The Idea

To spend nine (9) days hiking the Baker Trail from north to south averaging about 15 miles a day (max 19.2/min 10). The pace is expected to be leisurely but consistent.

There will be minimal outside logistical support and every hiker will be responsible for his or her own hiking gear (tent, sleeping bag, stove, shoes, etc.), consumables (food, water, toilet paper, etc.), and first aid supplies.

Due to shelter and trail conditions, group size is limited to ten (10).

Trail conditions vary widely from paved roads to overgrown fields. In accordance with Leave No Traces principles we will be avoiding the use of campfires outside of established fire rings.

Dates: Friday, June 30, 2006 through Sunday, July 9, 2006.

The Plan

Friday, June 30 (0 miles) Meet at the Ridge Campground in Cook Forest for an evening of planning, gear check, route overview, and fun with the logistical support.

Saturday, July 1 (15 miles) Logistical support drop hikers off at the Northern trail head in the morning. Hikers make their way back into Cook Forest. At the Fire Tower, hikers return to the Ridge Campground for another evening of fun and to evaluate their ability to continue the hike.

Sunday, July 2 (19.2 miles) Logistical support drop hikers off at the Fire Tower. Hikers head south to the old Corsica Shelter site for the second longest day of the hike!

Monday, July 3 (20.8 miles) Hike from the old Corsica Shelter to the North Freedom Shelter site along a gas pipeline, lots of roads and some cross country shortcuts. This is the longest day!

Tuesday, July 4 (14 miles) Hike from the North Freedom Shelter to the Mahoning Shelter almost completely along back country roads.

Wednesday, July 5 (16.4 miles) Hike from Mahoning Shelter to Milo Weaver Shelter about half on roads and half in the woods. Hikers get to enjoy the newly re-routed trail along Mahoning creek. Enjoy all the work that volunteers have put in this sping to bring you off the road and into the woods for this 5 mile stretch.

Thursday, July 6 (14.3 miles) Hike from Milo Weaver Shelter to Russell Hill entirely on country roads.

Friday, July 7 (12 miles) Hike from Russell Hill to Cochrans Mills Shelter site.

Saturday, July 8 (11.2 miles) Hike from Cochrans Mills Shelter site to Crooked Creek Shelter. Stop by for a picnic in Crooked Creek and have logistical help to ferry us down to the beach for a swim and luncheon cookout!

Sunday, July 9 (11.8 miles) Hike from Crooked Creek Shelter to the southern trail head (or Schenley if we can't get across the railroad bridge).