Date: May 31, 2011
Total Distance: 8.07 miles
Time: 4:05 (hr:min)
Elevation Gain: 673 feet
Configuration: Balloon
Difficulty: Moderate
French Creek State Park truly is an amazing place to go for a nice hike. They have over 35 miles of trails to choose from that cover a decent sized portion of the 7,730 acres. We had decided to go to French Creek because of the diversity of trails as well as a recommended hike by Backpacker Magazine. We had also researched the trails on the Pennsylvania State Parks Website, and found that this particular hike would give us the most bang for our buck in showing us many different areas of the park. (It should also be noted that the famous Horse-shoe trail, which runs 130 miles from Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail, also cuts through the park.)
If we had done the Boone Trail correctly, this would've been an approximately 6 mile hike. However, we found it very difficult to find the trailhead (the start of a trail) - we spent almost 1 mile looking for it! You can find the trailhead at the Hopewell Boat Launch Parking Lot. My suggestion would be to check the map that is on the bulletin board in the parking lot when you arrive, and orient yourself to the beginning of the trail.
There are two things I should point out regarding this hike: 1. It was very, very hot (with temperatures soaring into the high 90s with a high humidity); and, 2. We started our hike at approximately 4:00pm. (Unfortunately, we do not have any pictures from this hike, but will return with camera in hand soon!) I was wearing a 100% cotton tee-shirt, under a moisture-wicking shirt, with moisture-wicking pants and underwear, and a nice, vented hat. The tee-shirt would be one of many factors that would contribute to the development of heat exhaustion I experienced that day.
Not only was I wearing inappropriate attire, but I had gone out on the hike with only water, and no carbohydrate or electrolyte containing fluids (see Hike #19 for more details about proper hydration). I also had only 1 nutrient dense bar with me for snacking. Taking all these factors into account, add in the heat index which was pushing into the mid-to-high 100s, and you have a recipe for disaster!
Looking at this wonderful little graph above (published by the fine people of the National Weather Service), you can see that any temperatures color-coded orange or red are designated as danger/extreme danger which increases the risk of heat disorders with strenuous activity. The color for the day that we went to French Creek was at least orange. And I knew this going into the hike, perfectly allowing myself to embody the expression, "Sometimes smart people do some very stupid things." I figured I had my moisture-wicking shirt and all would be okay. But, when you wear it over a 100% cotton tee-shirt, all you are accomplishing is creating a mini-greenhouse for yourself to walk. (Moisture-wicking refers to a clothing's ability to pull moisture away from your skin to the surface of your clothing allowing it to evaporate faster. Moisture-wicking or not moisture-wicking, it's not smart to do a strenuous hike - or any strenuous activity - in this kind of heat!) Just by looking at the elevation gain for this hike, you can see that this was indeed a strenuous hike.
As the sun began to go down, and we broke out the headlamps and flashlights to illuminate our way out of the park, my wonderful future-wife - realizing that I was indeed wearing a 100% cotton tee-shirt - advised that I remove the offending garment. By the time we reached the car - not only was it pitch black - but I found myself feeling very unwell. Fortunately, my pants had zippers allowing me to convert the full-length pants into shorts. And while some mild degree of confusion set in, my dear Francesca piloted my automobile to the nearest supermarket where I stocked up on cold beverages, carbs, and other snacks. Luckily, we intervened in time.
We have since been back to French Creek State Park and had an enjoyable, heat exhaustion-less day! Each time we go out we learn something new, not only about hiking but ourselves. We remain undeterred, and will continue to hike with impunity!
****** It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion which include, but are not limited to: heavy sweating, fatigue, confusion, headache, pale clammy skin, thirst, temperature elevations, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal and muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke which is a medical emergency and can be fatal. (This is basic medical information found on many websites; I would advise seeking prompt medical attention if you or someone you are with experience any of the previous symptoms in the heat. This does not represent an official medical opinion.).