A Walk in the Woods - Hammock Camping the Old Loggers Path

Join me for 3 days of Hammock Camping & Ultralight Backpacking on the Old Loggers Path in Pennsylvania’s Loyalsock State Forest.

For this 3 day, 2 night spring backpacking trip, I’ll be hiking a roughly 28 mile backpacking loop along babbling brooks, waterfalls, hardwoods and hemlocks. Being shoulder season in north central Pennsylvania, my weather ranged from highs in the 70’s down to just below freezing at night, with a little bit of rain sprinkled in for good measure.

For an easier read, GPS data a more, check out my full blog post
https://www.sintax77.com/hammock-camp...

Due to the weather, I packed some extra layers and a full set of rain gear. This increased my pack weight a bit, but I still managed to come in with a base weight of around 10.5 lbs or so. Water on the Old Loggers Path is fairly plentiful, so I got by with only carrying 1 liter or so of water at a time.

Trail conditions on the OLP are a mix of nice flat dirt sections, punctuated by spurts of steep sections littered with Pennsylvania’s infamous rocks to keep you on your toes ; literally. Despite the occasional rough sections, the daily gross elevation gain was only averaged about 1,500 feet per day. I chose to do the loop in a counterclockwise direction, as this allowed me to camp in the Rock Run area after only about 7 miles after my mid-day start on day one.

You can also find more OLP info here
http://midatlantichikes.com/oldlogger...

Trailhead Used: Masten Camp Parking Lot , 41°30’25.2″N 76°49’15.6″W

The parking area on Pleasant Stream Rd has room for several vehicles and is easily accessible via 2wd. No parking fee or permit required.

Trails Used, Day 1

Start counterclockwise on the orange blazed OLP trail
Head back towards the intersection with the bridge. I turned left on Mt Pleasant Rd to do the loop counterclockwise. Crossing the bridge will take you on the OLP clockwise.
Keep on following those orange blazes and stay aware of other old logging paths in the area that are not the OLP!
Camp near the confluence of Yellow Dog Run and Rock Run
There are multiple camping opportunities in this area for tents or hammocks with several pre-established fire ring and plenty of water.

Day 1 Mileage: 6.5 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 866 feet

Trails Used, Day 2

Continue on the Old Loggers Path
Lunch Break at Doe Run Shelter
Catch some views from Sullivan Mountain
Camp along the Long Run
This flat area after descending Sullivan mountain has plenty of flowing water and multiple sites with pre-established fire rings scattered about not too far from the trail.

Day 2 Mileage: 10 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,516 feet

Trails Used, Day 3

Continue on the OLP trail
Cross Pleasant stream
This is the only water crossing that may pose a legitimate challenge after heavier rain falls. For me it wasn’t too bad, but it was still just below the knees with a decent current.
Take a break at Sharp Top Vista
Take the spur trail to Sprout Point shelter for one last view
Backtrack to the OLP
Return to parking lot

Day 3 Mileage: 12 miles
Day 3 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,893 feet

Grand Total Mileage: 28.5 Miles
Grand Total Gross Elevation Gain: 4,275 feet

Notable Backpacking Gear

Gregory Optic 48 Backpack, medium https://amzn.to/2zX0DGx
Dutchware Gear Half-Wit Hammock https://dutchwaregear.com/product/hal...
Simply Light Designs Trail Winder Underquilt / Underquilt Protector https://simplylightdesigns.com/collec...
Hammock Gear Burrow 40 Top Quilt https://www.hammockgear.com/premium-b...
Hammock Gear Dyneema Hex Tarp https://www.hammockgear.com/dyneema-f...
DIY Cat Can Alcohol Stove https://amzn.to/2M3uRuG
Vargo Windscreen Pot Stand https://amzn.to/2M3uRuG
Toaks 750ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/2GR7AJX
Sea to Summit Long Handled Spork https://go.magik.ly/ml/v9xv/
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter https://amzn.to/2WcjfYZ
Outdoor Research Helium III Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/2BiSnB1
Outdoor Research Helium III Rain Pants https://amzn.to/2MkuI5F
Outdoor Vitals Satu Adventure Pants & baselayer https://satu-adventure-pants-comfort....
Outdoor Vitals Adventure Jacket, Loftek version http://bit.ly/2WHh940
Under Armor Charged Pursuit Running Shoes https://amzn.to/2XXKaKc
Wright Socks (I love these for blister prevention, particularly in wet conditions). https://amzn.to/2XqbOSP
Dutchware Folding Sit Pad https://dutchwaregear.com/product/fol...
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp https://amzn.to/2YVsp0A
Garmin Oregon 650 GPS unit https://amzn.to/2WFzsps
Spot Gen3 GPS Messenger & SOS device https://amzn.to/2EJLQhC
Casio ProTrek FR-30 Smartwatch https://amzn.to/3dtY7Xj
Packit Gourmet Backpacking Meals https://www.packitgourmet.com/
Oria Digital Thermometer with memory https://amzn.to/3dqi54M

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through some of my links.