At about 4.5 miles into our hike we being our climb down off of Broad Mountain over rocky terrain with many switch backs. It was during the descent that I began to feel a tinge of pain in my left knee. Once we were down over the steepest part of the descent, the pain subsided, so I thought nothing else of it.
Once off of Broad Mountain we had a very nice stroll, gradually descending towards route US322. There is an underpass where the Mid State Trail goes under US322 and we stopped for lunch just prior to it.
After a small meal and refilling our water bottles, we progressed through the underpass to the eastern side of US322. The underpass is really a culvert for a stream, but a 2 foot wide concrete walkway was poured along the left hand side. As long as the water level of the stream isn't exceedingly high (as it would be during early spring or after a summer thunderstorm), you're feet stay dry. Head room is limited, so you will have to walk through the underpass hunched over.
On the other side of US322 we began our second climb of the hike. This time we ascended 380 feet in 0.3 miles, but with the aide of many switchbacks. At the top of this climb there is a beautiful view called the Big Valley Vista. It's a little off the main trail; you will need to turn right and walk about 500 feet to get to the vista, but it's well worth the small delay and shouldn't be passed by.
At this point we are on top of Long Mountain and for the next 1.75 miles we will walk across the ridge line. It's relatively flat, but towards the end the trail, is strewn with rocks and boulders. It's not so much hiking as it is jumping from rock to rock. During the last 0.5 mile before we begin our descent from Long Mountain, my left knee really begins to ache. As you get older, parts of your body begin to wear out. I found out on this hike that my knees were the first to go.
The climb down Long Mountain was only 0.25 miles in length but it took Tumbleweed and I an hour to get down. Both of our knees were killing us at this point, and the trail winded it's way down a rock scree field. I have never been in so much pain in my life.
The scramble down off of Long Mountain impacted how I hike today. I now use trekking poles (which if you don't have a set I would highly recommend because they are useful in every aspect of hiking, not just going downhill) and I take a set of knee braces along as well. I don't always use the knee braces, but if I begin to feel pain in my left knee (my right knee seems to be fine), I won't hesitate to put it on. The way I see it, I hike to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate nature. I don't hike to inflict pain on myself.
Once we reached the bottom of Long Mountain, Tumbleweed and I stumbled on for another 0.75 miles to where we set up camp for the night. It was here that we met up with Jeff and Lauren. Tumbleweed and I were exhausted and in pain, so we called it an early night.
The next morning, Waxman, Cathey, WaterMan, and Lauren, along with the dogs, packed up to continue the hike to Poe Valley. Tumbleweed and I took Jeff up on his offer to take us back to Penn Roosevelt to pick up our cars. I would have liked to have completed the hike, but I feel I would have done serious damage to my knees if I had.
Both Tumbleweed and I would like to do this hike again, at the very least finish the hike, just so we don't feel that the trail defeated us. However, I will assure you that I will have trekking poles in hand, and knee braces in my backpack, before we try this hike again.
Waxman, WaterMan, and Tumbleweed waiting for Jeff to show up. We're optimistic we'll be on the trail by 10:00AM. Jeff didn't show up (until later that night) and we were on the trail around 11:00AM.
The Mid State Trail atop of Broad Mountain. Bud takes a break and drinks from a small stream.
A view from the Big Valley Vista looking down into Coxes Valley and the Laurel Creek reservoir.
Another view from the Big Valley Vista. The town in the distance is Gardenview and Jack's Mountain, some 7 miles away, behind that.
