Archers Fork

“Anyone interested in a trip to Archers Fork? It's a short but rugged popular trail in Ohio. It will be a Sat-Sun trip due to its length. Pug and SilentJ are in and I emailed RedDave too. Anyone else is welcome to join.”

“Id like to make this. Its the weekend after tax season ends so that's the first time ill be able to get out between now and then.”

“I'm a maybe. I need to check calendars. Where in Ohio is this located?”

“Where is Ohio located?”

“it's on the border of Ohio and WV near Gallipolis.”

“Actually Nigal, I think Vesuvius is just south of Gallipolis as is Shawnee. Archers Fork is located near Marietta Ohio in Wayne National Forest.

You can actually Google Map right to it: MAP

If that doesn't work just search for Marietta. I'll post more info on the location and trip here soon, just wanted to gauge interest.

http://www.backpackohio.com/archersfork.html

Some pretty pictures and a very detailed trip report courtesy Natural Born Hikers”

“At the southern shores of Lake Erie is an old industrial state, now long abandoned by the mighty corporations, that is known as Ohio.”

“I have one eye on this trip. Silent j. when you leaving for this trip? yo bear!”

“I'll probably be heading out of town around 8am.”

“Make that 7am. The directions say it's a 4 hour drive. I seriously doubt it, but just in case.”

“on sat?”

“I'm leaving at 9...want to be there by 11am. I don't think it's that long of a drive either.”

“Yes, Saturday. Judging by the directions it's a 215 mile drive via I-70/I-77. It only shaves 15 miles off by going down US-35/US-50 so it could be more like 3 hours with no stops, but I work on Friday night, so depending on how I feel, coffee might be a necessity.”

“Fulcrum said he was in too.”

“I will most likly go. Perhaps we can ride together. Yo bear!”

“yeah, got off work at 3am, yesterday, or this morning if you prefer. I expect plenty of work come April, so I'll be doping up on coffee on Saturday. Just let me know if you want to roll with me. I can pick you up before I head out.”

“MAP

This map has another trail, the Scenic River Trail, just to the south. I'm not familiar with the area, but it looks like they are connected by a forest road.

Personally, I don't mind car camping, and I'm sure my son would love the idea. My only concern is how over run the area near the TH would be. Past experience has me expecting empty cans and Styrofoam coolers everywhere.”

“The scenic River Trail is a linear 4 miles long I think. The connector trail wasn't too easy to find or follow. But this was so long ago Archer's Fork trail was barely visible.”

“can not make this. Sweeties birthday. oops. Enjoy! Yo bear!”

“Let's backpack then rather than dayhike and car camp. There looks to be a good place to camp on the right side of the map by Jackson's run where the trail takes a sharp 90 degree turn. Just below FR4205 and to the right of FR1891. Unless someone knows of a better campsite? Start at North County Trailhead and hike counterclockwise.”

“I'm open to either backpacking or dayhike & car camp. Someone once told me that there were limited places along the trail for camping, has anyone hiked this recently?

-Fulcrum”

“I've never hiked it which is why I want to go there. I read the same thing on the net and couldn't find any information on good campsites located on the trail. We'll decide when we get there.

Most sites are saying that the entire trail takes 3-4hrs to hike...so what time do you want to leave the trailhead so we aren't bored out of our minds? 12pm, 1pm? Heck, it might be good to just hike the hole thing, then if we find a good spot take our packs to the nearest road crossing, drop them and hike back. LOL”

“Alright, this guy, I believe, hiked the trail clockwise, and camped on the first ridge after crossing Jackson Run. He also mentioned a pine forest, and another site, which seems to be right around where Dub was looking at.

http://www.trailspace.com/forums/trip-reports/topics/52667.html

This page mentions three hollows that might make great campsites, at the halfway point. Hiking counter-clockwise would put the third of the hollows at township road 427. Since we'll be coming to these first, we could always scope them out.

http://www.backpackohio.com/archersfork.html”

“did you notice who wrote that trailspace trip report?”

“OMG! It's Dub's brother! LOL!”

“Ha, I didn't notice. Maybe we can call him up to come along with us for old time sake ;p”

“LOL, he's a freak, trust me he'd weird everyone out. Noticed on trailspace that it says "ex-member banned".”

“My son had try-outs for hockey today, and was almost in tears. He hasn't put as much effort into his off ice training as he should have, and it showed. Anyway, he is bailing on me/trip so he can condition this week and go to the second round of try-outs next weekend.

So, it looks like it's just me and the dog, but I will definitely be there. Since my son won't be in tow I figure this trail will fly now. I have no problem meeting later, say 1pm? I figure it should give us ample time to check out the Natural Bridge, and take a wrong turn, or two, and still make camp at a decent time.”

“Sounds good to me, 1pm. We'll leave Colulmbus at 10am. Meet you at the trailhead, I'll email you my number.”

“For those of you from the Columbus area:

What is the preferred driving route you folks are taking to Archer's Fork? Looking at the map, I assumed taking 70 to 77 South and pick up State Rt 260 somewhere near Marietta. However, in Ramey's "50 Hikes" book he mentions a I-70 to State Route 800 route that takes you south through Barnesville and Woodsfield. Any thoughts on the best way of travel?

Thanks! Fulcrum/aka Red Dave.”

“Are you guys gonna backpack 6 miles on Sat, camp for the night, and then hike out 3 miles on Sat? Or are you thinking of just doing a day hike on Sat?”

“I'm under the impression we're going to hike in 6 miles and camp. I've got the weather post here, looks clear, but a little chilly.

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USOH0556”

“We're gonna camp...maybe do some bushwhacking to kill time Saturday. Fulcrum are you coming from Columbus? Pug had to bail so I have an open seat.”

“Dub:

A little Northeast of Columbus, Johnstown in Licking County to be exact. I would love to hitch a ride, but don't want to make it too much out of your way.

-Fulcrum”

“I live in Granville! Now the pressure is really on for me to join you guys on this trip...”

“I could pick you up at Easton. I don't think they'd tow your car from one of the big lots like over in front of Dicks Sporting Goods? Your call.”

“Dub:

I would appreciate hitching a ride & Dick's at Easton would be a good place to meet up. I'll E-Mail you some contact info for more details.

I'm looking forward to this trip, I need to get back in shape!

-Fulcrum”

“Should I meet you guys @ the Dick's in Easton? What time?”

“lowandslow, yeah, if you wanna ride just meet us in the parking lot of Dick's at Easton @ 10am.

We're planning on being at the trailhead around 12:30pm and leaving at 1pm.”

“Cool! thanks. just ignore the email I just sent you asking the same thing.”

“Do you think we'll do any bushwacking? What about stream crossings?”

“I'm under the impression Archer's Fork might have some depth to it. Especially since it's supposed to rain Friday. I'm bringing my gator's and hoping they're high enough.”

“I guess I'll have to fix my trekking poles so I can bring a bigger tent with an awning in case it rains too much. If we get wet we get wet...if it's killin you the car will only be about 3 miles away ;-)

Bushwhacking might be an idea so we don't get bored in camp.”

“Don't jinx it, the rain is on Friday. We should be clear for Saturday. The high is looking like 55 right now though, so bring some warm clothes for the evening.”

“Chance of Precip:
Sat 20%
Sat nite 10%
Sun 10%”

“Hey, uploaded some of the better photos from this weekend. As always, I take pride in replacing ministercreek as the annoying guy on the trip ;p

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034319&id=1333756713&l=eb18570685”

“Great trip - enjoyed hiking with you guys! Dub: thanks for organizing it!”

“looks like a good trip- Ill have to get to this locale sometime.”

“Thanks again to Dub for inviting me, I'm always the life of a party. Had a good time with all of ya, on a trail that I have wanted to do for years. I'm thinking about posting a weekender trip to Wildcat Hollow sometime in June or July, so stay posted.”

“...I'm always the life of a party...
Fulcrum
5:39:16 PM
4/19/10

You're not kidding! I hung on your every word! How many words did we get out of you anyway, a few dozen?”