Toughest Ridge In PA
Article and photos by Rick Bascatow
Introduction
After retiring and completing the Appalachian Trail, I was struck by the excellent maintenance performed by the PATC. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought my dream of hiking the John Muir Trail to a halt, I began looking for ways to contribute to trail upkeep. Although I found no opportunities on the Appalachian Trail, Peter Brown, District Trail Manager, recommended the Tuscarora Trail. After some travel and exploration, I discovered available sections on the mountain ridge stretching from Alice Trail to the PA 456 parking area. This ridge, located in southern Pennsylvania, is a prominent feature visible to the north while driving on US-70 near Hancock, Md. These are Tuscarora Trail sections 513019/513020. Peter also mentioned that another individual was interested in trail maintenance and suggested I contact him.
Forming Our Team
I reached out to Jim Dwyer and we met for the first time in September 2020 at the Alice Trail parking lot. Together, we hiked the sections and agreed to sign up and work as a team to maintain both. We had heard of the challenges these sections presented: steep access trails, briars, rocks, and snakes. Our initial assessment revealed that the most pressing issue was the overgrowth of weeds and briars, which would require gas-powered cutters to keep the trail clear. We also encountered blowdowns, many of which we removed by hand or with a folding saw. However, some larger trees required a chainsaw for removal. That spring, we walked the trail equipped with weed cutters, fuel, and other tools. A month later, Jim modified an old pack frame to carry my chainsaw, while I carried fuel and other equipment. By the summer, our efforts had noticeably improved the trail’s condition.
Challenges and Teamwork
Climbing up to the trail is already challenging in cool weather and carrying a weed cutter with fuel for 14 miles makes it even more exhausting—especially on hot summer days. To help with the workload, Jim recruited his friend Steve Sharpe, who, like Jim, is a retired member of the US Coast Guard. Jim spends his summers hiking in Alaska and the Western United States, while Steve is an avid long-distance runner who recently completed the Boston Marathon with an impressive time. This sometimes leaves me as the one who needs assistance carrying tools or to take a break on the second day of our work trips.
Innovations and Efficiency
Jim has been instrumental in developing strategies to improve our efficiency. He created maps to monitor our progress and plan our work. Along with repurposing his old frame pack, he designed holsters for our folding saws.
Typically, we would maintain both sections over two days. We would spot two cars and hike up Alice Trail, maintain from Alice Trail to the top of the Yellow Trail, then cache our equipment there (to avoid carrying it up and down the hill unnecessarily). We would hike down to the road and drive to stay at either Reese Hollow Shelter or Little Cove Cabin for the night. On day two we would reposition cars, hike up Yellow Trail to our gear, and finish the rest of the trail to the south. They were two long days yet were made easier by eliminating some climbing with equipment.
Reflections and the Future
I have genuinely enjoyed this work, and together we have maintained these two sections since 2020. However, at age 76, it is becoming more difficult for me to keep up with the demands of trail maintenance. Jim and I agree that 2025 will be our final year. I encourage anyone who reads this, or knows someone who might be interested, to consider taking on the responsibility of maintaining these trail sections.
With his Coast Guard navigation knowledge Jim provided this map of our sections. He would always know how far we had to go (which was always way too far!)
