Baker Trail, Hiking trail in western Pennsylvania, US
Baker Trail is a hiking path stretching 134 miles through woodlands, farmlands, and along rivers, linking Freeport in Armstrong County to Forest County near Allegheny National Forest. The route passes through six counties and mixes dense forest sections with more open landscapes and river crossings.
The trail was established in 1950 and named after Horace Forbes Baker, a Pittsburgh attorney who revitalized the American Youth Hostels after World War II. This connection shows how the path grew out of a movement to encourage hiking tourism across America.
The trail runs through state game lands and rural communities, showing how Pennsylvanians live between developed areas and wild nature. Many sections follow historic routes and boundaries that locals have used for generations.
The path is marked with yellow blazes and has ten overnight shelters spaced throughout the route. Parking areas are located at various entry points across the six counties, allowing hikers to choose flexible sections or complete the full trail.
A northern section of about 15 miles forms part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches across multiple states in the northern United States. This intersection links local hiking with a larger national network of long-distance trails.
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