Baker Trail

Baker Trail is a 134-mile long-distance hiking and backpacking route in western Pennsylvania with a moderate overall difficulty. The mapped segment here is part of the larger long-distance route network.

The route runs as a mix of hiking paths and rural road walking, with stretches that follow forested corridors and creek or lake country. Along the way it passes through farmland and woods, and it includes crossings of creeks and utility rights-of-way.

In the Cook Forest area, the Baker Trail is also used by the North Country National Scenic Trail for about 15 miles, so expect shared navigation and blazes in that corridor.

Navigation is primarily by yellow blazes. Because the corridor crosses private land and the trail can be rerouted when access arrangements change, you’ll want the latest guidebook-style guidance and to stay on the marked route.

Backpacking along the Baker Trail is supported by nine Adirondack-style shelters along the route, with space for roughly six to eight people per shelter. Shelter access is via short spurs off the blazed trail rather than through clearly signed wayfinding at every location.

The trail is maintained through volunteer work days organized by the Rachel Carson Trail Conservancy, though some sections can be overgrown. Expect uneven terrain and rocky patches, and plan gear and pacing for a long route with recurring footpath and road segments.

More information: Wikipedia, Baker Trail - Keystone Trails Association, Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy