I normally don’t like writing this kind of post, but I feel compiled to give the hiking community along the AT, specifically at the Birch Run Shelter (1080.4) in southern Pennsylvania a heads up. There is a character named Keith “Birchy” Champaign who claims to be the care taker of the Birch Run Shelter and is an employee of PATC. Contacted the Vienna, VA offices of PATC and found out that Keith “Birchy” is NOT an employee of PATC, has had several run-ins with local law enforcement and was operating a questionable hiker hostel out of a rundown mobile home just off the trail near the Birch Run Shelter. Bill Bird, who used to run the “Birdcage” out of Dalton, Massachusetts for many, many years, reported that he received numerous reports about Keith “Birchy” Champaign taking advantage of young impressionable women (both financially and sexually) and abusing them. By the way, Bill is a retired Massachusetts State Trooper so I think his information is valid. Be forewarned and pass the word to other AT hikers about this questionable character. If you are in the vicinity of Birch Run Shelter and still have daylight, keep pushing forward to Toms Run Shelter. If someone appears claiming to be the caretaker and offers to let you stay at their place and a meal, just say thanks, pack up your stuff and move on. The scam is to lure you in, feed you then in the morning demand money for the stay and meal. Be warned and be on the lookout for Keith “Birchy”!
Swagman