Backpacking the Bucktail Path

[Jmitch]

https://endlessmountains.wordpress.com/2017/09/07/backpacking-the-bucktail-path/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/49239558@N04/sets/72157685928490390


In early August we backpacked the 34 mile Bucktail Path, an isolated and lonely trail in the Elk State Forest.  Overall, we enjoyed it.  Overgrown is several places, but blazed sufficiently well.  It offered some beautiful streams, beaver dams, meadows, cascades, gorges, glens, and a few views.  We really enjoyed McNuff Branch, and isolated valley with many beaver ponds and great camping.  Rock Run was also scenic with a rugged gorge, big boulders, and cascades.  I felt the northern half was more scenic than the southern half, which featured steep ridges, but followed grassy pipeline swaths and some jeep roads.  However, the Johnson Run Natural Area was very beautiful.  It was great to tackle a trail few others have.  If you're looking for an isolated trek off the beaten path, give this a try.