Solo Hiking the Black Forest Trail – Hammock Camping Trip – 3 Days, 42 Miles

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Join me for 3 days of Hiking, Hammock Camping & Backpacking on Pennsylvania’s Black Forest Trail.  

For this adventure, I’ll be doing a 3 day, 2 night solo backpacking trip in Pennsylvania’s Tiadaghton State Forest.  The Black Forest Trail is a 42 – 43 mile loop (depending on where you park and start from) with a total elevation gain of 8,550′.

Black Forest Trail Route Overview – Sintax77

GPS Data for this trip and many others can be found on my Trip Data Page.  Includes full track data for each day, and way-points for campsites used / observed along the loop.

I also highly recommend the Black Forest Trail Guidebook and Map.  I found the mile by mile information provided and overall quality to be great and very helpful.

For a detailed look at all of the gear used on this backpacking trip, check out my 9 lb ‘Stealth Backpacking Gear List’ post / video.

Trailhead Used: Pine Creek Rail Trail Access Area behind Wolfe’s General Store  – 41°28’15.6″N 77°30’05.8″W
Trailhead is on the other side of the auto bridge, behind the Hotel Manor inn / pub. Parking immediately at the trailhead is for day use only. No overnight parking is permitted in the hotel’s parking lot by the actual trailhead.

Black Forest Trail Full Loop Elevation Profile

Day 1
Park at the Slate Run Rail Trail parking lot
Head over the auto bridge and make a right.
Begin the loop at the Black Forest Trailhead, located in the lot behind Hotel Manor.
Head Counter Clockwise on the Black Forest Trail
Setup camp at an unestablished spot about a quarter mile past the crossing of Dyer Branch

Black Forest Trail Day 1 Elevation Profile- Sintax77

Day 1 Mileage: 16 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 2,989′

Day 2
Continue Counter-Clockwise on the Black Forest Trail
Setup camp at an establish spot along Naval Run creek.

Black Forest Trail Day 2 Elevation Profile- Sintax77

Day 2 Mileage: 15 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 3,182′

Day 3
Continue Counter-Clockwise in the Black Forest Trail
Return to the Slate Run Rail Trail Recreation Area Parking Lot

Black Forest Trail Day 3 Elevation Profile- Sintax77

Day 3 Mileage: 13
Day 3 Gross Elevation Gain: 2,953′

Olight i1R EOS Review

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A Review of the Olight i1R EOS USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight for EDC, Backpacking & Camping.

The 5 lumen low mode provides ample lighting for low light chores around camp, with a 7 hour runtime per USB charge.  For high visibility needs, the 130 lumen high mode provides longer distance spotting capability in a pinch, while still being able to run for around 20 minutes.

Links for full Manufacturer’s Specs, Features, etc

Specs and Features, as per Manufacturer

  • General Data
    • Beam Distance (ft): 177
    • Beam Distance (m): 54
    • Max. Performance (lumens): 130
    • Charge type: Micro-USB
    • Compatible Batteries: Customized Li-Ion Battery
    • Light Intensity (candela): 730
    • Light Form:  Wide/broad hotspot. Perfect for up close illumination.
    • Lens / Reflector Type: TIR reflector (big, defined wide hotspot)
    • Series: Series I (Keychain)
  • Notable Characteristics
    • Lightweight and Tiny. The entire light is slimmer than a pinky finger with the length shorter than a AAA battery and weight at only 0.42 oz/12g.
    • Features a high-performance Philips LUXEON TX LED paired with a TIR optic lens producing a soft and balanced beam.
    • Rechargeable through a built-in Micro-USB charging port. Fully charged within 1 hour and 15 minutes.
    • ON/OFF and output changes are controlled through twisting the flashlight head. Twist it slightly to turn it on at 5 lumens and a bit further for 130 lumens.
  • Lighting Levels & Run Times
    • Low – 5 lumens, 7 hours
    • High – 130 lumens, 20 minutes
  • Technical Characteristics
    • Waterproof IPX8
    • Weight: 12 grams / 0.42 oz
    • Length (mm / in): 41 / 1.61
    • Head Diameter (mm / in) 14 / 0.55
    • Body Diameter (mm / in) 14 / 0.55
    • LED:  Philips LUXEON TX
  • Package Contents
    • Flashlight Olight I1R x 1
    • Key ring x 1
    • 80mAh 3.7V Li-ion Battery (Built-in) x 1
    • USB-microUSB rechargeable cable x 1

Stealth Backpacking Gear List – Go Camping on the Sly

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9 lb Stealth Camping Ultralight Backpacking Gear List. Go Camping on the Sly – Hammock Camping & Tarp Camping Options Shown

Check out my live gear list on LighterPack.com for weights, prices, descriptions and product links.

Backpack Base Weight: 8.94 lbs (4 kilos)
Backpack Volume: 21 liters

For this load-out, I wanted to create a kit that was not only light and concise, but would appear outwardly as a “regular backpack” for an upcoming stealth camping trip. Stealth camping is a term that can elicit a lot of definitions and responses from hikers. At the very least, the common thread seems to be camping overnight in a way that leaves no visual impact.  For some this is simply for purposes of immersion in the outdoors (both for themselves and for others in the area).  For others, the term refers to camping illegally and / or without permission.  I am not advocating the latter.  I like to experiment with backpacking load-outs and scenarios, so for me this kit was just a fun way to challenge myself.  Regardless, do with the information what you will.

Do to the size constraints of my “regular size” pack, the primary challenge for this kit was not necessarily weight, but volume.  Compactness superseded weight and price.  These volume constraints created an advantageous by product – my pack’s base weight came in at under 9lbs.  My lightest backpacking gear list weight yet.

This kit is intended for a warm weather backpacking trip.  Because of this, you’ll notice that the clothing options are limited. Perhaps someday I’ll attempt to devise a winter stealth camping load-out. One step at a time.  For instance there is no down jacket. In it’s place is a simple light weight long sleeve shirt. Many of you will also notice that there isn’t any rain gear either.  I’m fine with getting rained on in warm weather.  My synthetic clothes will dry quickly and the effects won’t be life critical for my expected conditions.  Besides, I mostly use my Frogg Toggs rain parka not for rain, but as an ultralight windbreaker for supplemental warmth.  Something I don’t expect to need for my upcoming trip.  Plan and adjust for your own load-outs accordingly.

Simplified Stealth Backpacking Gear List:

Backpack

Shelter

Sleep System

Storage

  • Bear Bag Line (25′ guyline and small carabiner)
  • Bear Bag – 13 gal trash bag
  • Zip-lock Bag – Sandwich
  • Zip-lock Bag – Gallon

Cooking & Eating

Water Treatment & Storage

Tools

First Aid / Fire Starting

  • First Aid Kit
    (Adhesive bandages, 1 gauze bandage, superglue, neosporin in straw tube, tealight wax candle, 6 doses benedryl, 10 doses ibuprofen, spare water bottle cap, needle & thread for mending gear)
  • Sunscreen – 30 SPF in 10ml bottle
  • Wetfire Fire Starter Tablets
  • Light My Fire Mini Fire Steel
  • Picardin Lotion Bug Repellent

Clothing (Packed, not worn. For spare, sleeping)

  • Underwear – Synthetic (1 Pair)
  • Shirt, Long Sleeve -Lt Wgt
  • Hat, Beanie – Lt Wgt Fleece
  • Wool Socks – Lt Wgt (1 pair)

Lighting

Toiletries

  • Toilet Paper
  • Toiletry Kit
  • Wet Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer

Additional Stealth Camping Gear Options Discussed 

Mail Call – Cabin Trip, Choosing an Ultralight Backpack, Stealth Camping

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Tips, tricks and discussion on various Backpacking, Hiking & Camping topics.

Topics Discussed / Gear Seen

  • Carrying while camping and backpacking?
  • When are Sara and our dog Denali going to come out on some backpacking trips?
  • New version of the HangTime Hook
  • Some really cool hammock artwork by Justin Cline (@JustinCline on Twitter, Insta, Etsy)
  • Tom from NH would has a question about trail greeting protocol.
  • Jack from Little Cub Outfitters sent some cool shirts.
  • Does anybody ever pack in “Trail Games” when backpacking?

  • Bill for MA sent a nice care package.
  • Metal water bottles for camping and on the trail?
  • First look at the super tiny 130 lumen Olight i1R EOS
  • Pitching Tarps and ground sleeping on a slope.

Budget Backpacking Trip – Camping in Tuscarora State Forest

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Budget Backpacking & Camping with my Dog in Tuscarora SF.

For this hiking and camping trip, we’ll be using the exact gear seen on my previous ‘Budget Backpacking Gear List – Go Camping for Under $250‘ video.

Check out my live gear list on LighterPack.com for weights, prices, descriptions and product links.

Other Backpacking Topics Discussed on this Episode

  • Camping & backpacking with your dog.
  • Keto backpacking food options (hiking on a ketogenic diet – low carb, high fat)

Trailhead Parking
Hemlocks Natural Area Parking Lot, Tuscarora State Forest
40°15’18.7″N 77°38’02.8″W

Trails Used

  • Patterson Run Trail
  • Rim Trail
  • Hemlock Trail
  • Bushwack to legal campsite outside Hemlocks Natural Area

Denali’s Dog Backpacking Gear

Simplified Budget Backpacking Gear List:

Backpack

Shelter

Sleep System

Storage

  • Bear Bag Line (25′ guyline leftover from tarp setup, and small carabiner)
  • Bear Bag – 13 gal trash bag
  • Zip-lock Bag – Sandwich
  • Zip-lock Bag – Gallon

Cooking & Eating

Water Treatment & Storage

Tools

First Aid

  • First Aid Kit
    (Adhesive bandages, 1 gauze bandage, superglue, neosporin in straw tube, tealight wax candle, 6 doses benedryl, 10 doses ibuprofen, spare water bottle cap)
  • Sunscreen – 30 SPF 10ml bottle https://dutchwaregear.com/product/eye-dropper-bottles/
  • Fire Starter, DIY (dryer lint and wax, or cotton balls with vasoline)
  • Bug Spray – 100% Deet Mini Bottle 

Clothing (Packed, not worn. For spare, sleeping, rain)

  • Frogg Toggs Ultralight Rain Jacket 
  • Underwear – Synthetic (1 Pair)
  • Shorts
  • Shirt, Long Sleeve -Lt Wgt
  • Shirt, short sleeve
  • Hat, Beanie – Lt Wgt Fleece
  • Wool Socks – Lt Wgt (1 pair)

Lighting

Toiletries

  • Toilet Paper
  • Toiletry Kit
  • Wet Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer

Additional Budget Backpacking Gear Options Discussed 

Approximate Costs for Each System

  • Tarp Camping version $248
  • Kelty tent version $317
  • Hammock Version $352
Clothing Worn (not included in cost)

Our Dog’s New Custom Sleeping Bag …from the Netherlands!

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A first look at our Dog’s new Sleeping Bag.

Custom made by viewer Pim in the Netherlands.  He’s just getting started, but you can check out his website JustHanging.eu for custom backpacking and hammock camping gear.  Thanks, Pim!

Denali and I are excited to try his new doggie sleeping bag out on future hammock and tent camping trips  🙂

Here’s some more info on the bag from Pim’s website

“This bag is designed for dogs whom love to travel with there owners,
it is light weight, easy to pack and wil fit in a doggy backpack so he can
carry his own sleep system!

The estimated total weight for medium sized dogs is around 500 grams
or 18 Oz using the climashield 100 gr or 3 Oz.

For Goose down fill please send us a e-mail, also if you have other wishes you can
mail us so we can see if this is possible.”