We hiked this section on May 2, 2009.
Python, B Squared, and Dirigo started the hike by taking the blue blazed trail to the 501 shelter. We had read that you could order pizza at this shelter and that a caretaker lived next to the shelter. The shelter was very nice and clean and had a bulletin board with take out menus from local restaurants.
501 Shelter
Once we got back onto the AT, the bugs started to dive bomb our faces so we all doused ourselves with bug dope. The trail started off nice and easy but then we soon encountered the famous PA rocks.
We were constantly scanning the rocks to make sure we didn’t step on a sun bathing snake.
This section of the trail has lots of campsites with fire rings. We took a short break at one of these campsites and quickly ate our lunch because the bugs were attacking us.
The Hertlein campsite is very nice, has 2 picnic tables, fire rings, tent sites, and a good water source. This campsite also had a “drinking cup” inside a metal box attached to a tree. The only bad thing about staying at this campsite might be the bugs.
There was a long climb from the Hertlein campsite and once the trail leveled off we crossed a clearing for a pipeline. From this point on, the trail was very muddy and wet but hikers had already blazed new footpaths parallel to the watery trail.
Oh boy the trail put a beatdown on our feet! Got to love those PA rocks!