Monday, April 11, 2022

Kings Gap Environmental Center, PA

ABOUT THE PARK: 
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center - PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

DIRECTIONS: 
GPS Coordinates 40.10610, -77.28091
Pine Plantation Parking

TRAIL MAP: 
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center - PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources


HIKE DISTANCE:  9.7 miles

THE HIKE: 
This is hike 1 of 2 of the semi-annual two-day drive-n-hike from New Jersey to Missouri.
Starting the hike in the Pine Plantation Area.
We would be returning form the left on the Ridge Overlook Trail but for now, downhill to the right.
Right on Kings Gap Hollow ...
... through a parking lot to the Boundary Trail.
Left on Locust Point Trail.
The Locust Point Overlook which is no more, not even with the leaves down.
The Locust Point Trail loops around and joins back with the Boundary Trail.
Left on the Watershed Trail.
Through a parking lot to the left of the picnic pavilion on the left.
On the Scenic Vista Trail.
The vista is mostly obstructed by a mountain straight ahead but off to the right of that mountain is a view.
Coming out at the mansion.
Around to the back of the mansion for some views.
Heading back towards the Rock Scree Trail.
Taking the Forest Heritage Trail first.
Then at the intersection with the Rock Scree Trail, a right ...
... on the Ridge Overlook Trail which was my favorite trail of the hike.
The best views are from this trail.
Now back on the Rock Scree Trail where we turned right to retrace back to the car.
Spring sprouts.
Hunkering down for the 4 1/2 hour drive to overnight in Parkersburg, WV which would put us an hour away from the next day's hike in southern OH.
But first a stop in Friendsville, MD, the last exit before WV, for the cheapest gas I have seen so far.