With a big trip coming up, I was hoping to save some gas money and hike on a closer trail. I hopped on AllTrails and saw there were PA State Game Lands nearby, with a fairly easy loop trail. I was excited to explore new areas and test out a new pair of hiking boots on this warm fall day. In addition, I wanted to try something a little different and use a folding camp stool to sit in nature for a while.

Unexpected Trailhead Treat

My directions to the trailhead were spot-on, but I wasn’t expecting to see what was next to it. There was a full archery range with a large parking lot. It featured targets at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50-yard ranges. Additionally, some had targets specifically designed for broadheads. The range was in great repair, and while it was empty when I started my hike, several people were using it as I left.

Wide Open Trails

The majority of this trail was a grassy road, which was great for so many reasons. First, these roads were closed to most motorized vehicles. Typically, only PA Game Wardens have access to them. This meant most of my walking was on even surfaces without tall grass or leaves. This reduced my chances of tripping and getting ticks. However, it did not affect flies and gnats, which were a problem immediately. I hiked nearly the entire trail while wearing a head net.

Obvious Drought

One downside of when I took this trip was that most of western Pennsylvania had been suffering from several weeks of low rainfall. The stream I crossed was quite low, and while it made crossing easier, it was sad to see the effects of the drought. Even though the peak leaf peeping season was over a month away, many trees were already losing their leaves.

Animal Watching in a Field

At roughly the halfway point of the hiking loop, there were several fields. I took this opportunity to try out my folding stool. If I had my framed backpack, it would’ve attached nicely on the outside, but with my daypack, I kept it inside. It was a snug fit, but luckily, the stool was lightweight. I set up my seat on the edge of a field next to a tree to rest my back. After about 10-15 minutes, it was so enjoyable to watch the woods come to life. You often forget how many animals hide when you hike by. Soon, chipmunks, squirrels, and even a woodpecker were foraging nearby for food. I rested for about 30 minutes before continuing on with my hike.

Let Them Know You Were There

I assumed that fields in a PA State Game Land would probably have at least one trail camera, and I was right. I spotted one not far from where I had sat and was sure to walk up behind it. It was a model with a cellular connection, and I was excited to give someone an interesting notification on their smartphone. I jumped in front of the camera and waved hello, then continued on my way with a chuckle.

Missing Connection

It was a good thing I was well rested, because soon I was hunting for a trail. I worked my way around a field and discovered that a connecting path was severely overgrown. I used my trekking poles to push aside thorn-filled limbs and made my way to a much smaller footpath.

This smaller path was well-worn, but certainly not the roads I had been traveling on before. But before I knew it, I was back out on a larger path. Yet, this space looked like it had been hit with a blight or sprayed with herbicide, as many of the smaller plants along the road were dead. Luckily, the trees did not seem to be affected, and plants further back seemed to be healthy and green.

Path Behind Civilization

At this point, I noticed that the trail was not far from the game land’s boundary, and I could soon see houses, swing sets, and yards. No residents or pets were out, so it was still a peaceful walk. This section of the trail eventually closed the loop, and I walked out to the gate. By the time I reached the range and parking lot, about five people were out practicing. It was great to see everyone out getting ready for archery season.

What went well

• This was such a hidden gem of a find! Good trails close to my house, and with an archery range.
• My new hiking boots were fantastic. They fit well and had just enough cushion to keep my feet feeling refreshed. However, they were a bit warm for the weather, but my heavy wool socks likely contributed more to that.
• The folding stool I took worked out well. At first, it wasn’t very comfortable, but sitting on it with my back against a tree made a huge difference.
• It was a great idea to sit down for 30 minutes and observe nature in motion. It reminded me why I enjoy going out and hiking.

Even Better If

• While my boots fit well, by the end of the trip, my feet were quite hot. They are definitely for hiking in cooler weather.
• There wasn’t anything I could do about that overgrown connecting trail, but I wish I had something to trim back the vegetation.
• After pushing my way through that overgrown trail, I came out with brambles stuck all over my clothing. I was picking them off my shirt for the next few hours.
• It was sad to see leaves falling from trees so early in September, but droughts will do that to an ecosystem.