Both Roaring Runs, Sideling Hill PA
May 6, 2015 21:59:23 GMT -5
Post by AegisIII on May 6, 2015 21:59:23 GMT -5
Photos
Yay! A trip report!
A few weeks ago I decided to head out to one of my favorite areas, Sideling Hill in Buchanan State Forest, to visit Roaring Run. Do things a bit differently; start by hiking downstream the Roaring Run Trail, and then bushwhacking upstream next to the West Branch Roaring Run.
I started at the fire tower complex, took the cliff trail east to the RRT. (I decided to skip the great overlook on the hike, driving to it afterwards instead.) Then heading down the snowmobile trail section of the RRT, easy going for the most part; though some short stretches were rather dug up by horses. Pass the Deer Hill Trail, then pass the vernal pond, reach Jackson Trail east at a clearing.
From here, down to the lovely stretch of trail along Roaring Run. Heading in this direction I could see the the top of the rhododendron canopy begin, and soon I was under it. The creek was flowing well. Surprisingly, in contrast the trail was the driest I've seen it. (Still wet in places, of course). As always I go slowly because this is not a place to rush through. Some new blowdowns in the last year, but nothing major; other than the expected wet areas the trail was in good shape. Also, going downstream, there are a couple of spots where you can look up out the hollow to the south.
After reaching the end of the trail, I took the Roaring Run Road (a wide trail, parts apparently an old railroad grade) to the culvert over the West Branch Roaring Run, where I had lunch. A diversion for wildlife. Not really the best sightings I've had in this area; plenty of deer, plus one owl, first I've seen while hiking.
After lunch started the bushwhack. The first third was fairly straightforward, as good game paths followed the east bank of the creek. A serene area, underneath a forest of pines with a smattering of rhododendrons and laurel. Mostly easy going, but some stretches with moderately heavy undergrowth plus some blowdowns. The game paths clearly used by both plenty of deer and bears, along with some coyotes. The West Branch Roaring Run is a bit misnamed. West Branch is fine, but Roaring it is not; probably the same flow as the nicer East Branch, but the slope is more gentle and the stream valley is less rocky with more alluvium. The first third ends at the plank remains of the bridge for the Jackson Trail.
Crossing the creek here, I set out on the west side of the creek to continue on. I did so as a few streams merge with the creek in this section, so I figure the west side will keep me following the correct drainage. This was a mistake; the west side has a steeper side slope, and was more overgrown. Thus, shortly in, I cross back to the east side at one of the stream junctions. Going was easier on this side, though not as much as the first third. Further up, I found an old rocky railroad grade. (Turns out that most cursed by hikers logging railroad company the Reichley Brothers worked the Sideling Hill area). With the rocky grade were some small parts of train cars, nothing really identifiable. When the grade crossed the stream, I continued on the east side. (Perhaps a mistake.) I ended up at the crossing of the Deer Hill Trail, a sturdy logging road bridge.
After a snack break, I continued further upstream, still on the east bank, now going through a logged area, now dense young growth and denser mountain laurel. Certainly the most difficult third of the bushwhack. I cross the creek more than a few times, and sometimes use its bed. I eventually find my way back to the railroad grade, soon following it further upstream past one crossing. I spotted a train car part with an ornate design in this section. Past here the grade became to overgrown to reasonably follow. I'm not really sure what it did. Some woods road left to climb the eastern slope of the hollow, but too steep for a rail grade. It's possible the grade continued on in the hollow, but it was rather indistinct at best. As the stream became smaller, I reached the Tower Trail.
I thus ended the hike with the long steep climb back up Bald Hill. The weather getting more questionable and very windy as time slipped by. Past the large clearing with its minor western view, and then back to the fire tower. As always, a place I enjoy hiking in.
Yay! A trip report!
A few weeks ago I decided to head out to one of my favorite areas, Sideling Hill in Buchanan State Forest, to visit Roaring Run. Do things a bit differently; start by hiking downstream the Roaring Run Trail, and then bushwhacking upstream next to the West Branch Roaring Run.
I started at the fire tower complex, took the cliff trail east to the RRT. (I decided to skip the great overlook on the hike, driving to it afterwards instead.) Then heading down the snowmobile trail section of the RRT, easy going for the most part; though some short stretches were rather dug up by horses. Pass the Deer Hill Trail, then pass the vernal pond, reach Jackson Trail east at a clearing.
From here, down to the lovely stretch of trail along Roaring Run. Heading in this direction I could see the the top of the rhododendron canopy begin, and soon I was under it. The creek was flowing well. Surprisingly, in contrast the trail was the driest I've seen it. (Still wet in places, of course). As always I go slowly because this is not a place to rush through. Some new blowdowns in the last year, but nothing major; other than the expected wet areas the trail was in good shape. Also, going downstream, there are a couple of spots where you can look up out the hollow to the south.
After reaching the end of the trail, I took the Roaring Run Road (a wide trail, parts apparently an old railroad grade) to the culvert over the West Branch Roaring Run, where I had lunch. A diversion for wildlife. Not really the best sightings I've had in this area; plenty of deer, plus one owl, first I've seen while hiking.
After lunch started the bushwhack. The first third was fairly straightforward, as good game paths followed the east bank of the creek. A serene area, underneath a forest of pines with a smattering of rhododendrons and laurel. Mostly easy going, but some stretches with moderately heavy undergrowth plus some blowdowns. The game paths clearly used by both plenty of deer and bears, along with some coyotes. The West Branch Roaring Run is a bit misnamed. West Branch is fine, but Roaring it is not; probably the same flow as the nicer East Branch, but the slope is more gentle and the stream valley is less rocky with more alluvium. The first third ends at the plank remains of the bridge for the Jackson Trail.
Crossing the creek here, I set out on the west side of the creek to continue on. I did so as a few streams merge with the creek in this section, so I figure the west side will keep me following the correct drainage. This was a mistake; the west side has a steeper side slope, and was more overgrown. Thus, shortly in, I cross back to the east side at one of the stream junctions. Going was easier on this side, though not as much as the first third. Further up, I found an old rocky railroad grade. (Turns out that most cursed by hikers logging railroad company the Reichley Brothers worked the Sideling Hill area). With the rocky grade were some small parts of train cars, nothing really identifiable. When the grade crossed the stream, I continued on the east side. (Perhaps a mistake.) I ended up at the crossing of the Deer Hill Trail, a sturdy logging road bridge.
After a snack break, I continued further upstream, still on the east bank, now going through a logged area, now dense young growth and denser mountain laurel. Certainly the most difficult third of the bushwhack. I cross the creek more than a few times, and sometimes use its bed. I eventually find my way back to the railroad grade, soon following it further upstream past one crossing. I spotted a train car part with an ornate design in this section. Past here the grade became to overgrown to reasonably follow. I'm not really sure what it did. Some woods road left to climb the eastern slope of the hollow, but too steep for a rail grade. It's possible the grade continued on in the hollow, but it was rather indistinct at best. As the stream became smaller, I reached the Tower Trail.
I thus ended the hike with the long steep climb back up Bald Hill. The weather getting more questionable and very windy as time slipped by. Past the large clearing with its minor western view, and then back to the fire tower. As always, a place I enjoy hiking in.