Map/trail guide for National Forest in VA or PA?

[Umsaskis]

We are planning a trip to either the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, or to the Allegheny National Forest in PA, this spring. I'm having trouble finding good hiking maps or trail guides online, and I don't want to purchase the entire set of maps for GWNF from the Forest Service website until we know approximately where we are going. I'm looking for a book similar to the ADK books or the AMC guidebooks, or a big old map covering the entire area, showing trails and contours. Can anyone recommend the most useful book or map for either of these areas?

 

[Amicus]

www.trails.com

If nobody comes up with a better idea, you can go the above (which was the subject of a recent thread where it got mixed reviews, mainly becasue they charge for stuff you can usually get free). They have a "free trial" feature that gives you access for a couple of days and will let you look at both trail descriptions and topo maps for those areas. I think they even let you download a couple before you have to commit to subscribe.

 

[AMF]

...I'm looking for a book similar to the ADK books or the AMC guidebooks, or a big old map covering the entire area, showing trails and contours. Can anyone recommend the most useful book or map for either of these areas?

I've yet to find a book similar to the ADK or AMC guides that covers the GWNF that does it any justice... most seem to be glorified day hikes. That said, there is (was) an excellent trail guide to the GW in the Wolf Gap / Wardensville area; it was an 8-1/2x11 format, published (IIRC) by the WV Highland Conservancy. IMO, this is one of the finer areas of the GWF for hiking. The forest covers such a large area you will not find single map showing trails & contours in any meaningful way.

One of the longer trails crossing thru the GWNF for which a guide is available is the Tuscarora / Big Blue; I believe the Potomac App. Trail Club (patc.net) publishes a guide for it.

 

[Rick]

Umsaskis,
I used to hike in both Alleghany State (NY) and Allegheny National Forests (PA).
I like the "50 Hikes in" Series by Tom Thwaites. I think I have this one at home, but I'd have to look.

I know I have at least 3-4 of his guides for PA and NY. I think you would find this book would provide you with plenty of information on Allegheny NAtional Forest.
I do see that it doesn't have the Morrison Rimrock Trail on it (which is a favorite of mine), which is a nice double loop trail that brings you down to Allegheny Reservoir. PM me for more information on that trail

Also check out the forest Service website which might be helpful.

 

[Umsaskis]

Has anyone used the AMC's "West Virginia Hiking Trails?" How comprehensive is it? I just found it on their website, and it says it covers GWNH and JNF.

 

[AMF]

Has anyone used the AMC's "West Virginia Hiking Trails?" How comprehensive is it? I just found it on their website, and it says it covers GWNH and JNF.

I have not been impressed by it... but its better than nothing. There is a better guide to the WV, but its limited to the Mon NF.

 

[WBB]

“Allegheny National Forest Hiking Guide” By Bruce Sunquist, published for the Allegheny Group, Sierra Club is the best resource for this area and is available on Amazon. Other publication are available here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/maps/
There is a Forest Service page http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/
For hiking information check here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/hiking/
The Bradford District Office is a good contact point http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/contact/
Lastly I would recommend Minister Creek as a good introduction to the area http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/hiking/minister_creek/