Old Stone House Road to Rt. 850

11.1 miles
Tom and Mike

With a forecast calling for occasional snow flurries, temperatures hovering around 30 degrees, and 20 mph winds blowing, it was hard to blame the Pittsburgh crew—with the exception of Tom-- for deciding to forego the hike.

While he would have likely hiked either way, it helped that Tom was already passing through the area on Saturday evening—making a return trip from a speaking engagement.  We got an early start on Sunday---hiking in a southerly direction from Route 850 in Perry County to Old Stone House Road in the Cumberland Valley.  The elevation started around 700 feet, rose to about 1300 feet atop Blue Moutain, and then back to 500 feet in the Valley.   With some strong winds at the start, we kicked off the 2013 hiking season bundled up from head to toe.

Because of the weather, it was not surprising that we only met 9 people during the 11 mile segment.  3 were day hikers, there was a husband and wife out with their dogs, and another two were running the trail.  The two runners were taking a break high on the Blue Mountain ridge when we stopped to admire the view, and we learned that they are training for extreme running events.  One mentioned that he regularly competes in these races—which often exceed 50 miles—and therefore the 20 miles along the trail was seemingly just a warm up for him.

Most of the trail was in the woods and along treelines, so Tom and I were spared from most of the winds that were howling above us.  Most notable was that we passed under and over some of the major roads that intersect this part of the mid-state.  We walked over Interstate 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike—looking down on the cars zooming by--a juxtaposition of old and new ways of traveling. 

We also walked alongside the beautiful Conodoguinet Creek which leads to the Susquehanna River. The Indians gave it that name, which is translated as “a long way, with many bends”. Much of the A.T. in this area passes through what were Indian settlements and the trails used by them.  In fact, North Middlesex road was originally a Native American trail leading to Sterret's Gap.

When the early European settlers arrived in this area, they built flour and saw mills along the streams that feed into the Conodoguinet.  Among those who were granted a charter by William Penn was John Chambers—who named the village Middlesex, after the English county.

Near the end of the hike at Old Stone House Road, we came upon an old family cemetery belonging to the Chambers and Urie families.  Situated behind an elaborate iron fence, most of the tombstones have weathered beyond legibility. According to historical records, there are at least 17 family members buried there---almost all of whom all were interred before 1850.  If only for a moment, looking across the fields and at the original homes and barns still standing in the distance, you can get a glimpse of how those early inhabitants lived, and what they saw as they laid their loved ones to eternal rest.

Indeed, hiking the A.T. can teach us much about our history.  And, enjoying the conversation along the way, and also the quiet time of reflection, hopefully it teaches us something about ourselves and those who walk the miles with us.

Only 10 miles until we reach the mighty Susquehanna River at Duncannon.