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. – Jerry Pepera

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

Atromyces pyxidata

https://www.mushroomexpert.com/artomyces_pyxidatus.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

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Beginners Key to the Boletes

I thought I would share this very handy beginners key for the Boletes. It was given to me by Ernst Both some years ago and is organized in a clear logical way which I find to be very useful. – Jerry

THE BOLETES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

Summer Foray Photos

The summer foray at the Zaleski ODNR complex was a great success in spite of the lack of moisture and very hot and humid weather. See below for some pictures from the event. Look for a complete write-up in the next edition of the newsletter. – Jerry

Martha Bishop giving a foray introduction.

As the morning and afternoon forays return, mushrooms are identified and organized on the ID tables. Martha Bishop and Bryan Lewis in the foreground.

John Plischke III giving a fantastic presentation on gathering Boletes with tips on edibility and preparation.

Robert Walston with lunch – Laetiporus cincinnatus (Sulfur shelf)

Walt Sturgeon during a table walk/ ID discussion.

Some of the delicious Potluck dishes brought by attendees. 

Saturday evening dinner at Lake Hope State Park Lodge.