West Rim Trail – Pennsylvania

My son Phil and I take a couple of backpacking trips every year and, usually, we section hike portions of the AT. This year we were somewhat limited on time (long weekend) and decided to hike the gorgeous 30 mile West Rim Trail between Ansonia and Blackwell, PA. This hike has been labelled the “Grand Canyon of the East” and the “Best Hike in Pennsylvania”. I’ve hiked quite a few trails in central and western PA including Minister Creek, North Country Trail, Laurel Highlands, Old Loggers Trail, Black Moshannon, Black Forest trail, Ricketts Glen and Michaux State Forest on the AT near the PA/ Maryland border. The West Rim Trail stands out for its natural beauty and 1,000 foot scenic vistas above the Pine Creek gorge. Hiking in PA is not for everyone as it is very rocky and challenging on your feet. On one of our AT hikes, we met a through hiker that mentioned that if she ever hiked the AT again she would fly over Pennsylvania. Sadly, Ohio doesn’t have a single backpacking trail I can recommend as I would describe them as mostly bulldozer trails that are not worth your time (Wayne National Forest, Zaleski State Forest). At any rate, we hiked the West Rim Trail under some very wet conditions and there was a profusion of pristine mushrooms everywhere we stepped. I’m only sorry I didn’t bring some olive oil and a lightweight frying pan. See below for a sampling of our experience.

For a 3D PhotoSphere of one of the scenic overlooks follow the link below. Once it loads just click on the image and you can scroll/pan around- Jerry Pepera

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CVJUXv62wrK8T8xB9

My son, Phil and I at the Southern Terminus in Blackwell, PA

Start of a 1,000 foot climb to the rim trail.

Amanita jacksonii

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/amanita_jacksonii.html

Amanita jacksonii

Amanita rubescens

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/amanita_rubescens.html

Amanita vaginata

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/amanita_vaginata.html

Amanita bisporgeria (Deadly!)

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/amanita_bisporigera.html

Ramaria sp. (maybe fomosa)

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/ramaria_formosa.html

Craterellus cornucopioides
(Black Trumpet)

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/craterellus_cornucopioides.html

Cortinarius species

Lactarius Volemus

http://www.mushroomexpert.com/lactarius_volemus.html

Lactarius volemus

Macrolepiota procera

http://mushroomexpert.com/macrolepiota_procera.html

Omphalotus illudens

https://www.mushroomexpert.com/omphalotus_illudens.html

Stereum ostrea (Parchment paper)

https://www.mushroomexpert.com/stereum_ostrea.html

West Rim Trail – Scenic vista

West Rim Trail – Overlook

West Rim Trail – Scenic Vista

My Son’s Border Collie – Admiral

West Rim Trail – Foggy morning after a rain storm