I tried this loop 5 weeks ago and pulled the plug due to swelling in my ankle. I didn’t think I could still retry it this year but the weather cooperated. So why not? It doesn’t get much logistically easier than this one. My wife Chantal would drop me off at Copeland Forest and also be there when I finished. She’s the best! The Copeland Forest parking lot is maybe 10 min from our house.
I actually started and found myself waiting at a train for like 5 minutes. I was only a quarter mile in so I decided to walk back and restart. So I actually got this going by 8 AM.
Day 1/42 miles
Beautiful weather! The day went well overall. I really enjoyed my time on trail. I was excited to test out some new gear and nutrition. I had tons of food so I ate a lot. I got rained on pretty good later in the day. I managed it well though and it didn’t persist. I found a great forest sleep spot and enjoyed a great sleep on a warm night for this time of year.
Day 2/53 miles
Felt great in the AM. Amazing what a good sleep will do. This ended up being a fairly big day. I didn’t enjoy going through the underpass to cross into the Mad River section. It was flooded and so muddy. Thought I could get a shoe stuck but I got through it and just had mud all over. All good I guess. The wind really picked up later in the day. Especially by the lake. It made it a little chilly. I even pushed later because I always like to find a proper sleep spot. I went through the exposed marsh which was so open and windy. Found a great spot out of the wind to hunker down after through. I almost forgot, I had a great conversation with a guy named Pat who was out section hiking. Highlight of my day.
Day 3/40 miles
I really thought I had about 35 miles left. I somehow was 5 miles off. It was all good though as I had lots of food and water. I had a great chat with a woman on the rail trail section. She was out doing intervals and asked me what I was up to. This was only my 3rd day out, but when the end is near I always really look forward to all the comforts of home. I ran a tad bit at the end to get this thing done. It was kinda neat finishing on Halloween in the dark. As we drove home, we saw all the tricker treaters out.
So glad I did this and got it done this time! It was fairly last minute. I didn’t even weight my pack or count my calories. I just eye balled everything and it worked out. It’s a great loop! Easy terrain overall. Lots of water if you’re resourceful. You pass through some really cool areas in the county. I highly recommend. I’d say fall is a good time since you can mostly keep your feet dry. You just have to deal with the short days. I love FKT’s!