Standing Stone Trail Thru-hike

[jmitchell]

Day 1
23 miles
This is the northern section of the SST; the total trail is 79 miles long. Amanda and Kevin joined me. SST famous for its rocks, but also its amazing views and geological features. The weather was awesome with deep blue skies. The views were endless. The new trail through Rocky Ridge was first-class as it meandered between outcrops with views. The sinkholes and disappearing creeks were fascinating. This was an excellent section of trail with many superb features. There was even an Amish horse and buggy, tied to a tree waiting for its owner, who was hunting. The trail here has many new signs, including two signs indicating campsites.

Full report:

http://endlessmountains.wordpress.co...e-trail-day-1/

Pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4923955...th/8220543789/

[jmitchell]

More info about the trail, including maps:

http://www.hike-sst.org/

[jmitchell]

http://endlessmountains.wordpress.co...e-trail-day-2/

Day 2 on the SST. Covered almost 22 miles. This section revealed the biggest climbs, awesome views, and the most history. Views from Throne Room were impressive and I was lucky to catch a sunset from Butler Knob after a cloudy afternoon, it was breathtaking. We slept through a windstorm that night, thankfully, we stayed in the new, and impressive, Butler Knob Shelter.
For future hikers, there are really no services in Mapleton, although you might be able to camp in the town park along the river with permission. A pizza shop that was there had closed.

Enjoy.
Pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4923955...th/8221783818/

[jmitchell]

[IMG]<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49239558@N04/8220667217/" title="Breathtaking Clarks Vista by jeffmitchell2010, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8220667217_6aa5d571f5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Breathtaking Clarks Vista"></a>[/IMG]

[handlebar]

Thanks for the great journal! I'm hoping to do the same hike soon before winter sets in.

[PAHiker]

Thanks for the great journal! I'm hoping to do the same hike soon before winter sets in.

Let me know if you need shuttle service when you do the SST. I live in Huntingdon which is close to the midpoint.

[jmitchell]

Day 3
http://endlessmountains.wordpress.co...e-trail-day-3/

This was a 21 mile day as we roadwalked across a scenic valley with farms and meadows. Three Springs was a nice town and a good respite. Highlights included the views and talus slopes that surround Monument Rock. Enjoy.

[jmitchell]

http://endlessmountains.wordpress.co...e-trail-day-4/
The final day, bringing an end to the hike. It was a great experience, although the trail took its toll. The last day featured stiles over fences and fields, great views, rock outcrops, and historical Vanderbilt's Folly. The hike ended at Cowans Gap Lake as it glistened in the sun. This last day was about 14 miles. Thanks for coming along on the journey. Enjoy.

Pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4923955...th/8231554690/

[ki0eh]

Thanks for sharing. The "other" trails in PA deserve more traffic and more support. SST's scenery especially is unmatched by PA's portion of the A.T. (But as you see from Jeff's report you definitely don't avoid rocks that way.)

[jmitchell]

SST has some great potential, few trails offer such natural, geologic, and historical features. SST is rocky, but the entire trail is not. The most persistent rocky areas are the southern half of the ridge on Stone Mtn, north of Hoopers Gap, Hall of the Mtn King, and Cove Mtn. The new re-route along Rocky Ridge is among the best trail work I've seen, very well-done.

[FootPathOne]

Top notch report! I'm planning to backpack along the SST in May 2017. The photos allowed a glimpse into the pleasant views I can expect during the 5 days allotted. Thank you!

[jmitchell]

May is a good time to go. Trees will be blooming, lots of dogwoods, redbuds, and wild flowers along the trail. SST now extends north from Greenwood Furnace to Detweiler Run Natural Area where it connects with the Mid State Trail. This is worth doing to see old growth forests, rhododendron tunnels, and views from Broad Mtn. Have fun.

[jmitchell]

This the trail's current website

http://www.standingstonetrail.org

[PilotB]

Thx for the links, planning a spring 2017 hike also