Susquehannock Trail FKT - Second Attempt \\ Fast Packing 85 Miles on the STS

On November 20, 2020 I returned for another dose of the STS, an 85 mile circuit hike that got the best of me just 16 days prior. With some trail familiarity, a revamped food bag, and an even stronger hunger to set a fastest known time, I set out to push myself to my very limits once again, hoping for better results on my second attempt. Although many things went right for me this time around, just as many things went wrong.

This is an amazing trail and passes by four shelters, three state parks and numerous beautiful camping options along its diverse terrain with approximately 13,000 ft. of elevation gain! The STS contains the state’s second largest Wild Area and many sections of it reminded me of the Quehanna Trail that I did this past March, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIXg-i5efGE the state’s largest Wild Area, where I was fortunate enough to see a herd of elk. I highly recommend this trail for FKT's and/or just a relaxing backpacking trip. Much of it is very runnable, but be warned, some of the climbs are unbelievably difficult, some of the hardest I've seen in the East.

I had a failed attempt just 16 days earlier after getting stomach distress. You can find that video here if interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH44mFYhYNw&t=1571s

The Susquehannock Trail System is an 85-mile loop. The STS meanders through the remote and unspoiled woodlands of Pennsylvania's Susquehannock State Forest. The loop extends from the trail's northern gateway atop Denton Hill on US Rt 6 at the PA Bureau of Forestry building to below the Potter-Clinton County border at its southern end. The STS passes within a mile of Lyman Run State Park, near Cherry Springs State Park, thru Ole Bull State Park, thru the village of Cross Fork, near Prouty Place Picnic Area, and thru Patterson State Park Picnic Area. The STS links old Civilian Conservation Corps fire trails, abandoned railroad grades and logging roads.

Located in Pennsylvania's Potter and Clinton counties, the Susquehannock Trail System (STS)
is marked with 2" x 6" orange paint blazes and occasionally an STS emblem. The STS offers the public a glimpse of Pennsylvania's crown jewel.

Part of the STS runs in conjunction with the Donut Hole Trail, and the STS also has a connecting link to the Black Forest Trail. There are also two cross-over trails available to provide hikers with the option of a shorter loop hike.

The most secluded section of the STS is a 10-mile stretch through one of PA's largest wild areas, the Hammersley Wild Area, offering hikers access into part of the most remote and pristine nature Pennsylvania has to offer.

Other FKT videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55XuQODkIdo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1zaBYjQu0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzbarxlK-c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIXg-i5efGE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMw254DJps4