Backpacking The Gerard Hiking Trail, PA

Welcome back to the channel! It's been quite a while since I've released a video due to the high volume of work I've had the last 60 days. I finally got a chance to sneak out for an overnight backpacking adventure to Oil Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. This is the second time I've been to Oil Creek, but half of the mileage was on trails I haven't been on before.
I was joined on this trip by Zach and Celeste, this was their first time on the Gerard Hiking Trail. Overall, we hiked 16 miles total and stayed overnight at the Wolfkiel shelter area. Oil Creek State Park has a 36-mile backpacking loop with two different shelter areas where you can rent out Adirondack shelters. Alternatively, you can do what we did and stay at the primitive tent sites.
Both sites have a pit latrine, running water in season, Adirondack shelters, four primitive tent sites and a fully stocked wood pile under a lean-to. Oil Creek makes for a nice beginner friendly backpacking trail, or a spot to stay nice and warm if you're backpacking in the winter. While there may not be enormous scenic vistas like some of my trips, Oil Creek still sports a nice diverse forest. Oil Creek itself is more like a river and there are some scenic views from the bridges along the trail. There are also a few clearings up on the ridges where you can look down at the valley below.
I got to try out some new gear on this trip, mainly involving food. I'm currently testing an Esbit stove and I must say, it did exactly what I needed it to do, even in colder weather. I also stole an overnight oats cold soak recipe from Celeste and had that for breakfast. In this video I review my sleep and shelter system, along with Celeste's and Zach's setups as well. While there may not have been anything magical about this adventure, it was still nice to get out and do some hiking and camping for the weekend. As always, thanks for joining us on our outdoor adventures and be sure to like and subscribe!
Here is a link to all of the gear I brought with me on this trip!
lighterpack.co...
Here is a link to the GPX file if you want to plan a trip to Oil Creek!
drive.google.c...

[@peterott-tn6pf]

Awesome video man and beautiful scenery!!

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Thanks for tuning in, happy new years!

[@peterott-tn6pf]

@Bacon_N_Backpacking you're very welcome buddy and I hope you and your loved ones and friends have a very happy and healthy new year as well!!!!

[@sheilaren123]

Awesome hiking adventures. Thank you for sharing. Happy new year.

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Glad you enjoy the videos, thanks for watching and Happy New Year!

[@Nomadiccamping]

It was nice running into you yesterday on the trail. That hike out was brutal for me. That elevation in a short distance wore me out

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Yeah it was nice to meet you as well, we just got back home. Enjoy Mohican when you head out there!

[@Nomadiccamping]

I did find the way to the Forest Service HQ

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

@@Nomadiccamping Great! Looks like you’re ready to rock and roll. I’ve stayed at #1, 2, 3 and in my opinion #3 is the best site down there. You have to cross Pine Run regardless of which one you choose.

[@Nomadiccamping]

@@Bacon_N_Backpacking thanks

[@MaksimOutdoors]

Great video man, the Gerard trail will always be near and dear to my heart beings it was the first backpacking trip I’ve done, you did a great job capturing the area, thanks for the camp tour. Watching your videos always makes me want to try the hammock life, keep it up buddy

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Give the hammock life a try lol. I used tents for years and I’m never going back, I just sleep so much better in a hammock overall. Everyone is different, so that may not be the case for you though. I’ll be going back to Oil Creek again to do the full loop next year for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@alexwbanks70]

Cool trip man! I've done the loop once for a warm up before I went for my CT hike 1-6 in 2021. I cut it short and did about 30. But I'm a regular there the last 2 winters just to camp basically. I'm going back to start the CT again where I left off last year at Twin Lakes so I'm definitely going back to oil creek and will do the full loop for a warm up again

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

I like Oil Creek. It’s nothing spectacular but I always enjoy hiking there. I actually planned on using Oil Creek and Laurel Highlands for training hikes early next year to prepare for the Uinta Highline trail.

[@celestialhikes]

Great video! Except who's that weird person doing a serpentine on the bridge? 😂😂

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Some straggler we picked up 😉

[@zrobey88]

Had a blast, underrated trail.

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Glad you could tag along

[@ChristopherDimitriousPhanara]

hot hot hot. he is the definition of hot.

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

🔥 🔥 🔥

[@hike-bike-paddle-and-drone]

Thanks for the great vid Travis!! I plan on e-bike camping thru the Oil Creek Park and want to side trip up to the Wolfkeil shelters. The closed bridge had me concerned but thanks to your video I see that it is open for hikers and bikers. Is there an advance rental for camp sites and shelters but not during the off-season? Love you vids. I plan on hiking those trails at some point too! Jeff

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

There’s an online registration for the tent sites and the shelters both. I’m not sure how far out you can book, but I’d imagine plenty enough. Thanks for watching!

[@Bucktail150]

0:20 My ancestors are buried there. I wish it was kept up a lil more but their last name was McClintock

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

I’ll have to look out for the name the next time I’m there. Thanks for tuning in

[@markcourson]

hey travis, great video i love it down there. i am new to hiking and backpacking. i know you have to call and make reservations for the shelters but if you tent camp do you have to call and make them as well?

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Yes, the only places you can legally tent/hammock are by the shelter areas. You have to reserve any overnight stays. Thanks for tuning in!

[@jshaf]

I live in the heart of WV, enjoy your vids.

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

I’m considering buying some property in WV, beautiful country. Thanks for tuning in.

[@jshaf]

I live in Preston County, pretty close to Dolly Sods and the Seneca area. hoping to do North Fork Mountain at some point. been fighting Cancer for a year, not in the best shape yet but working toward that goal of getting out there. @@Bacon_N_Backpacking

[@thehumblehillbilly]

Great video man… I think I’m gonna have to come camp/ explore that area myself now. 💯🤘🏻🏕️

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Appreciate the feedback, definitely give it a go!

[@floydmietus6624]

What shoes are you guys using?

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Normally I wear trail runners, but for this trip I was wearing Lowa Renegade boots.

[@zrobey88]

I was also wearing boots, La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX II in a wide. This is my 3rd season with them and they’ve held up great!

[@jasonhikesunedited6699]

I've only done the entire loop. I usually take advantage of the shelters. Obviously they're awesome in the winter. You just keep the fireplace jammed with wood and it's toasty all night. Basically glamping :) Let me know if your "Collective" does it again or you're in the ANF.

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

I’m sure we’ll be back next year. I go to Allegheny quite a bit as well. Thanks for watching.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

This place seems real nice!! I really like those leantos!!

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

I generally prefer to backpack in larger wilderness areas, but Oil Creek is nice for a chill overnighter. Thanks for watching!

[@sarak5033]

Wish I could have gone!

[@Bacon_N_Backpacking]

Me too 😘