FKT: Bob Stewart - John P. Saylor Trail (PA) - 2020-10-31

In my quest to hike all 19 Pennsylvania backpacking trails and primitive camp in all 20 State Forests (this trip would cross Gallitzin State Forest off the list)  I decided to hike the John P. Saylor and Lost Turkey trail over the weekend of October 31st and November 1st of 2020.  I parked my car at the North East terminus of the Lost Turkey Trail on Blue Knob and rode my bicycle 25 miles back to the John P. Saylor trail.  At 1:44pm I started at the center of the figure eight at the swinging bridge and began the main loop clockwise.  The first portion of the trail was quite easy as Pennsylvania trails go, although it started to become rocky near Wolf Rocks.  Once you reach Babcock Picnic area the trail begins to follow old forest roads and becomes quite easy.  I then returned to the swinging bridge, crossed Clear Shade Creek and began the side loop counter clockwise.  This loop felt much more remote and was quite picturesque.  The trail was in very good condition and not very rocky, although a bit muddy.  I was able to jog intermittently due to the even terrain.  I reached the center of the figure eight right as the sun was setting and concluded my hike.   Water was extremely plentiful along the trail as there are many springs.  I camped at the swinging bridge in a beautiful pine grove and prepared  to complete the Lost Turkey Trail the following day.  I only jogged a few miles of the trail so I'm confident someone will be able to run the entire double loop and complete a very fast FKT.  There isn't much elevation gain and overall not very rocky, so it's prime for a fast attempt.  I wanted to post this route to give this great Pennsylvania trail a bit of attention.