Like the others said. Bring 2 cars and do a section of the NCT.

Awesome! Thank you! This is the knowledge I was looking for. The areas you mentioned are where I was thinking based on the map.

I’ve learned to become very snake aware over the years! Closest call I had was on the BFT, almost stepped on one that was laying on a blow down…he sure took his time to let me know he was there! Had to trudge up and around through knee high nettle to get around it.

I’ve been treating my clothing and hammock with permethrin for years and it works great. Paired with picaridin on my legs (I wear a long sleeve sun hoodie up top) haven’t had a tick on me in quite some time.

Thanks again for the info!

Yes! I was on the BFT around that time, it was smoky

Thanks! What time of year did you go?

Yea good point, I was thinking more in terms of length. The NCT section in the ANF IS ~100mi, STS is 85ish if I recall.

I’ve done it. Like the other guy said it can be a little boring, especially the southern end. However, I’d still recommend it, it’s a very well maintained and easy to follow trail. Lots of beautiful forest and streams. If wild elevation changes and epic vistas are what you’re looking for, there are certainly better options further east, like the STS.

Evernew water carry bag, I have a dedicated bourbon one 🙃

Just making some recommendations for doable/safe winter trips for the OP, without knowing their experience level. The dates given make it seem like they are looking for a 2 night trip. IMO BFT/AFT are easily doable in 2 nights (1 if you’re extremely fit/experienced) in the spring-fall. Winter is a different story. I’ve seen a lot of people who hike 20+ mile days in the summer have to bail on a winter trip because they expect the same mileage goals.

Yea man! Sounds like you’re in pretty good shape, trail run of OLP is respectable! I’ve done it and that was a long day! I’d say if you’re comfortable enough in your skills and fitness, go for the AFT. The BFT would depend on what the weather is for the next few weeks and on the days of your trip. There’s some tough decents/climbs on the BFT that I wouldn’t personally feel comfortable with in icy conditions or winter weather, but that’s just me. The other trails I recommended are much shorter, easy days/lots of camp time. You can (and I have) done 1/2 Minister creek, take the NCT/Toms run to Hickory Creek, then finish out Minister. Ends up being like 36mi. Pretty easy hiking, no crazy water crossings. Feel free to message me if you want the maps of that route. Either way, post a trip report! Would love to hear what you decide and how it goes.

Kahtoola exospikes are what you seek

Having done both trails many times (not in winter) either is possible in 2 nights. The BFT is significantly more difficult in regards to terrain and rapid elevation changes. Personally I don’t think I’d attempt either trail this time of year in 2 nights and I consider myself fit and experienced. The cold, short days and extra gear make for slow going. Sweating can become very problematic, so charging up the many long climbs is not an option. I would plan for minimum 3 nights/4days if I were to attempt either trail in winter. The other thing to consider is water crossings. You’re not going to walk right through the many streams (which will be at high levels) like you can in the summer. Some may even be un-crossable without hiking far up stream, potentially adding miles and hrs to the hike. The one on the Front Trail (name is escaping me) was over knee high when I was there in August. Either trail can be cut roughly in half with connector trails, might want to consider that. I would recommend looking into Old Loggers Path for a good 2 night winter trip, again keep in mind water crossings. There are also many shorter loops in the National Forest that would be perfect for a more manageable trip. Hickory Creek, Minister Creek, Morrison/Rimrock would all be great loops that would allow plenty of extra time to deal with the conditions.

Yes! Ended up doing Morrison/Rimrock because I was nervous about stream crossings in the Tracy Ridge area. I’ve avoided this trail in the warmer season because I know how popular it is. There were a few day hikers and I saw 1 other start with a full pack (never saw him on trail though). It ended up being a unicorn weekend weather wise, absolutely beautiful. Day time was sunny and mid 40’s, low overnight was 26. Morrison was easy to cross, I’d say normal levels. Definitely did not need traction devices, there was just a few tiny patches of snow on the shaded hill tops. Camped in the boat access campground on the reservoir, had the whole place to myself. Not much of a “winter” trip, but it was still great to get out!

Thanks! I didn’t think snow would be in issue, more ice. Water crossings are definitely a concern. I imagine Tracy Run and Johnnycake are fierce right now. I’m not looking for big miles, just want to try out my winter hammock set up. Thinking of sticking to the southern section of Tracy Ridge trail, south of Johnnycake. Or maybe Rimrock loop? Never done that one.

If you’re a cereal eater at home, I’ve recently started packing a ziplock of (insert favorite cereal) and a carnation instant breakfast(the vanilla one). Just add a squirt of water and it’s fantastic. Lunch is always tortillas with flavored tuna packets or my new favorite, bbq pulled pork packets found at Walmart. Add a mozzarella cheese stick, a mayo packet and a hot sauce packet of your choosing…pure magic.

Hemlock mountain is a beast!

Depends on how far you want to hike. A few weeks ago I did the Gorge trail and went to the foot bridge trail that crosses the river. It was an out and back, a little over 10mi and took me 3.5hrs. Trail is very easy, but a good way to see most of Letchworth. Some of it was trail, some gravel, some paved, still a nice walk. If you’re an experienced hiker in good shape the Letchworth Trail can be done in a day, probably a long day. I believe it’s well over 20mi and you’d have to arrange a shuttle or pickup. You could of course arrange a pickup at shorter distances as well. The Letchworth trail is more of a true hiking trail. Starts/ends in Portagville and runs to Mt Morris Dam.

https://cnyhiking.com/LetchworthTrail.htm

Such a good movie

“A cry in the wild” is pretty good, based off the classic book “Hatchet”. More of a survival story, but still a classic. Of course the book is better.

I was there last month, water in all the streams..I know that was last month, but there’s been a lot of rain. I feel confident drinking from anything other than the Red Mo. if you’re going clockwise the fist half is a bit drier, second half is almost always near a stream. After the Black Mo the streams are small and could be drier, but you’ll still find water. I wouldn’t worry as long as you have a good filter. I never carried more than a liter at a time.

Waka brand. It’s pricy but worth it. You’re welcome.

Loyalsock is a point to point, great trail but definitely not moderate. You can do the link trail and make a much shorter loop.

Old Loggers Path is 27ish miles and pretty easy going. On the harder side of moderate is the Allegheny Front trail, around 42mi. Also around 42mi is the Black Forest Trail. However, I would not call it any kind of “moderate. As mentioned West Rim Trail is very nice also, maybe on the harder side of moderate and it is a point to point trail. There is a shuttle available through Pine Creek Outfitters.

As others have said, Old Loggers Path. It’s a great 1 or 2 night trail. Very well marked and maintained, great camp spots and fairly easy terrain. Minister creek in ANF is another great option for an overnight. Tends to get a bit busy on the nice weekends, which actually might help the comfort factor of your first trip.