Backpacking Pennsylvania - The Pinchot Trail North Loop

A 10 mile overnight backpacking trip in the Thornhurst tract of the Pinchot State Forest in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. This looping trail is part of a larger 23 mile circuit hike and can be done as a long day hike or simple overnighter. I hit the trail on a saturday afternoon in the peak of the mountain laurel bloom which was spectacular. Much of the trail featured open heath habitat- a dense under story of fern, mt laurel, sheep laurel, and blueberry with an open canopy of trees giving a wild and unique feel. I made camp at the half way point of the hike along Panther Run, and had a quiet evening in the forest - I encountered only one other hiker on this trip. On day two I veered off the traditional Pinchot Loop to explore the Big Pine Vista, an observation deck at 2,264 ft with 360 views and a community of stunted oaks and birch at this windy high point in the forest. The trail was at times completely grown in, and I discovered multiple ticks the evening of my camp, but luckily no bites. The Pinchot is a beautiful state forest and makes a nice back country experience with little elevation change and is surprisingly close to the cities of Scranton and Wilkes Barre . Filmed in 4K #natureadventurediscovery #scenicpennsylvania
MUSIC - Reversed Beginning by Luwaks
Her Own Device by Gavin Luke
Between Poles by August Wilhelmsson
Dimmed Lights by Northside
Tranquility by Drift Far Away
www.epidemicsound.com/
CAMERA - GoPro HERO 11

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Sorry the last 3 minutes is dead air... editing mistake. The full video is 23:14.

[@mountainsintomemories]

I think you might be able to cut it off in KZbin studio, I’ve never done it though.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

@@mountainsintomemories Yes you are probably correct.

[@HikerDudeDad]

I watched all 3 minutes trying to find Sasquatch!!! 🤣😂

[@WALTERZOLNA]

​@@HikerDudeDad it would have made a great jump scare if he popped up at the end with a giant face and a loud roar lol!😂

[@LumberjackPa]

The mountain laurel are beautiful, I have to say that because my wife's name is Laurel, but I am partial to the ferns. They look so hazy or wispy from a distance and seem to just blend in to each other like a thick lush carpet. Anyway, thanks for sharing.

[@dayhikedave]

You know you are doing something right when the person watching feels the pangs of wanting to be there. Always top notch. BEAutiful footage. You have managed to match Bob and I's Mt laurel heaven. You are th he best. Keep on keeping on 👍🙂🙏

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The mt laurel was quite the spectacle i have to say. Its a pretty awesome hike Im sure you would have liked it!

[@don55s]

The endless beauty of Pennsylvania. I will never live anywhere else. Thank you for presenting it so professionally! ROCK ON!!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Its my pleasure, happy to show the boundless beauty of Pennsylvania!

[@debbiehills2928]

❤thanks for the shout out walter.😊love your videos and choice of music.❤🎉😊❤ Be safe and take care.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Its the least I could do Debbie, after all you did find old Mr Bigfoot first! But in all seriousness you have been so generous and kind to me I wanted to make sure that I publicly acknowledged that, and I thank you again sincerely.

[@BeslerBarbara]

Another wonderful video to add to all the others. Thank you, and Bless you for what you do.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you kindly!

[@kenstubbs4639]

Peaceful, Surreal Great Escape-From The Stresses Of Life-Love The Wildflowers-Awesome Video As Always Walt!!!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you Ken I appreciate that very much, always a blessing to get out into nature.

[@sonplusone7059]

You capture nature, adventure and discovery beautifully. Enjoyed it. 🤗

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Well thankyou so much @sonplusone7059!

[@GenXGranny]

Here from QuiteFrankly! 💕

[@markyedlicka]

Me too

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks so much for checking out the channel!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate it kindly🙂!

[@GenXGranny]

@@WALTERZOLNA You are perfect for my Sunday mornings! I go for this outdoor beauty type content, I usually watch channels like Isabel Paige with the beautiful outdoor cinematography with my coffee. I love the way she captures her nature shots..and she just tells people to slow down and appreciate the beauty right in front of you. From what I can tell so far, you are extremely talented, too. I'm happy to be here before the channel blows up! :)

[@Kflem]

Love that you ended up hiding bigfot in a video. It was a cool touch that played on the spooky side of forest mysteries!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yea, still working on the concept of a bigfoot documentary in my head, or some time of combo nature/horror movie, lots of ideas but nothing solid yet. I appreciate your support Kaitlin, thank you.

[@gracegarden1]

This was lovely! The flowery woods was amazing!! Thanks for capturing it. I've been trying to see the mountain laurels in bloom for several years, and timing it is tricky. You captured it epically! I love the 'hunt for big foot' challenge. Congrats to Debbie! Thanks for all you do. Peace & Prayers, my friend.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

You know it's funny you say that about the Laurel because inall my years of hiking I have never hit a patch of Laurel in peak like that, it was spectacular! As for bigfoot, like I said, you never know when he may show up 😁!

[@quietjohnoutandabout6578]

Hi. Fantastic hike. I enjoyed the laurels, of course. Your filming was excellent and so clear and vivid. Good Sunday night entertainment. Now I will watch a video of Random before bed. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks for checking out the vid Quietjohn, i am glad you enjoyed it I had a blast in putting it together!

[@kateclark7250]

This was an awesome hike. Such a beautiful forest, with mountain laurel and the ferns. I'm sorry to hear about the ticks. I hope you were able to get them all. Thank you for letting me tag along.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I haven't found any bit into me, so i think i survived this episode unscathed...

[@CraigKoppel]

Wow so many mountain laurel. I’ve never seen so much of it. That trail was so overgrown in spots. I’ll have to do this when there’s not so much foliage like you said. Hopefully, you got all the ticks. Thanks for giving me another place to check out. 👍

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Fall or even winter is a good time to do this trail system. The forests here have a very unique look to them.

[@mhgreen]

Great video! I can't wait to get myself out there.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I hope you have a great time my friend, its an awesome trail and I thank you sincerely for watching the vid and leaving a comment, happy hiking!

[@TravelHungryForLife]

Fabulous upload here my friend well done enjoyed this Stay safe always see you again all the best cheers 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks my friend, truly appreciate your comments 😊

[@cathyp4342]

the mountain Laurel is beautiful. so sorry about the ticks I hope everything worked out ok. You are braver than most I think for camping out there all by yourself.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I made out ok with the tick situation any issues would have shown up by now. I was surprised that I only saw one other hiker on the entire trail. There is definitely a different kind of vibe at night when you are truly alone in the woods as opposed to a campground, that I can say for sure!

[@AbdulsCycles]

Such a Beautiful trail place! I really appreciate the close-ups on the flowers and plants! That attention to detail makes me feel like I'm there!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Well thanks very much for that my friend. That's my goal to make high quality content for the viewer to enjoy!

[@verdashirk9819]

Enjoyed the hike! The mountain Laurel was gorgeous! So sorry you had to deal with ticks. Glad you were safe from bears!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I fear the ticks more than the bears!

[@randomadventures2.0]

Walter What a Beautiful video your camera work is always spectacular. The only thing missing from that campsite was myself. LOL great fire sorry to hear about all the ticks they are pesky I've never figured out what their purpose is. Congratulations to Debbie for seeing Bigfoot definitely a good eye. Pennsylvania definitely has so many diverse areas that are all spectacular. Take care my friend

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yes would have been nice to have your company there at the camp Tony but not with all those pesky critters around. Thanks for the comments buddy, stay safe out there, and yes Pennsylvania an amazing place.

[@amandafulforth1096]

Great picture and video

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Amanda!

[@ervinslens]

Mountain Laurel is simply majestic, you did it again, the little masterpiece was already announced during the intro! What a beauty, you gave soul to this video Walter!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you kindly Ervin, the mt laurel bloom in Pennsylvania is a wonderful spectacle indeed, truly appreciate your support and kind words my friend.

[@lemi413]

QF brings me here ... and i love to hike to ... great chanell ... 😁

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks for checking out the channel it was an honor to do the show last night!

[@chinhvuvlogs]

Chào bạn ghé thăm nhau cho tình cảm nha cám ơn bạn đã chia sẻ vi reo hành trình của bạn 🎉like🎉😂😂😂❤

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks 😊

[@nv1570]

Keren sekali pemandanganya. Hadir menyimak bosku.salam silaturohmi semoga lancar riskinya dan tambah maju chanelnya

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you 👍🙏

[@hikingwithaaron]

Another wonderful capture of one of your hikes. I especially like your backpacking trips. I really need to get out even if it just an overnight trip. You've inspired me to get out there again. Congrats on the success of your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Filming backpacking is so different than a basic day hike. You really have to focus on the essentials which can be a bit of a challenge for me thats for sure. My goal is to inspire people to get outside, so if i have provided any kind of motivation for you I am very proud and happy about that. And thanks for the well wishes, truly appreciate that Aaron.

[@ckwntx5867]

Found you through Quite Frankly,my favorite podcast.Enjoyed the video,nice trekking the beautiful state of Pennsylvania with ya !

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It was a real honor and pleasure to appear on the show and I thank you kindly for checking out the channel!

[@fivehorizons5295]

What a great trip! Those mountain laurel sure are pretty. How cool was it that we were both in the Pinchot State Forest that weekend! We had trouble with ticks on our visit too. I like to just cut them in half with the scissors on my Swiss Army knife. Kinda gross but easier than burning them (and less stinky) Super cool that you are doing more backpacking trips! Love Raman noodles too! Instant mashed potatoes are always good to bring. Mix them together and you get a “Raman Bomb”…yummy 😋 Another very enjoyable video! Thanks for taking us along!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I can't say that I'm too surprised we were both in the vicinity, we share common interests and occupy the same geographic area. It's a great trail it has a unique feel to it. Surprisingly this was my first issue with ticks in awhile, I really don't like loading myself up with toxic chemicals before a day of nature, but I have had Lyme twice and it can be very debilitating. I definitely have you to thank in part for giving me the inspiration to get out there further, and I think it's one of those disciplines where the more you practice at it the more comfortable you become- backpacking- that is. Probably won't do another one tho till the temps start cooling off. And just gotta share this cause it literally just happened. Just found my first copperhead on the trail and in Bucks County of all places!

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

Damn... That would be hard to navigate with how grown in some sections are! You did an amazing job of showing this trail adventure!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I tried to go through those sections as fast as I could, I don't really like going through the brush too much. Seems like the trail gets just enough traffic to keep it clear but not enough to really open it up, thanks Darcy!

[@mountainsintomemories]

I loved watching the section with the blooming Mountain Laurel. That’s something I had never experienced until recently, and it’s truly special when you get into something like that. You probably picked up the ticks on that thick section of trail. That tower and views from big pine vista were pretty neat as well.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The tick thing was the weirdest experience. Somehow they were either on me or in my tent. Probably atleast 6 times during the night i felt an itch or a tickle, turned on my headlamp and there was another one and another one on me. Mostly on my hands. I sprayed myself before I started and once again when i got to camp and found the first one on me. It was like they were just magically appearing on me, it was crazy. Never had anything like that happen before.

[@wendingourway]

Now that was a fantastic adventure! Yup, I'd always go for the view...wonderful! Keep exploring...Bruce and Otis

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yea I agree, wasn't the greatest view but still a pretty neat spot, i think some of the haze from the canadian wildfires was obstructing the view.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

We've never tried backpacking, but your videos make me think we should try. Looks like a beautiful area, but that's a shame the trail is hard to navigate with all that growth. Maybe better for a fall hike, but then you wouldn't have seen the pretty mountain laurel.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I guess you could say backpacking is the next level of hiking, just a logical progression. Its a bit nerve racking the first time but gets easier after a few tries. I have heard this loop is pretty popular in the fall and even winter which makes sense to me.

[@Rubenjolguin82]

Saw you on Quite frankly. Great video

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks so much, truly appreciate it!

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

I want to do this loop early Spring! This is a great way to do a 1 nighter and not feel like you have to rush the full 10 miles!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

This would be a perfect trail for a beginner type overnight backpack, I 💯 recommend!

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

I enjoy watching older videos like this! Sometimes you need to refresh your memory and I want to get into trips like this!

[@maryshields1935]

The Mountain Laurel is gorgeous! When you mentioned no bugs I thought I hope you check for ticks. That must have made for a restless night! Enjoyed the video as always!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The mt laurel sure was amazing. The tick situation really confounded me. I still cant figure out how they got into my tent and so many of them. I have since treated all my gear, and generally haven't had very many problems with ticks otherwise this year, go figure🤷‍♂

[@ianrumnock6837]

Heck yea!!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It was a good one!

[@debbiehills2928]

Thanks!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

👀👀🤯🙂🙂🙂🙂 thank you so much!!!!

[@rgdodson]

Another good hike and another good video Walter. My only filming suggestion with this one is I think it would be better when you do your "sitting around the campfire talks" or your "standing on the trail talks" if you stood or sat in a position where the bill of your cap doesn't give you the "Lone Ranger" appearance...if you know what I mean.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Ron, I appreciate that advice. I think the sun was fading behind the tree line pretty good and GoPro does a poor job of filming in low light to begin with. But I probably had my back to the fading sun instead of facing it which would have made a difference but I remember I was trying to incorporate the fire into the shot for the ambience of the "fire side chat" as it were. Yea now that I think about it I really had no where to sit the camera down at eye level and that's why I ended up hand holding it and moving it around a little bit, but yes I agree I can do a better job with those types of shots!

[@rickyt3961]

23:45 thanks! i kinda like the quietness of a blank screen 😅… i guess i could just turn my phone off 😂

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Lol my bad on that one🤷‍♂️🤣

[@bobairhart8175]

Getting past all that Mt laurel for me and my camera would be very slow great video

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Sometimes I think you become so immersed in the beauty of something that you begin to get desensitized to it. That's how I felt at the end. It was actually hard to get a really good pic that wasn't a closeup. I think the compositions were too busy. Might gotten a better shot of the Laurel en masse on a cloudy day

[@mikelp8265]

I’ll try that trail 2024 spring . As I’m an recovering from back surgery

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Best of luck in your recovery, i hope you are able to make it out there!

[@DanielHunterUSA]

You should bring a gold pan with you .

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Is there gold in those parts that you know of??!

[@user-xv3iv8rp5k]

Walter, a beautiful video. Thanks for sharing. A friend and I are planning to head up there in a few weeks doing the entire loop. I was wondering where your first campsite was along Panther Creek. We will be on the Hayes Run Trail and All Trails seems to show that Panther Creek does not come down that far. Were you on this trail or one of the others - there appear to be many. I was hoping that campsite was close to the bend in Hayes Run Trail right where it goes from heading north to turning west. Thanks in advance and again, great video. Ken.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Ken for watching the video and your comments. So the Pinchot trail is compromised of many smaller named trails and you will see this happen repeatedly on your hike. On all trails they call it Hayes Run trail but as long as you follow the app and stay on the main Pinchot trail the campsites are literally right on the trail right along Painters Run, you can't miss them. There are about 5 possible sites and at least 3 are very decent. I looked at the app just before typing this and I zoomed in and you can see where the trail crosses Painters Run. I hope you have a great trip, it's really an awesome trail I am considering doing the southern half this fall myself! Just noticed this so let me clarify, the place where I camped was PAINTERS Run not Panther Run I did not see camping at Panther Run.

[@KennethKnoll-nk9sn]

Walter, thanks for clarifying on the campsite. I think that will work perfect as far as distance on the first day. Weekend weather is looking great too. I’m sure a lot of overgrown and need to check for ticks but will definitely be good to spend a few days in the woods. Thanks again.

[@buscampers]

Very nice hike. The mountain laurels were beautiful. How long do they bloom for?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It can vary from year to year, usually the month of June generally speaking in Pennsylvania. And then the rhododendron usually go in July

[@14Marathons]

I really appreciate your channel and wonderfully produced videos. The Mt. Laurel was amazing and beautiful. I'm curious if you figured out where you picked up all of the ticks? From the campsite or from the overgrown trails? Also, since you mentioned bears and showed evidence, what did you do with your food when you camped? I know you kept the food simple, but you must still have had snacks, etc. Did you hang it from a tree? Thanks again!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

So the tick situation has really perplexed me as I have obviously come across them before, but never that many, and never inside of my tent like that. I think they were concentrated in the campsite and got on me or my gear when i had it laid out, but i still cant figure it out for sure. Being that I got there midday and knew I would be out in the next morning i didnt have much food with me at all. And nothing with a scent - just a few snack bars, trail mix, jerky etc... I did consider hanging a bear bag but there would have been practically nothing in it so i just hung my pack from a branch on a nearby tree. Maybe not the best idea- raccoons or mice could have been an issue but it worked out ok.

[@14Marathons]

@@WALTERZOLNA Thanks for the reply!

[@2bkind2u]

Dang Walter, the cinematic and audio quality of your videos are soooo good. We really appreciate them. I bet this has been asked before, but are you self taught or did you take some classes?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks for the question Harry, but yes 100% self taught and still learning all the time. My goal is to make the highest quality content that i can and just to continue trying to get better. As I have said before I would like my name to be associated with doing high quality work and people to have an expectation and anticipation of quality content. Thanks for continuing to support my friend!

[@kippbachurski4766]

Beautiful ! What campground did they have their trailer in ?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

That was the campground at Frances Slocum state park where we both booked a site for the night. Well actually they were there for several days and I just shot up for a quick overnighter on saturday. Specifically they were in the stony point loop which I believe caters more towards RVs while I was in Hemlock hill loop. And there also is a decent sized section of walk in only sites there too, so you have a pretty good selection of options there.

[@MaksimOutdoors]

So, when are we doing the entire loop 🤔🤔

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Maybe fall would be a good time to do this loop, or even just the southern end as an overnighter....

[@MaksimOutdoors]

@@WALTERZOLNA I’m 100% in just let me know unless you have a better idea def wanna get out backpacking with you again

[@reesesalen5033]

I believe you camped along Painter Creek, not Panther Run

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yes that is correct, i got the two confused.

[@scottcoard1486]

Do you treat your clothes and skin for ticks? If so what works best?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I use a product from Sawyers which generally has worked very well for me. Its called Picaridin which is more of a natural repellent as opposed to Deet which is found in Deep Woods Off which i used to use. There is another product specific for clothes and gear called Permethrin that I have never tried. Generally I would prefer not to use any chemicals and just be sure to shower as soon as possible after hiking as I am not a big fan of loading up on chemicals on my body. But for the most part I am very happy with Sawyers and i just think i ran into a particular bad infestation of the nasty critters probably right where i camped.

[@rreuss9277]

Hi Walter, do you spray your clothes and shoes with Permethrin for the ticks?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I sprayed myself with a product called Sawyers before the hike and then reapplied when I found the first two ticks on me at camp. Usually this product works really well for me but generally speaking I'm not a huge fan of dousing myself in chemicals every time I go into the woods.

[@rreuss9277]

@@WALTERZOLNA I know what you mean. I don't like putting chemicals on my body. Spraying my clothes I would do. The deer ticks are so tiny, almost impossible to see. A few years ago my husband had a dog tick where no man wants it to be. LOL. You should have heard him yell.

[@TheMishy730]

What is the climb like on trail?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Very little elevation on this trail, it's mostly level. A couple small hills but surprisingly flat for North Eastern Pennsylvania. It's a beautiful trail.

[@justinevirtue1755]

Frank sent me.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Franks a great guy, I appreciate the opportunity he gave me.

[@tomlewis8245]

Where do you park to start the trail?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The main parking area is on Bear lake Rd. You can google - Pinchot Trail parking area - or pull up the Pinchot state forest map off of the official state forest website. Its not very hard to find. Also with it being a loop trail there are several other access points through the forest, but the main trailhead is on Bear Lake rd.

[@GeorgeCoggins]

this the one up on suscon rd?

[@GeorgeCoggins]

just looked and yes! havent been there in decades thank you for sharing!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

@@GeorgeCoggins Glad you enjoyed it buddy.