French Creek State Park Hike with Backcountry Baking
Hike up an appetite and learn backcountry baking culinary skills as we spend the day hiking approximately 6 miles in the backcountry of French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.
During the hike, your taste buds will begin to crave the prospects of munching down some delicious fresh baked pizzas (with toppings), calzones and sweet savory cinnamon rolls. That’s right, plan to get your hands in the game with a little experiential education as Valley to Summit’s guides take you through the process of activating yeast, kneading dough, choosing your fillings/toppings and how to tailor your MSR WhisperLite camping stove to end up with golden brown pizzas, calzones and ooey gooey cinnamon rolls.
French Creek State Park straddles the Schuylkill Highlands and is said to be the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City. The park is an Important Bird Area and Important Mammal Area as designated by the National Audubon Society and also has Pine Swamp, a State Park Natural Area.
We will hike amongst beautiful large oak, poplar, hickory, maple and beech trees and enjoy a sparse understory of mountain laurel, rhododendron and other brushy plants, all of which should offer spectacular fall colors. We will cross a couple wetlands and pristine streams flowing through rich, damp creek valleys.
The trail is rocky in certain areas and the terrain varies, but a novice to the outdoors who wants a bit of a challenge can conquer the uphill portions.
For personal gear, please visit the Documents page and refer to the Day Trip Gear List document so that you are properly prepared. The FAQ page provides additional information.