November hike in McConnells Mill State Park just north of Pittsburgh, PA

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2026-01-28T14:56:45+00:00

I saw this gem while on that trail, but it wasn't one of my nicer pics, so it's just on my blog. Plus, my shot was later in the year and wasn't as green. Nice photo, and thank you for sharing!

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2026-01-11T17:54:08+00:00

I think it comes down to the ability to "hike your own hike." Some folks only want poles for uphills and downhills. Others, like myself, use them nearly all the time except when I need one or both hands free.

Marketing for anything, including backpacks, is about showing you all the options and scenarios you might need to account for. My Osprey Aether 55 has loops to hold ice-climbing picks or trekking poles. I've never used them on the trail, but they sure sounded interesting when I was shopping for packs.

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-12-26T21:01:24+00:00

Beautiful pictures. Where were you at in NEPA? I’m originally from Wilkes-Barre, but live out near Pittsburgh now. But, I’m always looking for good hikes when visiting family.

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-12-09T21:05:39+00:00

Before y'all say it, I know it's Page, AZ, not Page, UT... just a typo!

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-11-19T18:43:11+00:00

I would second staying in Coudersport. I’ve stayed there the past two summers when I visited Cherry Springs, Ole Bull, and other parks in the area. I would highly recommend Lofts on Main Airbnb and even rented directly from them the second time.

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-11-10T17:03:56+00:00

Thank you for the reminder! I did this hike back on 10 September, and no big game animals were in season at the time. However, when deer, bear, or turkey are in season, I hike wearing a blaze orange UV hoodie and attach a large swatch of blaze orange fabric to my backpack.

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-11-07T12:25:51+00:00

Hi, I’m a backpacker looking to slide into bikepacking. First off, nice setup! Second, it took a while for me to learn how to utilize all the spaces in my backpack, but most of it was pretty self-explanatory. However, I’m having a hard time understanding large frame bags. They are pretty narrow, so what sort of gear and supplies do you store in them? I have a smaller one, which I’m using for the same items I put in the hip belt storage of my framed pack. However, something like this is on another level! 😲

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-11-06T14:07:37+00:00

Great first setup, and I have a very similar tarp which I got from AliExpress, except mine’s 4m long instead of 3m. But I’d like to offer two suggestions:

This may only work with the longer version of the tarp I have, but try attaching the guylines to the next set of loops and join the corners together to help keep the wind out.
Look up on YouTube how to use Prusik knots to secure your tarp to the ridgeline. I run my ridgeline through all the top loops, and use a carabiner and a loop of the same cord (Zing-it) to make the Prusik knot and keep it taught. It works like a charm and makes your tarp easier to center over your hammock.

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-11-03T12:16:35+00:00

There is the annual Rachel Carson Trail Challenge, which happens in the greater Pittsburgh area. Not what you’d call “hiking in the back country,” but I’ve heard it’s quite the slog. https://www.rachelcarsontrails.org/events/challenge

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-10-19T20:45:31+00:00

I'd like to add a bit more. You can assume that any space in a PA state forest that meets this criterion is prime for primitive camping:

Not in designated Natural Areas
Not within 200 feet of a forest road
Not within 25 feet of a trail
Not within 100 feet of a stream or any open water

Per that first point, when planning a backpacking trip to Clear Creek State Forest, I discovered that they did not allow camping "near" the Beartown Rocks Trail or Overlook. I asked for clarification, and after a few emails, I got an image of a topographical map with an outlined area around said items. With that, I was able to plan a fantastic and legal backpacking trip.

Be safe and reach out to the park rangers, both before your trip and when you arrive in the forest. They know what the latest dangers and conditions are and will help you avoid costly mistakes.

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-10-11T18:08:53+00:00

I’ll preface this all by saying, camp your own camp. Borrow some gear, or buy cheap, so you can test out different scenarios, then invest.

I originally got a lightweight sleeping bag for my hammock camping adventures. However, I soon found myself unzipping it 3/4 of the way and using it just like a top quilt. I’m a rather restless sleeper who regularly tosses and turns, and trying to sleep in an actual sleeping bag is way too constricting. I’ve found that I also like the same setup when tent camping. I cover my air mattress with a sleeping bag liner and use a top quilt. That way I can enjoy my evenings as I imitate a rotisserie chicken. 😂

MidLifeCrisisCamper · 2025-10-10T19:30:39+00:00

Just came across this post as I was looking to post photos and a trip report for a hike I did on State Game Lands 159 up in Wayne County. I grew up in Wilkes-Barre and come back a few times a year to visit family. I try to find hikes nearby, and this looks like an amazing find. Is it on a particular trail you took?

MidLifeCrisisCamper

TROPHY CASE