Backpacking

Laurel Ridge State Park, Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Trail mileage within park: 70 miles
Total trail mileage: 70 miles
Number of overnight sites: 8
Number of shelters per site: 5
Number of tent spaces per site: 25
Amenities available: firewood, fireplaces, fire rings and pit toilets
Amenities NOT available: Check in at park office for availability of water
Pets allowed: yes
Reserve sites: 11 months in advance through reservePA

 

Moraine State Park, North Country National Scenic Trail
Trail mileage within (McConnells Mill, Moraine and Jennings): 25.9 miles, Trail mileage within just Moraine = 13.9 miles
Total trail mileage: 4,600 miles
Number of overnight sites:1 (at Moraine State Park)
Number of shelters per site: 1
Number of tent spaces per site: 0
Amenities available: restroom and firering
Amenities NOT available: firewood and water
Pets allowed: Yes
Reserve sites: 11 months in advance through reservePA

 

Oil Creek State Park, Oil Creek/Gerard Hiking Trail
Trail mileage within park: 36 miles
Total trail mileage: 36 miles
Number of overnight sites: 2
Number of shelters per site: 6
Number of tent spaces per site: spaces are available
Amenities available: water (Seasonal April 1 to November 1), firewood (when available), restrooms, picnic table and fireplaces
Amenities NOT available:
Pets allowed: Yes
Reserve sites: 11 months in advance through reservePA

 

Raccoon Creek State Park
Backpacking trail loop mileage within park: 44 miles
Number of overnight sites: 2
Number of shelters per site: 5
Number of tent spaces per site: 5
Amenities available: water & pit latrines/port-a-johns available 1/4-mile from campsite, fire ring
Amenities NOT available: firewood (may be purchased at park office)
Pets allowed: Yes
Reserve sites: 11 months in advance through reservePA

  

Make an online reservation or call 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on the Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays.

 

Explore the Hiking page for information on National Scenic Trails and parks that are trailheads to backpacking trails.

Visit the Bureau of Forestry’s hiking trails page to discover the backpacking opportunities within our State Forests.

To gather more information about these and other hiking trails within Pennsylvania visit ExplorePAtrails.com.

 

Try out backpacking at one of our Get Outdoor PA backpacking programs. All programs are led by trained staff and most include a loan of key backpacking equipment like packs and tents. To find a backpacking program visit our calendar of events and then in the drop down menu labeled “Select Activity,” select Backpacking. Afterwards click the green “Go” square to begin your search.   Follow the instructions to register and you’re off on your first backpacking trip!

 

Remember, while backpacking in PA State Parks and beyond, to practice the guidelines of Leave No Trace, outlined below:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
   1. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
   2. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
   3. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
   4. Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
   5. Repackage food to minimize waste.
   6. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
   1. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
   2. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
   3. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
   4. In popular areas:
   5. Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
   6. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
   7. Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
   8. In pristine areas:
   9. Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
   10. Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
   1. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
   2. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
   3. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
   4. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
4. Leave What You Find
   1. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
   2. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
   3. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
   4. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
   1. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
   2. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
   3. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
   4. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife
   1. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
   2. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
   3. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
   4. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
   5. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
   1.  Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
   2. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
   3. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
   4. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
   5. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises

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