02/28/10

Trip Review

The WRT was an exciting hike and probably my third favorite trail so far, especially the northern half. There is plenty of camping spots, but be careful in dry weather. Water may be scarce, just like any hike always prepare before hand, just in case you have to camp at a spot without flowing water. This is not a very difficult hike to complete, the change of elevation is minimal.

From the Ansonia parking area, head south on the trail that follows close the Pine Creek. At m1.97 you will cross Owassee Slide Run on a small footbridge. If you want and I would. Drop your packs and take a .25m hike down the run to the Chimney Hollow Run Waterfall (50'). (My Owassee Rapids & Chimney Hollow Run Falls Day Hike takes you right to it). Back to the WRT description, once you return from your waterfall adventure continue on the WRT to the Barbour Rock Vistas area at m2.46-3.25, were you will pass 10 vistas along with some campsites (no water). Views down into Pine Creek and the Class II rapid known as the "Owassee" can be seen from theses vistas. From here, the trail swings out around Colton Point State Park (great waterfall on the turkey path, this is also a day hike of mine). At mile 7.11 you will begin to return back to the west rim of the canyon, but not before heading north, and back east to the rim. At m10.5 you will cross Burdic Run (good campsite). This was our camping spot where in the middle of the night we were visited by raccoons (common), a herd of deer and then later on, a Bear (no lie!) it was a very active night, (full moon and it is a spot where 3 trails merge). Burdic Run also has a waterfall on it, 75'. I would recommend traveling to this one too. Continue you journey on the WRT passing several campsites and vistas. Next pass and travel by Little Slate Run (cool run with camping, m13.10) traveling SE, reaching the BWPA vistas, camping and parking area at m16.01.

From the Bradley Wales Picnic Area (after you enjoy the vistas) you will travel SW towards the West Rim Rd. Turn left on the West Rim Rd.. and follow for a half mile. Head north, then east before turning south at a vista & campsite at m19.85. You will continue to follow the west rim and pass a huge Ash Tree at m20.63. You will pass several vista and campsites (most without water) before reaching Steel Hollow Run at m23.31. Continue SE on the trail reaching the Right Branch of Bohen Run at m26.03. From here you will swing out and around run and reach the intersection of the Mid State Trail and the WRT at a Trail Register (m26.55). Continue on the WRT passing a vista of Blackwell at m27.35, swing out west, then south crossing the West Rim Rd., soon to descend along Lloyd Run were you will pass side trails to old cabin remains and an old quarry area. Lastly, you will emerge from the Hemlocks and out to Rt414 at m30.46, cross the road to Rattlesnake Rock and your vehicle.

Rattlesnake Rock isn't called "Rattlesnake Rock" for nothing. There is a trail that leads to the rocks along Pine Creek. There is a swimming hole at the rocks. Have fun, but be careful!
 

Directions

Northern Terminus - From Rt.220, turn up Rt.287 N, follow for 40 miles into Wellsboro, PA (pretty town with natural gas lights. Turn west onto Rt6 for about 10 miles, turn left right after a bar that is on you left. Parking area is on this road, less than a mile down on your left.

A possible take-out point is available at Bradley Wales Picnic Area. It can be accessed by traveling the West Rim Rd. to Forestry Rd. making all right-hand turns until you see a small sign for it (if you were heading in from the South). From the northern end continue past the put-in point onto Forestry Rd. past Colton Point State Park making all left-hand turns, until you reach Bradley Wales Picnic Area Rd.

Southern Terminus - From Rt220, turn up Rt287N. Follow for about 28 miles into Morris. At this intersection turn onto Rt414 towards Blackwell and follow for about 6 miles passing Blackwell and continuing south until you reach Rattlesnake Rock on your left. It is a small parking spot, with bathrooms, etc... The southern terminus can be seen on your right. You can also reach this by traveling Rt414 from the south.

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