Hiking and Campsites in Eastern PA

[Todd Heyn]

I am looking to get my 12 year old step son involved in backpacking and hiking. I live in Mt. Holly NJ and am looking for areas in eastern PA.

Specifically, I am looking for a route that would take me a couple of miles in on the trail where we could set up a base camp. This would allow us to do side trips to mountain peaks or great vistas. I believe that this would provide enough challenge for my son but keep it enjoyable enough for him to want to continue it.

Anybody have some good suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[Iafte]

You should look into taking a trip up to the pinnicle on the AT. It's not a long hike depending on where you park and it's a great view once you get there. With your son being 12, this might be a good first time trip. You can also stop at Cabellas while up there.

From Mt. Holly it's about 2-3 hours away. (West of Allentown)<br><br>Post edited by: Iafte, at: 2007/01/02 17:50

[oldboots]

Sounds like a good advice :-)

[JerseyDevil]

You have a ton of choices in the Mt. Holly area. Not only can you use Blue Rock Campground to hike the A.T. to Pulpit, Pinnacle, and Hawk Mt., but they have an amazing glacial boulder field there as well. You have the Thunder Swamp trail in Del. State Forest, amazing cascades a great loose campsites, Ricketts Glen St. Park with 27 waterfalls and car camping sites, the Del water Gap in NJ and PA with choices of car camping in Worthington St or bping sites on the A.T.. I did the Loyal Sock this past Summer, and while thats probably a bit much for the kid Worlds End State Park has car camping with excellent short and long dayhike possibilities.
Don't forget the Pine Lands though! You have the 50 mile Batona Trail in your backyard with amazing Cedar Swamps, wildlife, and backcountry sites (Lower Forge, Batona, & Mullica River Wilderness Site).
Definitely try the Pines:evil:<br><br>Post edited by: JerseyDevil, at: 2007/02/22 19:04

[KsMason71]

Where is the best place to park to get to the pinnacle, Iafte?