Yay, Trisha is coming! I haven't seen you in awhile.

Before I commit, I would like to make sure I can get to our starting point on time. I would love to go. 2 hours vs 3 hours travel time to starting point will determine my participation. Is there a starting point determined yet? Thanks!!!

yes,as indicated, Ravensburg State Park.

Thanks! Searching for "Ravensburg SP" resulted in New Jersey info, but now I see the one for this hike is in Clinton County PA. Just wanna make sure! Thanks again.

Does anyone have a cell phone number I can call in case I don't see you guys when I get to the Ravensburg SP office? The DCNR website just says that Ravensburg SP is on PA 880. It doesn't give an address. I hope I can find it, but if not, I'd like to have someone's cell no.

The park office is on the right hand side coming up from I-80, if you get to the small village of Rauchtown you went too far. At least as of when I was last there last fall cell phones don't work in Ravensburg State Park.

I'll post a google map link for the exact meeting spot. I'll send out an email when I do so. I my "flip" the hike and meet at pine mountain road instead. All the info will be in the email.

It looks like the name of the town we are meeting in is "Pine, PA" at the intersection of Pine Mountain Rd. and State Route 2012. Can anyone confirm if this is correct?? Also, can I please have the cell phone number of the leader, one of the drivers, etc.? Since we are meeting so early in the morning and it's hard to judge how long it's going to take to get there, I don't want to miss everyone else.

As far as I know, there is no town named "Pine". We are meeting at the point I labeled. I can email my phone number, but it is likely that there is no service there. Typically, on a Sunday, I find that I get places more quickly than google estimates. If you are worried about your ability to find the spot, perhaps you can carpool with someone and share gas expenses?

Pine or Pine Station is only the name that the USGS gave to one of the nearby railroad crossings. McElhattan is the nearest "town" so to speak to the location Christine outlined. Probably cell phones would have better luck there than at Ravensburg. I'd give my # except I'm coming from the opposite direction from everyone and don't know the organizer myself!

Couple questions Christine. Are you planning to need crampons or yaktrax? and are dogs allowed?

Dogs are always allowed on my hikes. Just know your dog's abilities. As for crampons, etc, I always bring my micro spikes in the winter, just in case. I have never needed crampons in PA except at Ricketts Glen

I don't have microspikes or crampons. Do you think I'tll be okay without them or should I run out to Gander Mtn and buy some?

I don't know Nancy. I just like to have them in case. In the winter, you never know what is going to happen. And it probably bears repeating: I am not a guide. I have never hiked this section of trail before.

Christine, It sounds like some of us may not have this foot gear and will have decide if we want to purchase prior to hike. I have never worn extra gear on my feet. I may flip a coin and decide to purchase. LOL As for dog, he is a Miniture Dachshund and this will be his first group hike. He may bark at first, but he wouldn't hurt a flee. He loves to hike, but has no leash. I let him run free or carry him. If this is a concern for you or others, please tell me ahead of time. Thanks

The dog is welcome, always. This will probably be a tough-ish hike. I think folks seem to be getting overly concerned about footwear. Just do what you normally do in winter. It is going to be warm these next few days, but we may encounter some snow on the north facing sides of hills.

I looked at Weather Underground and looks as if the ground should be clear for the most part. I have yaktracs, but I think they are too small for my boots.

So sorry to bail on this one, I am not feeling very good at all. The way my stomach feels, something intestinal and not good. I hope you all have a great day and I can catch you another day.