Duncannon to Hawk Mtn, PA - Mile 1,224

Pennsylvania has proven to be our least favorite state so far. There are many rocky or overgrown sections of trail, and apparently the worst rocks are still to come. Poison ivy almost covers the trail in places, and once again I have a bad case of it. There are few overlooks or scenic areas. There are fewer thru-hikers on the trail, since by this point over half have dropped out. Mike was diagnosed with Lyme disease, so we may become part of the drop-out rate as well.
We had some highlights though: Mike's mom and Tony stopped by to visit in Duncannon, and my parents came to Port Clinton and dad did a 15 mile hike with us.

 Barbara and Tony meet us at the Doyle hotel in Duncannon, PA

The historic Doyle hotel. Hikers are welcome, since no one else would pay to stay here.

 The trail crosses the Susquehanna River and several major highways before heading into the woods again.

This was the site of a coal mining town in the 1800's. The only remnents are a few foundations and an old cemetary; it has reverted to woodland.

 White rhododendrons are a novelty to us - we've only seen pink varieties so far

Crossing under I-81 for the 4th time - twice in Virgina and twice in Pennsylvania

 Kimmel lookout, near Pine Grove, PA

 Campsite along the AT

Hideous rocky section of trail - we hate going over these

 Hayman, Y-Knot and Balance on the trail along the Schuykill River

 Another ankle-breaker section of trail

View from the Pinnacle. It was hazy, but we did get some views.

 Rattlesnake and copperhead (Sorry Bridget! My dad thought these were really cool so I had to post it)

Pinnacle overlook