STRIKE OUT

The weather forecast for Thursday actually looked pleasant, so I decided to get in one more hike. This time I decided to head in a different direction, and do another section of the Quehanna Trail. My plan was to make a loop, combining the Quehanna Trail, the West Cross Connector, and a short section of Medix Run Road.

A 45 minute drive got me to a trailhead for the West Cross Connector on Medix Run Road. From there, Boone and I climbed quickly, and occasionally steeply, through open hardwood forest. We eventually reached the top of the plateau, and the difficulty eased. After passing through a meadow, we began a steady descent into the valley of Laurel Run.

After a lengthy descent, we briefly joined a road. After a few minutes, we left it in favor of a jeep road. We followed this above Laurel Run, which is a large stream. In fact, in the North Carolina Mountains, it would be deemed a river. Although the jeep road stays well above the creek, this part of the hike was a highlight. Its best feature is that there are no roads in this part of the valley.

Before long, we encountered a dead porcupine in the middle of the trail. I struggled to keep Boone away from it, but somehow he still managed to end up getting a quill stuck in his foot. Unfortunately, I didn’t discover it until after the hike.

We rose high above the creek, before descending back down towards it. Just before the trail turned away from Laurel Run, I went off trail in search of a lunch spot. I made a beeline for the creek, but unfortunately found a large cabin on the opposite side of the stream. There is a footbridge across the stream, but it is heavily posted with “no trespassing” signs that were quite an eyesore. I wandered upstream, away from the bridge, and found a more pleasant spot for lunch. It was a nice place to relax, with the sound of rushing water and delightful sunshine.

After lunch, we followed a tributary out of the valley. Another climb ensued, and before long we arrived at the first of several overlooks promised by my map. Unfortunately, the actual viewpoint failed to materialize. I thought I could imagine a view through the trees, from the edge of the plateau. Still though, as far as views go, this was pretty disappointing.

Another pleasant stroll through hardwood forest along the plateau followed. The sounds of Woodpeckers accompanied me, and just before the final descent, I passed another alleged viewpoint. Once again, this “overlook” failed to impress. On the upside, we did spot a pair of deer racing away as we descended into the valley. I thought Boone might give chase, but instead he contented himself with barking and running up and down the trail. I’m sure the deer were real impressed.

We descended along another stream, which led down to Medix Run. We crossed a high bridge over the creek, but discovered that there were no stairs down from the opposite side. I climbed down carefully, and took off my pack to help Boone. Before I could assist him, he decided to do it himself. He leaped from the bridge, and landed gracefully. I never would’ve tried that!

We walked a mile or so up Medix Run Road, and only saw one car. We did pass another dead porcupine, which had been run over by a car. I’ve only seen a couple of porcupines in my entire life, so it was a little weird seeing two dead ones on one hike.

I was almost back at the car when I reached the West Cross Connector, heading south. My map indicated another overlook less than a mile up this trail. I was skeptical, after passing two overlooks without views earlier. Still though, it was beautiful, sunny day, and I craved a vista. Plus, it was only mid-afternoon. Spontaneously, I decided to go for it.

This bonus climb was the toughest of the day. There were a few switchbacks, but much of the ascent was brutally steep. I wouldn’t want to come down this grade with a heavy pack on! I eventually reached the ridgecrest, and continued to climb. Finally, I reached the spot on the map where the overlook was. Here, there actually was a bit of a view, if you peered between the trees. I was lucky that the leaves weren’t out yet, though. In a few weeks, even this modest view will disappear.

I decided I was satisfied with the view I had, and took a short break to recover from the climb. Then I headed back down, fighting gravity the whole way. I returned to the car a few minutes later, and soon I was well on my way home. It had been a nice day, and a pleasant hike. It’s probably not one I’d do again though, as there a lot of hikes in the area with better scenery.

Back to Pennsylvania

Back to Hiking and Backpacking Trip Reports

Home

Please remember to Leave No Trace!