December 30, 2017 ..................weather ................topo map of north section ......south section

The West Rim Trail is a 30.5-mile orange-blazed trail located adjacent to the Western Rim of Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. The northern section of the Canyon is about 800 feet deep and about 2,000 feet from rim to rim. The exposed rock is estimated to be more than 350 million years old. Most of the important geologic processes which formed the canyon as it now exists occurred less than 20,000 years ago. Before glacial activity took place in the present Canyon area, the headwaters of Pine Creek took a northeastern drainage course. Glaciers deposited a blanket of gravel, sand and clay blocking the flow of Pine Creek. This natural dam forced Pine Creek to reverse its flow and drain to the south. This overflow cut through the drainage divide and formed the canyon. The trail offers spectacular views of the Canyon; in some spots the trail follows the very rim of the Canyon.

North Trailhead: Ansonia. At the base of Colton Point Rd there is a large gravel parking lot with bathrooms adjacent fenced-in forestry buildings. Pine Creek Outfitters is 1 mile northwest on Rt 6. MapQuest Directions

South Trailhead: Rattlesnake Rock Access Area Parking Lot on Rt 414, about 2 miles southwest of Blackwell village.

THE PLAN: Meet at South TH by 0800 on Saturday. (If you can't make it by 0800, go directly to the North TH.) Leaving vehicles at the South TH we'll drive 45 minutes to the start of the run at the North TH with the aim of starting before 0900. This is a social run on what is considered an easy trail but will still likely take 6-7 hours. Native water will be abundant. Treat as you deem necessary. After finishing, we'll retrieve vehicles from the start. Then meet at the Bullfrog Brewery at 229-231 West Fourth Street in downtown Williamsport for a bite to eat and a toast to the New Year.

Of course, EVERYTHING IS WEATHER and SNOW DEPTH CONTINGENT.

We'll make a call on a GO or NOT a couple days ahead of time.