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Pennsylvania Trails

Philadelphia: Wind Gap to Smith Shelter

This 8.8-mile, out-and-back wooded hike runs the spine of the Appalachian Mountains to one of the most remote AT shelters in Pennsylvania.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 7.1
  • Miles from city center: 80

Waypoints

WGT011

Location: 40.8393516540527, -75.3596572875976

Overnight @ Smith Shelter or in one of a handful of good campsites nearby; springs provide trailside water most of the summer

WGT002

Location: 40.8614158630371, -75.2947769165039

Veer L onto AT; trail is marked by white blazes as it climbs sharply out of Wind Gap

WGT001

Location: 40.8613357543945, -75.2940216064453

Hike NW along the shoulder of Broadway St., passing under PA 33

WGT003

Location: 40.860107421875, -75.2961502075195

Switchbacks snake up Blue Mountain; catch occasional views through hardwoods to the town of Wind Gap and surrounding fields

WGT010

Location: 40.8432846069336, -75.3578033447266

Power lines sizzle above; hike access road for a few yards before turning L onto blue-blazed trail

WGT007

Location: 40.8506813049316, -75.3299331665039

Trail skips over an underground pipeline

WGT005

Location: 40.8580436706543, -75.3067932128906

Trail enters PA state game lands; deer tracks common on trail

WGT004

Location: 40.8593940734863, -75.2995147705078

Trail reaches narrow, tree-covered ridgetop

WGT008

Location: 40.8469696044922, -75.3368301391602

Begin short descent

WGT006

Location: 40.8532752990723, -75.3246383666992

Small rocks tilt up like tombstones on the forest floor

WGT009

Location: 40.8433952331543, -75.3508758544922

Keep W, following white blazes

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

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