I set out to hike the Appalachian Trail up to Hawk Rock, just south of Duncannon, PA. (Red track) I walked past the gate and continued on a road that was partially ploughed. There was still at least a foot of snow everywhere. I didn't see any other trails. I walked for over a mile and a half before deciding to turn around. On the way back to the car I saw the trail I had been looking for just a few steps beyond the gate. I had just walked 3.54 miles - mostly in snow.
Before deciding whether or not to hike up to Hawk Rock, I drove over to the railroad tracks and took some pictures. Peters Mountain Shermans Creek
(Green track) I followed the trail up the mountain and met the Appalachian Trail. I wasn't sure which way to go. I chose to go toward the east. That turned out not to be the way to Hawk Rock. I continued up through deep snow (now off the AT) until I found the rock overlook that I knew was in the area. Susquehanna River
I then set out to find Hawk Rock. There is an old abandoned building at the top of the mountain. Someone apparently used to live there. Somewhere between the overlook and the building I saw a strange sight. I found a dead porcupine in a tree about six feet off the ground. I had been following his fairly fresh tracks. The tracks led right to the tree, without any blood or hint of a problem. There was a small patch of blood in the snow below his mouth. Porcupine
I finally was able to find Hawk Rock. Views from Hawk Rock. photo photo photo
I came back down the mountain on the Appalachian Trail. The green track is 2.03 miles.
