We hiked this section on September 19, 2009.
Total hike time: 8 hours 3 minutes
Python’s hike stats: 3238 calories burned. Min HR 80, max HR 164, avg HR 115.
We joined the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club (BMECC) for this hike.
Python & Dirigo met the group at the parking lot at 7:45 am. We had a total of 6 on the hike. Cliff was the hike leader and he has thru-hiked the AT several times. Ruth, Arnold, Ed and Keith all showed up and we headed for the Sand Spring trail.
We hiked up the Sand Spring Trail to meet the AT.
Sand Spring Trail
On the hike up we took a side trail to view the boiling water below the springs. It was pretty shallow but there were many places that it was boiling.
We joked about it being quicksand and who was going to test out the waters. No one bit. Just before we came to the AT we came to the walled Sand Spring, and another blazed trail, the Tom Lowe Trail.
At about 1.1 miles we set foot on the AT. Finally, miles we can count. We stopped for a short break and then crossed a game commission road, and then went into the Weiser State Forest.
We came to the Eagles Nest shelter sign and Cliff asked if we wanted to go to the shelter.
Oh course we did. We descended to the shelter, and got a quick history lesson from Cliff about the building of the shelter. Cliff said the privy was closed because the club could not find a vender to supply the wood chips needed to put into the privy for composting, so for now it was closed. We had a snack at the shelter and moved along.
From this point on the trail got rocky and we crossed a few game land roads. We passed a guy who had a pistol on this belt loop. Didn’t make us feel real good, but Cliff said in PA everyone is allowed to pack heat, and if it is in plain sight then it is ok. Still didn’t make us feel any better.
The rocks got better for awhile, and we could make up some miles. Then we came to a point that the rocks came back with a vengeance. We ascended back to the ridge line and just when the calves and quads were beginning to burn, the rock scramble became a rock-slab staircase. Nothing too serious, but it made you work. We all took a lunch break at the top and when we began again we crossed another game land road. At this point the trail became even more rocky, and it put the beat down on Dirigo’s feet. This is suppose to be the real start of the PA rocky, and it gets worse from this point on.
We saw 2 weekend hikers talking to the BMECC hikers ahead on the trail. We thought everyone had stopped for a break so that we could catch up with them. When we finally approached them, they pointed out a rattle snake about 6 feet from the trail!
Python wanted to get a little closer to take a picture but Ruth warned her not to get any closer since the snake could strike from 5 feet away. Thanks Ruth!
The 2 weekend hikers told us that they did not see the snake but rather heard the snake’s rattle as they approached. They waited on the trail to alert the hikers behind them about the snake.
The trail then led to the Auburn Overlook. It was very clear and sunny, and you could see for miles. This spot is suppose to be very windy, but we found it a nice spot for a break.
From Auburn outlook to Port Clinton the trail descended steeply, 1000ft in 2 miles.
We crossed yet another game land road and the rocks got even pointer. Go figure. Ed joked that the club files the rock for the hikers. He also said that this is where rocks go to die. We rock hopped for 0.2 miles and then crossed another game land road.
The final descent into Port Clinton was steep but we took our time because the trail was made up of small shifting rocks and dirt. We eventually crossed over a nice wide bike path and then headed downhill towards the train station. We crossed over the railroad tracks, passed several beautiful purple butterfly bushes, crossed over the Schulykill (“SKOO-kull”) River and entered Port Clinton.
We went to visit Ye Olde Backpacker which is about 4 blocks from the AT. This store had several backpacks and the hiker essentials but no footwear.
Cliff next took us to the Peanut store while the other members went to the Port Clinton Hotel. The Peanut store is actually a big candy shop! Not good! Dirigo bought some orange & black jellybeans.
We then joined the rest of the group at the bar at the Port Clinton Hotel. Cliff ordered a basket of French fries for all us while we enjoyed a nice cool drink. The Port Clinton Hotel is very nice and it is obviously a very popular place for the locals.
Port Clinton Hotel