Lazy Fall Hammock Camping in the Rain - Loyalsock Trail

3 Days of Hammock Camping in the Rain, Hiking, & Backpacking on the Loyalsock Trail.
For this 3 day, 2 night fall backpacking trip, I’ll be hiking the 24 mile Loyalsock Link Loop, in Pennsylvania’s Loyalsock State Forest. My goal for this rainy fall hike was a laid back, lower mileage trip with plenty of time at camp each day. For fun and comfort, I still used my minimalist sub 10 pound ultralight backpacking gear load-out. In addition to my usual gear list, I threw in a lightweight backpacking fry pan for some fun camp cooking to spice things up as well.
Lighterpack Gear List with links
lighterpack.co...
(pretty much what I hiked with on this trip, except for the Trail Winder Asym Underquilt, Esbit stove instead of an alcohol stove and the MSR Fry Pan, as noted in the backpacking gear section below)
For an easier read and downloadable GPS data, check out my full blog post:
www.sintax77.co...
No permit is required to camp in the Loyalsock State Forest, so long as you are only camping one night at each campsite. You can find more information on the Loyalsock State Forest website here: bit.ly/35AGgKz
Trailhead Used:
Loyalsock Trailhead Dutchman Falls, 41°26’53.3″N 76°27’13.2″W
Mead Rd, Dushore, PA 18614
The Loyalsock Trailhead on Mead Rd has room for several vehicles and is easily accessible via 2wd. No parking fee or permit required. Loop begins behind the bathroom.
Loyalsock Link Loop Printable Trail Map from the PA DCNR.
Trails Used, Day 1:
Loyalsock Trail
Visit the Haystacks / Haystack Rapids
Continue on the Loyalsock Trail
Camp along the banks of Sones Pond
There are multiple camping opportunities in this area for tents or hammocks with several pre-established fire rings.
Day 1 Mileage: 5.5 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 1,018 feet
Trails Used, Day 2:
Continue on the Loyalsock Trail
Camp along the Loyalsock Trail near Ken’s Window and Alpine Falls
This is a medium sized campsite with reliable flowing water nearby, a pre-established fire ring, and room for several hammocks or tents.
Day 2 Mileage: 3.5 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 473 feet
Trails Used, Day 3:
Continue on the Loyalsock Trail.
From the High Rocks Vista, descend the High Rocks Tail / Loyalsock Trail to the World’s End Visitor Center.
Cross the road and continue on the Loyalsock Trail
At the rock wall waterfall intersection, take the x trail shortcut to circumvent the Haystacks (optional).
Continue on the Loyalsock Trail.
Return to the Loyalsock Dutchman Falls parking area.
Day 3 Mileage: 15 miles
Day 3 Gross Elevation Gain: 3,113 feet
Grand Total Mileage: 24 Miles
Grand Total Gross Elevation Gain: 4,604 feet
Notable Backpacking Gear:
ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack www.ula-equipm...
Dutchware Gear Half-Wit Hammock dutchwaregear....
Simply Light Designs Trail Winder Underquilt / Underquilt Protector simplylightdes...
Hammock Gear Burrow 40 Top Quilt www.hammockgea...
Hammock Gear Dyneema Hex Tarp www.hammockgea...
DIY Esbit Stove
Esbit Fuel Cubes amzn.to/2ZKE6Vp
Vargo Windscreen Pot Stand amzn.to/2M3uRuG
Toaks 750ml Titanium Pot amzn.to/2GR7AJX
MSR Quick Skillet (not the Flex Skillet as I said in the vid) amzn.to/325qZz7
Light My Fire Tritan Spork amzn.to/2OD6Hcq
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter amzn.to/2WcjfYZ
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite Rain Suit amzn.to/2XVxnX7
Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX trail runners. amzn.to/2KoL5xO
Wright Socks (I love these for blister prevention, particularly in wet conditions). amzn.to/2XqbOSP
Dutchware Folding Sit Pad dutchwaregear....
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp amzn.to/2YVsp0A
Hang Time Hook dutchwaregear....
Garmin Oregon 650 GPS unit amzn.to/2WFzsps
Spot Gen3 GPS Messenger & SOS device amzn.to/2EJLQhC
Casio ProTrek PRW-2500 amzn.to/2FPpAmd
Mountain House Backpacking Meals amzn.to/2GRpPz9
Disclosure: A commission may be earned on some of the links on this post.
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www.sintax77.co...
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Sintax77
PO Box 8163
Wilmington, DE 19803
Business Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@sintax77]

For those of you who like podcasts on the trail like I do - I just did another episode of the Trail Tales Podcast! You can check it out here. trailtalespod.com/sintax77-on-the-adirondacks-hammock-camping-and-much-more/ ...If you already think I think I talk too much - definitely _don't_ click that link.

[@shotoverse5816]

Creek.... not a River :)

[@keithturkjr.8676]

Bread on the trail? I would bet a cardboard box big enough to fit half a loaf would weight 8-10 grams. So,... bread really is a viable option.

[@daeholm]

There's about a million outdoors/thru-hiking/bushcraft/camping channels out there now but Sintax 77 is the original and still my favourite.

[@uptrail7169]

I wanted to see your cheeseburger meal at the end.👍😅 Good decision to camp early at the cool looking campsite and you had some nice weather for views on your hike out. I also didn't pack enough food for a hike out once, but I survived. It made the post hike meal that much better! 😀 Our fall leaves are now at peak up in my area. We wanted to go hiking this weekend, but it was rainy with a mix of snow and a lot of wind. 😬 Maybe next weekend!

[@CarameloTV2010]

Please start adding a picture of your post trip cheeseburger in the final credits... IT’S CHEESEBURGER TIME!

[@owenfarmer4197]

Your videos are great. I’ve never seen an adult so excited about a sandwich. Keep up the great work

[@robertguthrie1894]

So glad to see you out and about

[@viz.on7]

Great video my friend! Such a lovely hike and camping, no need to always rush or try to get somewhere quickly, sometimes it's nice to find a good spot and just relax and enjoy it! Thanks for sharing!

[@brobbinsroost]

Nice trip. I enjoyed it. I've just about gone back and watched all of your trips. It's time for another video!

[@sylvestergoesoutdoors6062]

great stuff sintax77 love watching the videos

[@dowowens6214]

I been wanting to try a hammock. Thanks for the wonderful time you take to explain some of your gear.

[@SulCoCrazy]

Thnx for posting! I live in Dushore so this is my “home” trail. The logging road you speak of is actually part of the former Lehigh valley rail system, quite cool to realize that one is hiking on history.

[@tomritter493]

Hey Craig not that far apart now I know 5 of us right Round the same area

[@samuelpalmquist2190]

Sweet! Gonna watch this bad boy when I get home.

[@Twobarpsi]

PA is so beautiful, in the fall!!

[@Twobarpsi]

Some nice cold IPAs, and a new Sintax video, great combination!! 🍻🍻🍻

[@jrg4094]

My Dad and I hike the LT quite often. Sones pond and that little camp in the gulley...2 of our favorite spots!

[@Hibbsi91]

Hey there. Would you ever consider a winter re-visit to Dolly Sods? Perhaps not the whole Lion's Head loop, but you should really experience WV mountains in winter. If you'd be wanting to go, please let me know. I've yet to go there in the winter but I have a lot of winter gear I'm DYING to test. (don't we all) There's a "camp site city" that would likely be empty during the winter, the only catch is a 1.5-2 mile hike up the mountain, as the gates are closed due to road conditions during the winter.

[@CyclingSteve]

The Loyalsock is the one that doesn't go missing in the dryer. ;)

[@jakeco438]

I love the grilled cheese. I will have to try that!

[@EatCarbs]

Running out of food.. ouch. Thanks for the video. Agree about not seeing the Mrs and the others.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Syntax, sincere thanks for the tagalong on this 3 day adventure. You do a great job of narrating as well as filming. You always seem to be well prepared for the outdoor challenges. All the best to you and your family.

[@xmetal280]

Liked for the in depth fire starting lesson.

[@Ch0razin]

Oh wow! I did this hike back in the spring, super cool to see you hiking and camping the same places I did!

[@martysmith8191]

Hey sintax, another great video, but where has Sarah , Denali, Mikey, and Daniel disco been, i/we miss them and your adventures, I know life getin the way sometimes, but your wife and friends are your LIFE!!!!

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hi Syntax 77. I love your vids not only because of the content but because you don’t take booze out there with you. As a recovering alcoholic, that means a lot. Do you know other folks who don’t take booze out into the backcountry? I’m always trying to find a community of folks who may not be sober but who don’t take booze on trips with them. Thanks so much

[@SulCoCrazy]

You are more my speed. Good to push but good to slow up and enjoy. Nice style

[@jamesripson4920]

Camp and hike here every year. Forksville has the best cheese steaks. Owners from philly. Great hiking all around the area. Hiked that same trail, part of it is an old rail line.

[@BirdShotIV]

Finally watched this one, good stuff as always!

[@JaredHikes]

There's not much that will top a backcountry grilled chesse!! I'm so jealous.

[@flysubcompact]

Syntax, really enjoyed this video. Some pretty country up there.

[@sintax77]

Thanks, Fly. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danielgolite]

Thanks for the video. Brought back good memories of a backpacking trip on the Loyalsock many years ago. Back then there was a well stocked camp store by the park office. Some of the logging "roads" you were on may have been former logging railroad grades. Loyalsock Trail has many sights that you didn't get to. Hope you can get back again. I liked Lee Falls.

[@DJMajickMan]

Thanks for hanging with us at MAHHA. Glad to see you putting your winnings to use. Also love to see you hiking one of my favorite areas. Family has been vacationing just down the road from here so I know these trails well.

[@susandistasio335]

So enjoyed the video. Yes I always pack a little extra food because you don't know what may happen. take care

[@sintax77]

Thanks, Susan. Hopefully I finally learned my lesson on that one!

[@tracymanno2285]

Dude, anything could've happened between your last stop! Put more food in your bag!!!! Great video!

[@SkinnyGPanda]

I have section hiked a bit of this trail myself. Such a great trail with so many options to do a loop or not. Great video. Hoping to backpack the whole trail if time allows in 2020.

[@fastcircuit]

Oh man, I'm hooked on "Good-to-Go" meals, they are soo different!

[@bladesvlogs4965]

That little gully where you camped looked fantastic!

[@ve3tvb]

Nice to see you on the trail again looking for some winter adventures all the best to you and your family Danial

[@sintax77]

Thanks, Danial - same to you!

[@pulitz09]

Grilled cheese on the trail looked awesome!

[@deeplyyoung]

As usual.. Always love to watch you... I'm just imagining if you carry a drone with you then you must grab some more spectacular footages...

[@johnrobert1053]

Sintax where’s the dog an wife been??? Haven’t seen any mail times lately either???

[@denali9643]

john robert I’ve been singing the same song

[@joetexas1546]

Sara moved to Mexico-took Denali with her!😉

[@aliceg9571]

I love it. Forgot to mention more about the hammock protector because you were so “enamored” about the grilled cheese! Hahaha. It did look really tasty and yes, I would have definitely enjoyed some chips too! Just like a cheeseburger without fries or rings is a must, for me anyway. Great hike and beautiful scenery that you shared. Thanks.

[@denali9643]

Great trip! LOVED the Forrest Gump-like floating leave. You’re a proven miles-masher when needed, so I love the emphasis on picking enjoyable campsites. And so funny how trail management whacks so many nails into the trees. Bad eco ethics LOL. I’ve brought home cooked then frozen burgers on trips so I just have to heat them up. The grill cheese idea is a keeper!!

[@sintax77]

Burgers on the trail sounds pretty awesome. Yeah, they really went to town with those trail markers up there, haha.

[@dougcantrell6156]

Thanks for letting me hike with you! Enjoyed it!

[@riffpophop]

tysm I had had no Idea that state forests were open to primitive camping (in pa). I had looked for a place to camp near me under state parks and there were none. Planning my first trip now!

[@Bob_PA]

Too funny, I just did a 20 mile loop in Loyalsock State forest yesterday and got home to see this video posted. I hiked up to the Loyalsock Canyon Vista then West on the Loyalsock Trail to Ketchum Run Gorge. Such a beautiful area.

[@TheTrailTrekker]

sintax you should hike the Pinchot Trail in Lackawanna State Forest up by Scranton! Also a 23-24 mile loop trail, very wet conditions all year round.

[@sintax77]

Thanks, I'll check that out!

[@rightsideupvt]

Nice tip with the lighter---thanks!

[@junek1006]

That was a nice little trail. Very pretty. You should have taken us along for the cheeseberger. 😊😁

[@marciac7026]

I'm a new subscriber for about a month. I enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing. 😊🏕️🌳

[@SchardtCinematic]

Nuke's Top 5 brought me here. Normally I don't go and look at channels ge's covered. But since you are in Pa in this video and only 3 hours north of me. I'm down in York, Pa. I couldn't help but want to see this video. I'm more into visiting western Pa around Somerset County and the Great Allegany Passage and areas like that.

[@MuvoTX]

thats a great wsy to do grilled chese, and english muffins with cheese. I put a piece of foil over the top, toast the bread slices separately, sanwich chese in betwern. the foil traps the heat like a little oven. bread burns easily though.

[@sintax77]

That sounds pretty amazing :)

[@RelaxingWalks]

Got up and cooked the the mrs a grilled cheese sandwich about halfway through.

[@thehafricanultralighter4973]

Have you considered backpacking the West Rim Trail. It's a great trail as I'm sure you know. It would be cool to see your visuak take on the trail.

[@cgriggsiv]

Very awesome video young man very beautiful very very quiet

[@byronrudnik2621]

Lots of goodness in Sullivan County... Northwest of the LT is the Old Logger's Path in Masten. On the Southeast corner up above Cascade rd on the ridge is a site with a good shelter, good view, and good cell svc, perfect for a live stream!

[@thomasboatman5718]

Worlds End has a snack shop just down the road from the visitors center. Definitely could have found yourself a cheeseburger there. Ice cream as well.

[@tuckeremmons5354]

Sintax77 love the videos did the Lt thru hike an the link loop. Camped at sones pond twice. Again great videos all around have been following your adventures. Happy trails from Delaware county just north of of you in Delaware!

[@vinniejenner476]

I did the Link Loop a few years back. Cool to see it from someone else's perspective. I stayed at Vinegar Run, and it stormed like crazy just as I got there.

[@lewisseward4521]

I love your videos! I’m wondering if there is a rubber cover that you can put over your low top tennis shoes like they used to sell back in the 80s that are above the ankle to keep your feet dry when you’re crossing streams. They used to be called totes. When we were little kids they were called the rubbers.

[@RedBeard556]

Awesome video! I was camping/ hiking in the same area at almost the same time.

[@WoodKnock01]

Awesome trail sintax77!!! Awesome vid thanks for sharing!!!!

[@carboncopy2853]

thank you sir !

[@jamiemurphy3273]

Sweet I'm going enjoyed this one thank you

[@jamiemurphy6434]

Thanks 🙏

[@sharpshooter994]

Another great video always enjoy watching :)

[@tjacoustic9266]

Hello. Have a cabin in Forksville where the LT is. Thanks for the video. It was fun.

[@LifeisBetterExploring]

Great video as always. Thanks for sharing!

[@SignalOutdoors]

Great adventure as always! You inspired me to try hammock camping and it was a game changer for me. I also started to record my adventures...not something I would have ever imagined myself doing. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the great work!

[@jerrypittman9116]

Another great video! Thank you and I hope you enjoyed that cheeseburger.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Hi Sintax great looking hike it is about 4 hours away from me, I Iive close to OCNJ. Do you ever feel that you need doors on your tarp? Also the grilled cheese is a great idea. Take Care

[@hemiram23]

Hey sintax77, welcome to my area! Come back anytime and I’ll go with you. The whole LT is amazing. Make sure to check out the Forksville Store for a great cheeseburger time!

[@steveqhanson6835]

Nice hike! I love the grilled cheese as a camp meal.

[@stevemrozekmrozek29]

Love your backpacking meal on this trip! Just wondering if you've ever thru hiked any trails?

[@ERittenour]

Thanks for the video, kind of fond of the Loyalsock trail. My first real hike was on the LT from camping in World's End, Still love the area.

[@OldPackMule]

Probably the first time I've been on a trail before you did the review. I know what you mean about that steep little section. I remember going up like climbing a root and rock ladder. Love north central PA hiking. Beautiful woods.

[@jalleman61]

Dude I've done the entire 50 mile Loyalsock trail 43 years ago and it was an experience.You need to check out Angel falls.But when you get to the end at Worlds End,an bath in the boulder waters you shall be rewarded.

[@derekfrey3671]

It's 60 miles now.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

@sintax77 you hit it out of the park with the grilled cheese. Thumbs up.

[@sintax77]

Yeah, I may have to keep that in my meal arsenal for future trips on occasion. Pretty good stuff.

[@peterhoward1977]

Hi my name is Peter! I am wondering what you do with old gear when you upgrade? Thanks I’ve loved watching your Chanel for years l!

[@Hotled1944]

Another stellar video and description. I wish I could pick your brain , I have never hammock camped but would like to.

[@adamzadventures]

You were on my home turf! The link trail actually begins behind the park office, but you can go either way and connect the way you did. I’m surprised you didn’t have any footage of the loyalsock canyon vista.

[@paulblubaugh589]

He was there at 49:30

[@mobiltec]

Miss seeing the actual cheese burger at the end.

[@Utubeisazzho]

Ever try just throwing up 1 more para cord 550 ridge line with a nightize carabiner clip ( under the tarp above the hammock) to hang your bag and gear on?? Great vid!

[@stephenpinder9567]

lotta whatnot on that trail ... another great one sintax

[@dougthomas1582]

LOL! You sir have earned your master fire-maker badge! Love it.

[@dmindset]

So glad you made this vid.. I was aiming for doing the LT the second weekend in november

[@BackFlippingHippos]

Nice haha I'm from dushore the haystacks are great in the summer!

[@fynntuerpitz2459]

great video

[@HikeCalifornia]

Awesome video. I must be the only backpacker who's WISHING for a bad-weather trip, haha. We get so spoiled here in Southern California.

[@denali9643]

Looking forward to this! We just drove West to East today through PA on 80 (visiting our son in college) and were struck by the beauty of the rolling hills, particularly with the foliage beginning to turn. Clicking Play!

[@bahamajim1998]

Did my own variation of that loop . stayed at sones pond twice . fished it and caught nothing . a week after i heard a guy caught a 24 inch bass lmao!!!

[@RuthRader]

FF to Jan. 2023…I’m wondering if You are going to do any more solo backpacking where You put Your hammock up and sleep in an established shelter along the trail. I am enjoying Your older videos. Especially this one. Hope You’ve never been that hungry since. 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔

[@mikitta47]

Syntax, the Survivorman Edition :p Wish i could have given you some grub!

[@jacobpoucher]

Nice!

[@thehafricanultralighter4973]

I'm hiking the link loop next week hopefully and wanna know if you could give me ur way points for the campsites u used.

[@KaptenInsano]

Hello I have just stumbled onto your videos, I have always wanted to get into backpacking and hammock camping, would you have any suggestions for someone totally new to it. Basic gear what to look for what not to get.

[@connienelson1515]

The whole purpose of this is to have fun, right? Looks like you're doing just that. I know I am enjoying this.

[@icepick6270]

Need to do a vlog on Mid-State Trail. Way more views; much more challenging. Level 3 Fun

[@jeffreydonaldson7003]

Exactly how does the net on your Dutchware Half Wit actually seal itself? I was wondering if there was any space beteen the top quilt and hammock to let in bugs? I have heard it seals . But haven't seen any close up details on how it seals? Dutch just said it does, but no up close details on it? Could you show that on the next time you camp with it or a review of that? Thank You.

[@sintax77]

There's a decent amount of slack in the net, so it pretty much just drapes down and the excess netting provides a barrier between the net and top quilt. I've never had any issues with bugs getting in yet.

[@freethinker750]

Should have threw some bologna in that grilled cheese👍👍👍

[@MuvoTX]

my filipino friends say thats a filipino thing... kid food for them growing up.

[@jerryg957]

Spike up that grilled cheese, use mayo not butter, just sayin....Great vid

[@JustBBlunt]

I like that spicy seafood soup but never had it for breakfast, heh.