30 Mile Day Hike- West Rim of Pennsylvania Little Grand Canyon!

Weekend Trip! 30 Miles in One Day- West Rim of the Pennsylvania Little Grand Canyon Push yourself to new levels!!! Our challenge is Pennsylvania's Little Grand Canyon. We will be hiking the 30 mile West Rim Trail along the canyon's western rim as a day hike. Yes, 30 miles in one day! This spectacular long-distance linear trail for the most part hugs the West Rim of Pine Creek Gorge—the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The trail passes through relaxing woods and serves up striking views. While this hike will take place rain or shine, it will be postponed if there is a 50% or greater chance of severe weather as of 5AM on Friday the 10th. Special attractions: Pine Creek Gorge vistas, varied woods with areas of impressive big trees, mountain laurel and fern, and of course wildlife, including porcupines! The Canyon The northern section of the canyon is about 800 feet deep and about 2,000 feet from rim to rim. The exposed rock is estimated to be more than 350 million years old. Most of the important geologic process which formed the canyon as it now exists occurred less than 20,000 years ago. Before glacial activity took place in the present Canyon area, the headwaters of Pine Creek took a northeastern drainage course. Glaciers deposited a blanket of gravel, sand and clay blocking the flow of Pine Creek. This natural dam forced Pine Creek to reverse its flow and drain to the south. This overflow cut through the drainage divide and formed the canyon. The trail offers spectacular views of the Canyon. In some spots the trail follows the very rim of the Canyon, so watch your step. This is NOT a hike for the newbie or the faint of heart! We will meet at Dorsey Station at 6:30 PM on July 10th and carpool to Wellsboro, PA. The drive is estimated to take 4.5 hours and cover 230 miles. We will camp at the Leonard Harrison State Park campgrounds, leave at 6:30 AM, and drive to the hike's trailhead. When we are done, we will come back to our campsite which I have already reserved! Trail Information Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Wellsboro Length: 30.5 total miles Trail Type: Point-to-Point Skill Level: Moderate hike but is much too long for most day hikers Season: Spring through fall elevation Notes: The West Rim Trail travels between 850 and 2020 feet in elevation, with the segment to Bradley Wales showing a 600 foot elevation change; the segment to Steel Hollow has a 770 foot Trailhead Elev: 1100 feet Top Elev: 2020 feet Local Contacts: Tioga State Forest NOTE: This hike has a different reservation fee because it factors in the split cost of the campsites for two nights. For those who want to carpool with me, I will be asking for $20 for gas (other drivers, feel free to charge whatever you feel is appropriate). NOTE: Due to the facilities and other up-front costs, there will be NO REFUNDS, so make certain you can go before you commit yourself. Carpool Information To carpool, we will meet at Dorsey Station. Click here for directions to Dorsey Station. If you can drive or want to carpool from an additional location, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride! Directions to the Trailhead Contact the hike leader at the number below if you are going to drive to the trailhead for this hike. We will Meet up At Dorsey at 6:30PM on July 10th Hike is the crack of dawn July 11th Fido is NOT welcome on this 30 mile day hike. I consulted with 3 different veterinarians and they ALL said this is too far for ANY dog to traverse in one day! Note: No guests are allowed for this particular hike so please everyone sign up for yourself to secure a spot for this exciting trek! Let's have good times and see you on the trail! Call me if you have any questions and people will be contacted via e-mail or phone as they sign up to discuss this event in further detail. Mike Harris 405.714.3162 (Hike Leader)