wildtrout2
Well-known member
Agree. The only thing is, if a vehicle is seen by a Warden at a SGL parking area after dark it could potentially raise concern. Chances are nil, but you never know.
Solo camping advice
- Thread starter RH1
- Start date
Bamboozle
Well-known member
IMHO - The best option is a good camping spot with GOOD parking a short hike away because IF the fishing at the stream(s) closest to your camp sucks or you get bored, you'll want to drive to other streams.
It's also a good way to reconnoiter other options for other years.
That being said, I often see cars parked overnight along Slate Run Road in the vicinity of the Black Forest Trail. That will give you access to Slate Run and plenty of other options via the car, plus civilization and lodging options if it rains relentlessly...
It's also a good way to reconnoiter other options for other years.
That being said, I often see cars parked overnight along Slate Run Road in the vicinity of the Black Forest Trail. That will give you access to Slate Run and plenty of other options via the car, plus civilization and lodging options if it rains relentlessly...
flyguyfishing
Active member
- Joined
- May 31, 2009
- Messages
- 198
Camping/hiking/fishing trips in remote areas, I would find an area to target. Then look at the arcgis PFBC Trout Streams map. since remote and unknown - I would start with class A streams.
Once you find streams in your target area, start googling hiking trails there. alltrails is a paid site, but without paying one could find hiking trail names to google specific trails. You are looking for hiking trail that intersects a stream (class A).
Some trails are long, you don't need to hike it all.
Some trails have "campsites" - your google search will let ya know. Depending on what public land you are on, you could camp anywhere (there are regulations to check, like cannot camp within X feet of a stream.) state forest land would be my suggestion.
Then, parking. Trail maps help with this. There is enough parking but some do not permit overnight parking, so do some research. Again, trail information should discuss parking - especially if is a longer trail where overnights are more common.
I would suggest not to go bush whacking - find trails to the stream.
Another consideration. The trout map is good. However, in my experience some of the mountain streams are shorter than the map indicates; up near the source it might be barely a trickle. So, avoid access to the stream near its source.
Have fun!
Hammersly (since mentioned) has a decent old growth forest which is worth checking...no streams in the old growth area though.
Lastly, Trout Streams map has state gamelands, state forests, and state parks - showing public land
Once you find streams in your target area, start googling hiking trails there. alltrails is a paid site, but without paying one could find hiking trail names to google specific trails. You are looking for hiking trail that intersects a stream (class A).
Some trails are long, you don't need to hike it all.
Some trails have "campsites" - your google search will let ya know. Depending on what public land you are on, you could camp anywhere (there are regulations to check, like cannot camp within X feet of a stream.) state forest land would be my suggestion.
Then, parking. Trail maps help with this. There is enough parking but some do not permit overnight parking, so do some research. Again, trail information should discuss parking - especially if is a longer trail where overnights are more common.
I would suggest not to go bush whacking - find trails to the stream.
Another consideration. The trout map is good. However, in my experience some of the mountain streams are shorter than the map indicates; up near the source it might be barely a trickle. So, avoid access to the stream near its source.
Have fun!
Hammersly (since mentioned) has a decent old growth forest which is worth checking...no streams in the old growth area though.
Lastly, Trout Streams map has state gamelands, state forests, and state parks - showing public land
NCPA is God's country no doubt, but don't overlook Western PA! Camping and fishing at Oil Creek is one of my favorites.
I have always gone with a tent near Wildcat Hollow, but they also have these very cool Adirondack shelters with fireplaces at Wolfkiel Run and Cow Run that I've always wanted to try out.
Two DHALO sections and a few Class A's in the vicinity and I have hit some serious hatches throughout the park.
I have always gone with a tent near Wildcat Hollow, but they also have these very cool Adirondack shelters with fireplaces at Wolfkiel Run and Cow Run that I've always wanted to try out.
Two DHALO sections and a few Class A's in the vicinity and I have hit some serious hatches throughout the park.
- Joined
- May 3, 2011
- Messages
- 7,470
Preface: I’m not condoning camping on SGL’s. It’s illegal (with the minor AT thru hike exception noted above).
That said, a DCNR officer is not walking in there at night to find you. Agree that from a practical perspective it’s your vehicle that will most likely get you caught. I’m not even a fan of leaving a vehicle in an SGL lot overnight, even if I’m camping legally on an adjacent SF or NF tract.
As someone who has camped and hiked/backpacked solo on literally every one of the main trails in the PA wilds (and most of the rest beyond the region along with a ton of the side trails too), it's a pretty amazing feeling to know that you're all alone in God's creation without another soul within miles, in many cases. For some, that's a disconcerting feeling, I recognize.
I will say that when I backpack, that becomes the main focus, even if the rod is with me for some quick stop fishing. IMO it's really hard to do both well in one trip because you're trying to finish miles in often rugged terrain, and the fishing really puts a damper on that effort. If you're in the PA Wilds and looking to set up a base camp and day hike/drive to some good fishing, it's hard to beat the big State Forests (Susquehannock, Sproul, Elk, Moshannon, Tiadaghton, Tioga) up north of 80. The maps DCNR makes are pretty good. I have a lot of them highlighted/marked in my fishing folder with places to fish while I'm out and about.
If I had to pick one single solitary trail to hike and fish (and I'd need at least 3-4 days to do both well) it would probably be an out and back hike on the Susquehannock Trail to use their shelters SE of Cross Fork or north of 144 on either the east or west side of the trail. Thinking about Scoval Branch shelter, there are a lot of class A streams in the immediate area and you probably wouldn't see many people at all. I would only suggest that if you're at least an intermediate level backpacker and have done that sort of overnighting before. If you're a beginner...stick to the sites by the SF roads.
I will say that when I backpack, that becomes the main focus, even if the rod is with me for some quick stop fishing. IMO it's really hard to do both well in one trip because you're trying to finish miles in often rugged terrain, and the fishing really puts a damper on that effort. If you're in the PA Wilds and looking to set up a base camp and day hike/drive to some good fishing, it's hard to beat the big State Forests (Susquehannock, Sproul, Elk, Moshannon, Tiadaghton, Tioga) up north of 80. The maps DCNR makes are pretty good. I have a lot of them highlighted/marked in my fishing folder with places to fish while I'm out and about.
If I had to pick one single solitary trail to hike and fish (and I'd need at least 3-4 days to do both well) it would probably be an out and back hike on the Susquehannock Trail to use their shelters SE of Cross Fork or north of 144 on either the east or west side of the trail. Thinking about Scoval Branch shelter, there are a lot of class A streams in the immediate area and you probably wouldn't see many people at all. I would only suggest that if you're at least an intermediate level backpacker and have done that sort of overnighting before. If you're a beginner...stick to the sites by the SF roads.
Sharknado5
Active member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2017
- Messages
- 196
Don't forget the permethrin!
Or is there something better guys?
Or is there something better guys?
