Beginning of the LHHT
10/6/25
So I finally started the 70 mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail starting at Ohiopyle. I figured I would knock out the harder part first. The first 6 miles before you would turn right to go to the shelter area I have been used to already. What I did not know about was the 2 miles up a steep straight hill that follows that. I almost gave up several times. My bag weighs 56 pounds with over 2 weeks worth of food. I took a break every 5 minutes and cursed my over preparedness. But I did eventually make it to the top. Which does has a very small rock outcropping with a nice view. So that was nice I guess. This is my first long hike alone, I did not bring Taz along this time. I don’t think he would have made it up that hill usually when hes done he is done. I did bring my byrna “less lethal” air gun with me. Normally taz helps keep the animals away but I have to be extra careful this time. I have seen a ton more a squirrels and chipmunks without taz though. I started at 930 and made it 10 miles today, it is supposed to rain. I am hoping all my preparations help keep me dry!
10/7/25
So the day of another 10 miles did not go as planned. I started off making good headway then about 6 miles in it started to rain a bit. The leaves got slippery and on a steep decline I slipped and fell. The landing was pretty terrible. Normally I am good about rolling to my back or side to land on my bag but somehow I fell nearly face down and landed on a rock then had the 56 ish pound bag crush into me. My ribs now hurt incredibly bad. I think they are just bruised, or at least hope as much. I managed to make it another mile and set up my site before the rain really starts in. I am hoping a night of rest will see my ribs to be better off.
10/8/25
I made it 9 miles and was ging to go the full 10. But I encountered the grindle ridge shelter area and decided to get a shelter for the night. For the first stay at a shelter along the lhht its 10.50 because there is a 6.50 service charge. Then any other stay along your trip at another shelter is 4 dollars. The shelter area is nice and has bathrooms. They are closer to outhouses but they are better than nothing. The water they have is non potable which means no drinking and this time its even worse off since the water is extra contaminated with harsh metals. Personally I think its from the gun range close by. The shelter themselves are andarondac shelters and they have a fireplace in the front of them. Its supposed to drop into the low 30’s tonight so I will likely have a big fire. They have a large storage area of firewood for use which helps. My ribs are still pretty bad off but I feel like they are just bruised. So the firewood is a big help. No need to go out and try to collect a bunch and saw everything. I only brought my 2 30 degree blankets but I am sure they will be enough for the night. Honestly my ribs make me miss just having my legs and shoulders being sore after a hike. It’s crazy how we take being healthy for granted. OH well, can’t change the past just gotta push through the pain. Tomorrow I will be in more familiar terriotory bringing me up around laurel summit by friday. I might push for mile marker 38 that would be 13 miles and I am pretty sore. Lets see if I can do it. Here is my game plan for the following days.
Thurs- 35-38
fri- 45-48
Sat- 55-58
Sun – 65- 68
monday 70!
Oct/9/25
Today went really well, except for that accidental detour at 7 springs that took me a mile out of the way. They really need to put an arrow on their trail markers there. Its super easy to get lost. If you are doing the trail and you don’t run into a trail marker in 5 minutes then turn around cause you are lost! It’s absolutely beautiful at seven springs. Your pretty much at the top of the mountain and can see for miles all around. Definitely worth a visit even if all you do is drive up to the summit. Its times like this even with my ribs I’m happy to be out here. I did end up stopping at mile 33 and the shelter area here. My buddy and his dog came out to hang out with us for a while and he brought snacks and Gatorade. Its weird how much I missed Gatorade. Also the company was appreciated for the last couple days I have been stuck in my own head and dealing with the pain and soreness. It was a relief to have someone to talk to and joke around with.
Sunday oct/11/25
Well the rest of the trip was really rough. After mile marker 46 there really isnt any water, I was not prepared for this eventuality. I ended up doing 13 miles to get to 46 and using most of my water for the trip. The next day I thought for sure that I would be able to find a small stream or something along the way. But I did not. I pushed on for 18 miles in hopes of finding something. Around mile marker 64 I found a fallen tree with some swampy water still in the hole. I ended up boiling for 20 minutes and was able to fill up my water bottle half way. This is why people start at the 70 mile marker end and work their way to ohiopyle. Easier to carry the extra water at the beginning. Dehydration is rough and I at least had a little water for the trip. Though not 24 miles worth. I woke up early sunday at 4 am dehydrated and tired. So I decided to push the last 6 miles. My feet are slightly blistered from the 18 miles the day before and my ribs hurt something fierce today. I ended up making it and was a little upset when I found there is a reservoir at mile 69. But I made IT!!! I feel accomplished and incredibly tired at the same time. I think I will rest for a week and hope for my ribs to heal before embarking on another adventure.
End of the LHHT 70 miles
The-field-journal 