AT Pennsylvania hiking in November

imported
#1

Any insight or tips on hiking the AT in PA in November, aside from being aware of hunting season? In particular, what about bears - are they more active than normal or less active?

Cookerhiker

#2

I’ve hiked Tumbling Run to Pine Grove Furnace and Rausch gap to Eckville several times without so much as seeing a bear or another hiker sometimes let alone hunters. Being that the AT runs the ridges, most wildlife is not found there…theregoes the hunters too. It’s still good weather in November, some birds are still migrating so I’d recommend Port Clinton to the Pinnacle section. One of my favorites in PA

2 Questions

#3

no heat, no drought, no rattlesnakes, no problems…

A-Train

#4

Best time of the year to hike in Pa! Just don’t go the Monday after Thanksgiving (start of deer season) I love Oct and Nov for all the reasons A-train gave, plus no bugs! Bears are not a problem where I go (Port Clinton to Lehigh Gap). ENJOY!

roadrunner

#5

To add to roadrunner’s info, PA’s rifle deer season starts the Monday after Thanksgiving and lasts for two weeks. Expect the woods to be swarming with hunters starting on the Saturday beforehand (scouting). Also, bear season is the three days before Thanksgiving. And archery deer season runs from Oct. 2nd thru Nov 13th.

I wouldn’t worry so much about the archers hiding in tree stands. If they set up near the trail, they won’t be surprised to see hikers. The rifle hunters tend to walk around more and may cross the trail without knowing it. Some type of blaze orange clothing is always a good idea when hiking during hunting seasons but it is imperative during any of the rifle seasons!

Stalking Tortoise

#6

Did a section from I-81 to Duncannon last weekend and had a great time. The rocks were pretty amazing (oy-vey), especially on the decent into Duncannon. I’ve done the section from Boiling Springs south to Caledonia State Park and have enjoyed that stretch in the summer time. I’m sure it would be nice in autumn.

Blister Boy

#7

Deer season (rifle) starts the Monday after Thanksgiving - But bear season normally starts the Monday BEFORE Thanksgiving and last for 3 days. Don’t play in the woods during that time.

Jim