Susquehannock Trail Thru Hike: Day Two - A Journey of Surprises and Challenges
I awoke to a dry tent and a clear sky, a welcome change from the previous night's damp conditions. The first night in the shelter was a triumph, with my clothes drying overnight and no bugs to bother me. I took a moment to enjoy a cup of tea and chat with a fellow hiker who had come down the trail with his dogs. With a full water bottle from the nearby creek, I set off, eager to explore more of the trail's wonders.
The trail meandered through dense hemlock forests, past hunting lodges and potential campsites. However, my tendonitis was making a comeback, and my shoes were showing signs of wear. I couldn't help but wish I had brought my waterproof mid-top shoes. As I hiked, I spotted rare Jacob's Ladder flowers and crossed old trail roads and camps, the trail gently descending through wetlands towards Ole Bull State Park.
The park was a welcome surprise, with ample campsites, buildings (all closed when I arrived), and RV hook-up sites. I took a break to rest and eat lunch, stretching my legs and planning my next move. After a brief respite, I ventured out, crossing Route 144 and beginning the Impson Hollow Trail, a steep ascent that offered some relief from the humidity.
The Impson Hollow Trail was a pleasant surprise, with switchbacks that were a rare sight in the eastern United States. The trail wound through hardwoods and pine forests, dotted with hunting lodges. However, my leg was starting to protest, and I found myself limping as I approached mile 30, the spookiest part of the trail.
According to the STS Guidebook, this section of the trail is haunted by 'Hide-Behinds', a mysterious species that hides behind things to avoid being seen. The guidebook also mentions a rune that, if spoken, will ward off the Hide-Behinds, but I couldn't be bothered to go back and find it. The silence was eerie, and I felt a sense of unease as I limped through Spook Hollow.
As I approached mile 31, I stumbled upon an old logging road, a welcome sight as I was in dire need of a break. The next few miles were a steep descent to Morgan Hollow Shelter, where I made camp for the night. The shelter was dry and stocked with water, and I hung my wet gear to dry, cooked dinner, and made plans for the next day.
At this point, I was only 12 miles from Crossfork, PA, and I decided to start early the next morning, hoping to arrive around 1100. I thoroughly checked the shelter for any signs of the Hide-Behinds, then called it a night. As I lay in my tent, I couldn't help but wonder what surprises the next day would bring.
In my opinion, the Susquehannock Trail Thru Hike is a challenging and rewarding experience, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The trail's surprises and challenges keep you on your toes, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing it is truly special. However, it's important to be prepared for the unexpected, and to take the time to appreciate the trail's wonders along the way.
