9.4 miles to our campsite at 41.39202, -78.39303
• Meals:
- Lunch on the trail
- Dinner in camp
Saturday
• 7:00 – 9:00 get up, eat breakfast
• 9:00 leave on day hike to Benezette for lunch – about 6.6 miles
• 12:00 – 1:00 eat lunch at the Benezette Hotel
• after lunch, start hike back to campsite – return trip, same length – about 6.6 miles (total mileage for day about 13.2)
• Meals
- Breakfast in camp
- Lunch at a restaurant
- Dinner in camp
Sunday
• 7:00 – 9:00 get up, eat breakfast
• 9:00ish leave for hike back to Dents Run and our vehicles parked there – 9.4 miles
• Meals
- Breakfast in camp
- Snack/lunch on the trail
Other important, relevant information:
• Cellular service is very unreliable in this area. Do not depend solely on vehicle navigation like Google Maps that require It.
• Adult beverages are acceptable in moderation. Smoking only downwind and away from others. No weapons.
• Completion of a Phoenix BPC Waiver Is mandatory prior to starting the hike
• We are not likely to hike together as a group all the time. You should be prepared to navigate solo and have map, compass, water treatment, food, shelter, and other gear as if you were not part of a group. You are completely responsible for your own safety and comfort.
• The Elk Trail is not too rugged however you must be physically fit - it has yellow blazes and just a few ‘tricky’ areas where these blazes are more difficult to follow
• The campsite will hold many tents and tarps.
• There is water from a reliable spring just below our camp
• If you have a rain tarp, it would be prudent to bring it in case of rain
• We will have to cross Dents Run twice (Friday, Sunday) and it may be a wet foot crossing – be prepared for this.