Wow thanks for posting a great video. I have hiked that area at least a dozen times in my life. Due to an accident I thought I would never get to see those trails and camp grounds again. What a treat. It's nice to see they have mark those trails much better. I remember one trip it snowed all night and the next day we could not see the blazed marking for the trip back. Also I loved that you posted a full video of you're hike. Thank you.
Hey Ian, Just made this trip this weekend. Great loop, it was a bit challenging due to all the rain, the trail was pretty muddy, especially everything that hugged the Johnny Cake Trail. The shoreline this weekend was literally about 2 feet wide compared to what you saw when you made this video......(thanks again to the rainy last couple of months) Thanks for turning us on to this spot, we had a great weekend. Minister Creek is next!!!!
Christopher Ruane Awesome! Glad to hear! Yeah we got a taste of the mud during the A-100 Challenge this year. June has been one of the rainiest months in recent history, so I'm not surprised. Minister Creek is beautiful! Enjoy, its a great area of ANF.
Great vid. thanks for the time to put this together. Took my kids down to Handsome Lake last year and we are looking to repeat in a few weeks. We went back the same 4 miles we hiked in. This time we were going to do the same loop you did, glad I saw this first :-)
Thanks Mike! It's a great area for everyone, short and easy enough to hike into for the family, and remote enough for us. Just so you know, the hike out was a bit tougher. It was probably 6-6.5miles and parts of the trail weren't well maintained (lots of overgrowth and climbing over deadfalls). Not too bad though. Enjoy!
Hi Ian, I actually did the 100 mile challenge but was doing the 50 miler in 2013. I sprained my ankle twice within the first 500 yards but was able to make it to the first shelter where I then hitched a ride to Henry mills parking lot. I enjoy your videos.
Thanks Ron! The beginning of the A100 was rough, lots of holes and wet slop. I'm surprised more people didn't twist ankles and knees there. Was that the shelter with the great field of ferns in front of it? Hope to see you out there in 2014 if it happens again.
Great Videos, me, my son, and a buddy camp in the ANF all summer long. Haven't checked out Tracy's Ridge yet, we usually head off from one of the old logging roads. Keep posting!!!!
Thanks bud! I think she liked it, except for the cold and the hiking lol. She's used to the camera around at this point, and never gave me any dirty looks for it. I hated to do it, but the tent just made more sense. I remembered how much better I sleep in my hammock :)
Heya bud, I was just up there about a month ago. Snow storm, pretty bad. I started on the same path you did but I stayed right the whole way. Pretty flat, plateauish, easy hiking even with a heavy pack. Thanks for the vid.
Hey Rich, thanks for watching! We hiked across the Tracy Ridge plateau on the way out, great area. Stay tuned because I'm doing a winter camping trip to this same area in a week or two.
Nice, pleasant video. (It's the 2nd time I've watched your vid). TR & NCT are my favorite bping spots along the Allegheny Rez., been going there every October (for a week) for 8 years now. Totally enjoy it. Looking forward to this October too. Thanks for sharing.
To respond to a comment below. Hiking in Ohio....you should check out the Wayne National Forest's Marietta unit. Multiple trails. Camping allowed anywhere off trail. No fees for hikers. Archers fork loop is supposedly in the most remote part of Ohio and has some cool natural rock formations. It's probably 2 hours from Columbus but you'd have to verify that. Not many videos of the area on UA-cam but there are a few. Definitely worth a quick weekend trip. FYI.
Your welcome on the info. I went to a MAC school too. U of Toledo alum. Always wanted to go to OU though! Cool campus. Anyway, thanks for the great channel, and thanks for the response. I appreciate it.
Agreed! My parents took me on a trip to hocking hills when I was in middle school many moons ago. It was definitely one of my formative outdoor experiences!
Ian, if they have the 100 mile challenge, I will again try to finish the 50 miles. But, I here they might not have the challenge in 2014 due to the changes of who's in charge.
Pretty cool area. A question for you: is it pretty easy to grab a camp site at Handsome Lake area? I'm planning a similar solo backpacking trip in a month or so, making a long 25 mile loop with an overnight at Handsome Lake. Another question, what's bear activity there? In Allegany park on the New York side they are all over. Can you get away with hanging food with a bear bag or do you need a canister? Thanks and enjoyed the video.
cfraimondo233 It can be busy at Handsome Lake, there are people that boat in and camp. But there are lots of sites there, and I've never seen it even close to full. I've seen a few small bears, but they always take off running. I didn't hang my food when I was there, but it probably not a bad idea. You definitely don't need a canister. Thanks, have fun on your hike!
Just an update. Solo I saw no bears. I did car camp with the wife and dog at Willow Bay in August. During the night a black bear came to our camp and got into the cooler. Totally my fault leaving a cooler out. However, she was not afraid of me one bit. It was was a good few minutes of yelling and she didn't leave until I got out of the tent going toward her. I never seen a bear so unafraid of humans. My wife is not a backpacker so it freaked her out quite a bit. I saw neighbor campers leaving food and garbage out, so thought bear activity was minimal. Lesson learned, always be proactive in bear territory, ALWAYS.
Yep! You're always more likely to see them around established car-camping areas, because the people that stay there generally aren't aware or careful with garbage and food. Plus the bears know thats where the food always is. Backpackers are more careful with their food, and don't always stay in the same spot. That's not good for that bear that she is so conditioned to humans.
Ian, Good video man! A buddy and I are going there next week. Driving there from Columbus Ohio. Hopefully the weather is just like it was for you. It didn't look like there were a lot of bugs there in September which is hopeful for us as well. Have you done the northern part of these trails where the lookouts are and all the smaller loops? We will be arriving around 1 PM Thursday through Sunday. Our initial plan- Thursday hike down to Handsome Lake like you did. Friday (day hike) the southern part through hopewell and the rest of the southern trails and loop back to our original site. Saturday head north and maybe get some of those loops with all the scenic views that show on the map and leave ourselves a short hike on Sunday. How does that sound to you? Any advice for us? Thanks
+Alex Banks Thanks Alex! It was a bit cold at night, but still nice. There was almost no bugs, but I've never really seen the bugs very bad in ANF. I haven't done the northern trails with the lookouts, but I've done the southern ones and the North Country Trail all the way through ANF and they are great. That sounds like a good plan. It's a decent amount of hiking the cover all that for Friday and Saturday, but its doable, especially without heavy backpacks. Just know that when you're going back towards the road or tracy ridge, you'll be going uphill. The NCT through there also has some significant climbs. If it rains the trails can be pretty muddy and creeks can get high, which makes for slow going. Some of the smaller trails can be overgrown in places, but are well marked. Have fun!
+Ian Young That was an awesome trail. We just got back yesterday. We ended up hiking to the Hopewell camp ground the first day because there were about 50 kids throughout the Handsome Lake campground. Good choice because we were the only ones at Hopewell. Campsite 3 is an amazing site. Just no place for a tarp or Hammock. You weren't kidding about the uphill. It was a tough 2 mile hike from Handsome to Hopewell.
After exploring the area I have to say it's pretty cool. Tons of options on backpacking loops or even day hikes. When I went the weather didn't cooperate, but I loved the area and will definitely return. Check out my video.
Ian, Is there a reservation process or fee to use the campsites when you backpack into the Tracy Ridge - Handsome Lake? Anything special I need to do - register car, etc.? Thanks for your assistance, Scott
There is a camping fee ($10 per site per night, I believe), which you just deposit in a box at the campsite. There is usually a trail register at the trailhead. You can write in your car make, and how long you plan to be out, so that if you went missing, they know what your plan was.
I just started backpacking with my boyfriend and I hear a lot of things about bringing the dogs around, especially in bear country like the alleghenys. Anyone have any thoughts? I would love to take them with me but I want them to be safe!!!
+Maria Rose Puliafico I think in general it's pretty safe to bring them. Bears have a better sense of smell than dogs, and will know that you and they are there. Unless you're careless with your food around camp, bears will stay away from you mostly. Sometimes in late fall before hibernation they get desperate for food and in that case will come around even if you're careful. The dogs will hear and smell a bear coming and hopefully alert you. If they bark and seem intimidating they'll most likely scare the bear away. Very small dogs might not be a good idea to bring since they might look like food to the bear. While you're hiking during the day make sure to be noisy so any bears hear you coming. If you were quiet and walked up on a bear, a close encounter with the dogs could be bad. Keep them on leash for their safety and curtesy to other hikers.
Wow thanks for posting a great video. I have hiked that area at least a dozen times in my life. Due to an accident I thought I would never get to see those trails and camp grounds again. What a treat. It's nice to see they have mark those trails much better. I remember one trip it snowed all night and the next day we could not see the blazed marking for the trip back. Also I loved that you posted a full video of you're hike. Thank you.
Loved your video, been there several times boating and camping. From Warren.. so its like my backyard. Cheers!
Bill Schaffer Thanks! It really is right in your backyard! Its such a beautiful area, I love it!
Look like a nice beginner backpacking trail to take my daughter on. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Ian, Just made this trip this weekend. Great loop, it was a bit challenging due to all the rain, the trail was pretty muddy, especially everything that hugged the Johnny Cake Trail. The shoreline this weekend was literally about 2 feet wide compared to what you saw when you made this video......(thanks again to the rainy last couple of months) Thanks for turning us on to this spot, we had a great weekend. Minister Creek is next!!!!
Christopher Ruane Awesome! Glad to hear! Yeah we got a taste of the mud during the A-100 Challenge this year. June has been one of the rainiest months in recent history, so I'm not surprised. Minister Creek is beautiful! Enjoy, its a great area of ANF.
Great vid. thanks for the time to put this together. Took my kids down to Handsome Lake last year and we are looking to repeat in a few weeks. We went back the same 4 miles we hiked in. This time we were going to do the same loop you did, glad I saw this first :-)
Thanks Mike! It's a great area for everyone, short and easy enough to hike into for the family, and remote enough for us. Just so you know, the hike out was a bit tougher. It was probably 6-6.5miles and parts of the trail weren't well maintained (lots of overgrowth and climbing over deadfalls). Not too bad though. Enjoy!
Hi Ian, I actually did the 100 mile challenge but was doing the 50 miler in 2013. I sprained my ankle twice within the first 500 yards but was able to make it to the first shelter where I then hitched a ride to Henry mills parking lot. I enjoy your videos.
Thanks Ron! The beginning of the A100 was rough, lots of holes and wet slop. I'm surprised more people didn't twist ankles and knees there. Was that the shelter with the great field of ferns in front of it? Hope to see you out there in 2014 if it happens again.
Great Videos, me, my son, and a buddy camp in the ANF all summer long. Haven't checked out Tracy's Ridge yet, we usually head off from one of the old logging roads. Keep posting!!!!
Thanks! Its a beautiful area, the Minister Creek area is also great
Thanks bud! I think she liked it, except for the cold and the hiking lol. She's used to the camera around at this point, and never gave me any dirty looks for it. I hated to do it, but the tent just made more sense. I remembered how much better I sleep in my hammock :)
Heya bud, I was just up there about a month ago. Snow storm, pretty bad. I started on the same path you did but I stayed right the whole way. Pretty flat, plateauish, easy hiking even with a heavy pack.
Thanks for the vid.
Hey Rich, thanks for watching! We hiked across the Tracy Ridge plateau on the way out, great area. Stay tuned because I'm doing a winter camping trip to this same area in a week or two.
Thanks, we love 'em too
well done - good info too. I feel like i was there with you guys. Can't wait to get on that trail
Thanks! All the trails around there are great
Great video man, I really enjoyed it. Allegheny is such a beautiful place.
etheain Thanks! It really is, I love it
Nice vid, looked like you guy's had a great trip, love the dogs!
Nice, pleasant video. (It's the 2nd time I've watched your vid). TR & NCT are my favorite bping spots along the Allegheny Rez., been going there every October (for a week) for 8 years now. Totally enjoy it. Looking forward to this October too. Thanks for sharing.
+john kulcsar Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. I love it there in ANF
Can't recall ever hauling bottled beer on any of my backpacking treks, but always carry a flex-flask with an adult beverage... and a few stogies too.
To respond to a comment below. Hiking in Ohio....you should check out the Wayne National Forest's Marietta unit. Multiple trails. Camping allowed anywhere off trail. No fees for hikers. Archers fork loop is supposedly in the most remote part of Ohio and has some cool natural rock formations. It's probably 2 hours from Columbus but you'd have to verify that. Not many videos of the area on UA-cam but there are a few. Definitely worth a quick weekend trip. FYI.
Thanks for the info! I'll have to look into that area. I went to OU in Athens so I did a lot of hiking in Southern Ohio, but never been there
Your welcome on the info. I went to a MAC school too. U of Toledo alum. Always wanted to go to OU though! Cool campus. Anyway, thanks for the great channel, and thanks for the response. I appreciate it.
Yeah it was beautiful down there. Definitely go check out the Hocking Hills area if you've never been. Thank you for watching
Agreed! My parents took me on a trip to hocking hills when I was in middle school many moons ago. It was definitely one of my formative outdoor experiences!
Thanks, it sure is!
Pa has large black bears.879 pounds biggest taken by hunter.
Ian, if they have the 100 mile challenge, I will again try to finish the 50 miles. But, I here they might not have the challenge in 2014 due to the changes of who's in charge.
Pretty cool area. A question for you: is it pretty easy to grab a camp site at Handsome Lake area? I'm planning a similar solo backpacking trip in a month or so, making a long 25 mile loop with an overnight at Handsome Lake. Another question, what's bear activity there? In Allegany park on the New York side they are all over. Can you get away with hanging food with a bear bag or do you need a canister? Thanks and enjoyed the video.
cfraimondo233 It can be busy at Handsome Lake, there are people that boat in and camp. But there are lots of sites there, and I've never seen it even close to full. I've seen a few small bears, but they always take off running. I didn't hang my food when I was there, but it probably not a bad idea. You definitely don't need a canister. Thanks, have fun on your hike!
Great! Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to exploring b the area in a couple weeks.
Just an update. Solo I saw no bears. I did car camp with the wife and dog at Willow Bay in August. During the night a black bear came to our camp and got into the cooler. Totally my fault leaving a cooler out. However, she was not afraid of me one bit. It was was a good few minutes of yelling and she didn't leave until I got out of the tent going toward her. I never seen a bear so unafraid of humans. My wife is not a backpacker so it freaked her out quite a bit. I saw neighbor campers leaving food and garbage out, so thought bear activity was minimal. Lesson learned, always be proactive in bear territory, ALWAYS.
Yep! You're always more likely to see them around established car-camping areas, because the people that stay there generally aren't aware or careful with garbage and food. Plus the bears know thats where the food always is. Backpackers are more careful with their food, and don't always stay in the same spot. That's not good for that bear that she is so conditioned to humans.
Ian,
Good video man!
A buddy and I are going there next week. Driving there from Columbus Ohio. Hopefully the weather is just like it was for you. It didn't look like there were a lot of bugs there in September which is hopeful for us as well. Have you done the northern part of these trails where the lookouts are and all the smaller loops? We will be arriving around 1 PM Thursday through Sunday.
Our initial plan- Thursday hike down to Handsome Lake like you did. Friday (day hike) the southern part through hopewell and the rest of the southern trails and loop back to our original site. Saturday head north and maybe get some of those loops with all the scenic views that show on the map and leave ourselves a short hike on Sunday.
How does that sound to you? Any advice for us? Thanks
+Alex Banks Thanks Alex! It was a bit cold at night, but still nice. There was almost no bugs, but I've never really seen the bugs very bad in ANF. I haven't done the northern trails with the lookouts, but I've done the southern ones and the North Country Trail all the way through ANF and they are great. That sounds like a good plan. It's a decent amount of hiking the cover all that for Friday and Saturday, but its doable, especially without heavy backpacks. Just know that when you're going back towards the road or tracy ridge, you'll be going uphill. The NCT through there also has some significant climbs. If it rains the trails can be pretty muddy and creeks can get high, which makes for slow going. Some of the smaller trails can be overgrown in places, but are well marked. Have fun!
Thanks
+Ian Young
That was an awesome trail. We just got back yesterday. We ended up hiking to the Hopewell camp ground the first day because there were about 50 kids throughout the Handsome Lake campground. Good choice because we were the only ones at Hopewell. Campsite 3 is an amazing site. Just no place for a tarp or Hammock. You weren't kidding about the uphill. It was a tough 2 mile hike from Handsome to Hopewell.
Cool, glad you enjoyed it! Yeah it's a long, sustained climb.
After exploring the area I have to say it's pretty cool. Tons of options on backpacking loops or even day hikes. When I went the weather didn't cooperate, but I loved the area and will definitely return. Check out my video.
Ian, Is there a reservation process or fee to use the campsites when you backpack into the Tracy Ridge - Handsome Lake? Anything special I need to do - register car, etc.?
Thanks for your assistance,
Scott
There is a camping fee ($10 per site per night, I believe), which you just deposit in a box at the campsite. There is usually a trail register at the trailhead. You can write in your car make, and how long you plan to be out, so that if you went missing, they know what your plan was.
Thanks!
I just started backpacking with my boyfriend and I hear a lot of things about bringing the dogs around, especially in bear country like the alleghenys. Anyone have any thoughts? I would love to take them with me but I want them to be safe!!!
+Maria Rose Puliafico I think in general it's pretty safe to bring them. Bears have a better sense of smell than dogs, and will know that you and they are there. Unless you're careless with your food around camp, bears will stay away from you mostly. Sometimes in late fall before hibernation they get desperate for food and in that case will come around even if you're careful. The dogs will hear and smell a bear coming and hopefully alert you. If they bark and seem intimidating they'll most likely scare the bear away. Very small dogs might not be a good idea to bring since they might look like food to the bear. While you're hiking during the day make sure to be noisy so any bears hear you coming. If you were quiet and walked up on a bear, a close encounter with the dogs could be bad. Keep them on leash for their safety and curtesy to other hikers.
Ok I can commend you on the Southern Tier, but not the Pumking! They have some good brews, but not a fan of that one.
cfraimondo233 I like just about everything that they make, but that Pumking is one of my favs! To each their own
South Tier's IPA I have to say would be my favorite and go to beer.
Their Un-Earthly IIPA is pretty darn good too
Hope you got a new GF as that one doesn't seem like much of a fun loving happy girl outside in nature at all. LOL