Trail Stats Nearby City: Freeport, PA Length: 141 total miles Skill level: Moderate to Strenuous Trail type: Point-to-point Trail category: State Forest Trail

A detailed trail-guide and map are available for $7.50 from:

Hostelling International - Pittsburgh Council
830 East Warrington Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15210
412-431-2625
trfn.clpgh.org/ayh

Trail Description

The Baker Trail was established in 1950 and named for the late Pittsburgh attorney, Horace Forbes Baker. The trail originally extended from Aspinwall to Cook Forest State Park (133 miles). However, extensive development along the Allegheny River caused the Aspinwall-Freeport section to be abandoned. In 1971, the trail was extended northward from Cook Forest Fire Tower into Allegheny National Forest, making the trail 141 miles long.

The Baker Trail is a hiking and backpacking trail, following forest paths, old jeep trails and dirt roads through woods, farmlands, along rivers and creeks. Currently, there are nine campsites with openfront "Adirondack" shelters located on side trails. There are no signs pointing to the shelters, so they must be located by consulting the Baker Trail Guide Book. The Guide includes a detailed description and maps of the trail. Besides the shelters, there are primitive campsites along the trail where tents can be used.

In cooperation with DCNR, sections of this trail are maintained, in part, by volunteers from the Hostelling International - Pittsburgh Council.

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