WARREN — During the weekend of January 30th and 31st, the Warren-based non-profit organization Friends of Allegheny Wilderness (FAW) will backpack nine miles into the remote, untrammeled back country of the proposed Tracy Ridge Wilderness Area in the Allegheny National Forest. The hikers will camp Saturday evening near Polly’s Run.
The route, which includes part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, is an old favorite and one on which FAW contingents have taken several trips over the years. It is just the right length for an overnight trip, providing a diversity of terrain and scenery over the course of the hike. Polly’s Run is a peaceful, secluded south-facing stream valley emptying into Sugar Bay in the Allegheny Reservoir, and a perfect place to camp. The starting and ending point will be the North Country Trail trailhead on State Route 321 near the east end of Sugar Bay and the south end of the proposed wilderness.
Pennsylvanians have sought wilderness designation under the Wilderness Act of 1964 for the 9,700-acre Tracy Ridge tract dating back to the late 1960s. The well-used, wildly popular hiking-only trails of the proposed Tracy Ridge Wilderness Area provide some of the most important undeveloped backcountry hiking and backpacking opportunities in all of Pennsylvania.
There is no charge to join this trip, but participants must bring their own food and camping gear, and come fully prepared for any weather conditions that may be encountered. A good cold-weather sleeping bag is highly recommended, for example. If you would like additional information about this trip or would like to sign up, please email FAW at info@pawild.org or call 814-723-0620.