Rant: The time I got caught in a flash flood on the Laurel Highlands Trail

I was about 12 miles into a 3-day solo hike on the Laurel Highlands Trail in Pennsylvania, right near the Ohiopyle section. It was late July, and the sky just opened up out of nowhere, like someone turned a firehose on. I was in a low spot near a creek crossing, and within 20 minutes, that little creek turned into a roaring brown mess, covering the trail in ankle-deep water. I had to scramble up a steep, muddy bank, grabbing roots and rocks, with my pack throwing off my balance. Ended up sitting on a nasty patch of poison ivy for an hour while the water went down, and my map got so soggy it basically disintegrated. Had to navigate the rest of the way using just the sun and memory, which was dumb luck more than skill. Anyone else ever have a trip turn sideways because of weather you didn't see coming?

2 comments

2 Comments

thompson.xena2d ago

That poison ivy thing reminds me of the time I slid down a wet log and landed right in a patch of stinging nettle in Oregon. I was so mad I just sat there and let it burn for a solid two minutes before I even moved.

max3882d ago

Used to think I was invincible in the backcountry. Grew up hiking in dry western states, figured I could handle anything. This story proves how fast things can change. Now I carry a paper map in a ziplock AND a backup on my phone. Water is no joke in those narrow valleys.