My last day on the NCT for 2026 (I think!) was great. Heather once again shuttled me for the hike from Kossuth to just outside Clarion. Rain was forecast for the end of the day, but I was pretty confidant I could beat it.
The morning consisted of a short road walk, then many miles on some kind of ATV/UTV trail (I think). Then it seemed to be a lot of trekking along an old railroad bed, although I’m not sure.
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Heading for Clarion
Between these wide roads I walked along little pieces of single track. Lovely! Shortly after lunch, I faced a thigh-deep crossing of Deer Creek. I should have 
known that was coming, but I didn’t. The water was rushing pretty strongly, and at one point I was worried I’d slip in due to a mossy rock. But I made it.
The trail was lovely after that. Mostly single track. It wound around many big rocks; there were lots of cairns on the trail. I love the signage here! It’s very robust.
So I head home tomorrow with less than 800 miles left. YES!
Snowshoe
Pennsylvania miles today: 17.5 (28.2 km)
Pennsylvania NCT miles to date: 137.2 (220.8 km)
Total NCT miles to date: 4,019.4 (6,468.6 km)
Total NCT miles to go: 580.6 (934.4 km)
My most useful gear today: My Black Diamond lightweight trekking poles. Yes, they’re pricey. But definitely worth the cost.
