Backpacking

I think the West Rim Trail, which parallels Pine Creek in the Gorge, would be perfect.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/hiking/stateforesttrails/westrimtrail/

You can download the maps from this link and plan a route, camping, etc.

Most of the trail is high above Pine Creek, but on the maps you can see side trails that follow down little hollows to Pine Creek.

So you could head down to Pine Creek and fish there, and probably camp near Pine Creek. But check with the state forest people on where you can or cannot camp.

The views from West Rim Trail are spectacular, some of the best in the state. Pine Creek Canyon is a wonderful place. You are sure to see eagles soaring around.
 
I have backpacked many of Pa's longer trails and from a trout fishing perspective I would recommend the Black Forest Trail. It is a bit of a grind, but it seems as though nearly every hollow has a wild trout stream, and the grind is that you are in and out of a few hollows per day.

Loyalsock Trail is easier, but the streams are not as numerous. You can design a hike to cover a few streams, however.

Lastly, Chuck Keiper Trail is worth a look. I have not hiked much of it so I am not certain how frequently you cross creeks, but the are wild trout streams.
 
Actually a permitis required to camp in State Forests.
Here's a link for camping in a state forest.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/camping/index.htm
For group camping you need permit, issued only those 18 or older.
You should call ahead and arange for a couple of campsites, you can only camp one night in a remote location.
At regular camp ground you may camp multiple nights.
 
I hiked half of the Chuck Keiper trail last August. My fly rod never came out of the packed, although it was August and water was low. Black Forest trail has some good streams with camping on them, as does the Loyalsock. Near Resica is the Thunder Swamp Trail, and the Pinchot Trail is nearby with camping along Cherry Creek (?). Or you could stay in Resica and hike up the Bushkill.
 
Chaz wrote:
Actually a permitis required to camp in State Forests.
Here's a link for camping in a state forest.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/camping/index.htm
For group camping you need permit, issued only those 18 or older.
You should call ahead and arange for a couple of campsites, you can only camp one night in a remote location.
At regular camp ground you may camp multiple nights.
Click to expand...

Permits are not required for groups less than ten who primitive camp at a site one night only. How exactly do you call and request a couple of primitive campsites? Been backpacking for 25 years and have only pulled a permit once, when an over zealous forestry employee forced us to get one, even though we pointed to the reg about primitive backpacking camping.

Others have hit the major trail systems, where you can plan a good hike and be in proximity to streams. Allegheny Front Trail, Black Forest, Chuck Keiper, Loyalsock, Mid-State, Susquehannock, West Rim will all put you on trout waters at some point.
 
Wow, so many options now! Time to do some planning, check some maps. Can't thank you all enough.
 
Susquehannock is an extremely taxing trail, maybe one of the toughest in the state I did the whole thing and my knees hurt for two months after, and that was when I was in my early 20's. Quehanna trail is also a beautiful trail and provides excellent brookie fishing.
 
Black Forest Trail is awesome, but it is a grind - cost me a girlfriend once since she couldn't finish and we had to head out on an access road early. Never forgave me, but the hike was way worth it. Backcountry/Me - 1, Crazy Exes - 0.
 
Gotta weed 'em out somehow.
 
Raftman,
If you like outdoor adventure that is very physical in nature and that you can share with a girlfriend (or eventual wife)who is equally enthusiastic, the Black Forest Trail did not cost you a girlfriend; it saved your life.
Mike
 
Mike,

You are 100% right... certainly saved my life and am married to a much cooler woman who not only enjoys the woods as much as I do, but loves to sit on a bank and draw while I fish.

 
" You are 100% right... certainly saved my life and am married to a much cooler woman who not only enjoys the woods as much as I do, but loves to sit on a bank and draw while I fish. "

RAftman, You Win.
 
If you're leading kids into the wild I'd recommend a) you check your personal liability insurance and b) rent a satellite phone for the trip.

You might not need either but just in case...
 
Geebee,

I hear ya. It would be an "official" Boy Scout trip, so BSA trained adult leaders are covered under BSA liability insurance. And if it is a wilderness outing we need special training for that as well.

Jim
 
Jim
As others have said, the Black Forest Trail may be your ticket. I'm an ASM in my son's troop and we did the southern half of the BFT and it was a grind, but well worth it. There are a lot of options to include fishing for Brookies along the BFT.

We have a 3 day backpack along the the Loyalsock Trail in late March/ early April, depending on snow conditions. I havent been on that trail but I can let you know if it will work for a backpack/fishing trip for scouts.

Feel free me to pm me



 
Allegheny Front Trail is a 40 mile long backpacking trail that circles Black Mo state park. The trail crosses several trout streams and then there is the lake that could potentially be accessed for warmwater fish.

I, too, love both backpacking and fishing.

Any streams on state forest groud are open to primitive backpacking/camping and fishing. Check it out. You can walk and fish in many places.
 
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