High Adventure Backpacking in Pennsylvania Whether you already love backpacking, want to learn how, or just want to try it, we have just what you want. We’ll take four weekend trips within the state that’ll get you started and, then, test your mettle on a week-long adventure. This challenging, all- weather program is open to young men and women, ages 14 (must have completed 8th grade) through 20, and other interested adults. It will be safely facilitated by knowledgeable, trained, and skilled adults. Here is our schedule. Friday 28 - Sunday 30 November Pinchot Trail (northeast PA) - 23 miles - excellent for beginners Friday 23 - Sunday 25 February Old Loggers Path (northeast PA) - 27 miles - easy and historic Friday 24 - Sunday 26 April West Rim Trail (north central PA) - 30 miles - Voted the state's Best Trail by Outside Magazine Friday 26 - Monday 29 June Black Forest Trail (north central PA) - 42 miles - one of the state’s most challenging and rewarding trails Friday 21 - Saturday 29 August Laurel Highlands Trail (southwest PA) - 70 miles - rugged and picturesque We will also conduct local day hikes for conditioning on the 4th Saturday of each month we’re not backpacking. Program membership costs $20. The cost for each activity will be approximately $10 per day plus $20 for transportation. Costs for personal equipment (backpacks, appropriate clothing, etc.) will be borne by participants. Please attend an Open House on Saturday 25 October from 2-4 PM and 5-7 PM at the Abington YMCA (1073 Old York Rd; 19001; http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2158849622). Contact Lori Shields (215-659-3846, 778-2327; [email protected]) for additional information..