One of Pennsylvania’s Best Fall Backpacking Loops

Before the first ever Minister Meet Up officially kicked off, it was just Darcy, Dave, and I heading into the Allegheny National Forest to scout things out and find the perfect creekside campsite for the weekend. We made our way into the Minister Creek area as the forest was changing from green to orange, hiking through one of the most beautiful sections of the Allegheny National Forest. Between the massive hemlocks, boulder formations, rhododendron tunnels, and that classic PA Wilds feeling, this place was already shaping up to be something special. The goal for day one was simple: explore the trail, find a solid spot to camp, and get everything ready before everyone else arrived for the meetup. What started as a quiet scouting mission quickly turned into one of those perfect fall days in the woods, surrounded by good people, creekside views, and some of the best scenery Pennsylvania has to offer. This is part one of the Minister Creek adventure and the beginning of an unforgettable weekend in the Allegheny National Forest. Check out ‪@DarcysHikingDiaries‬ , ‪@dayhikedave‬ & ‪@Hiking.Inspired‬ if you haven't already! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for some of the best hiking content in the country.