North Country Trail - Cooks Forest & Allegheny

[alleghenyproductions]

nice video. a friend of mine and myself are doing the 100 miles towards the end of may NOBO as well. a little inspiration for our hike.

[mistervee123]

@alleghenyproductions I prefer the NOBO route myself. Finishing in the "wildness" of Tracy Ridge has more appeal than finishing by hiking through the newly built oil wells and the access roads in the South of the ANF. I would insert some expletives about the oil operations, but I'm keeping this G rated.

[FAWweb]

@mistervee123 We are working to have the 9,700-acre Tracy Ridge area, and a number of other select portions of the Allegheny National Forest, designated as wilderness areas under the Wilderness Act of 1964 in order to protect them in perpetuity from oil drilling and other forms of development. For more info see our website at w w w dot pawild dot o r g

[mistervee123]

@FAWweb I'm with you on this one. During my recent hikes it's unbelievable how many wells have gone up near the trail. A couple weeks ago, I took a look at Google Earth to see the Tracy Ridge area and other ANF areas where I've backpacked. The whole area is becoming a spiderweb of roads to oil rigs. Sad. Let's get 'em protected before it's too late. jev

[medicjimr]

Great trip report , 2 of us are heading out on the 21 st of may to go from cooks forest to tracey ridge , Forunatly well atleast we hope the weather will be nicer.  I will be styling a ULA as well the ohm , May I ask was the trail well marked and will you attempt again ?

[mistervee123]

The trail is very well marked except at the Baker/NCT split South of Muzette Rd. and when NOBO around Coon Run. The SOBO trail for Coon Run is fine though. Weird. Watch near POSTED areas. I picked up some safety-pin booby traps in boots. Unabashed ULA ad: the Circuit is the best pack I've owned in more than 30 years of BP'ing. I needed the extra room in the Circuit (vs Ohm) for the cold weather clothes and 'cuz of being solo and having to carry everything.

[mistervee123]

By the way, I will attempt this again. I've hiked extensively in the ANF area, but this was the first time as a thru hike. The weather/temperature weren't factors as much as the age of my legs and the "puds" aka pointless ups and downs (AT term) of the trail. I can't do many consecutive 18-20 mile days as when younger. When passing through Kelletville, stop at Cougar Bob's (about 200 yards North of the trail) for a cold drink and a bite to eat. Fun, friendly-but avoid kissing the moose!