W3/SV-080 First Activation of 1370

This peak, within Raystown Lake Recreation Area, had not yet been activated, a rare W3 peak on public land without any SOTA activations. Raystown Lake is a large, meandering lake created by a dam used for hydroelectric power and flood control, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Recently having finished the Thousand Steps Hike to Jacks Mountain 2315, my legs were feeling tired. Still, the promise of a potential FA kept me going.

I parked off Seven Points Road, at a trailhead with access to the Allegrippis Trail System. Hiking is allowed, but these trails are definitely built for mountain bikes, with banked turns and gradual inclines. I followed the Dark Hollow Trail and Shade Trail towards the activation zone, which descends down into a creek bed and climbs back up. The final approach required about 500 feet of bushwhacking, which is why I suspect this peak had not yet been activated. I walked off trail at approximately 40.38846, -78.09365. I was able to avoid most dense brush while gradually making my way to the activation zone.

I chose to stop within the AZ when the brush got more dense and started operating. The bands were starting to wake up from their summer hangover, and I was able to quickly get 14 QSOs. Most notable was a 30m S2S with another First Activation, VE3/DJ4MZ on VE3/SO-020! Shortly after working the trusty duo of W0MNA and W0ERI on 20m, my battery died. I had really worn it down lingering on the morning SOTA site.

With the required QSOs made, and my backup battery back at the campsite in Trough Creek State Park, I got going. The round trip hike took about 3.00 miles and had 600 feet of elevation change.

• Trailhead: 40.39062, -78.08732 : Allegrippis Trail System – Raystown South Loop Trailhead
• Map:  [AA3TZ SOTA] [Allegrippis Trails Info]
• Route: 3.0 mile RT hike on singletrack MTB trails, then off-trail bushwhack for 500 feet into the activation zone; 600 feet of total elevation
• POTA: None. Raystown Lake Recreation Area is managed by US Army Corps of Engineers, which is not recognized as a POTA site steward.

On the drive back, I took a detour to Juniata Brewing Company in Huntington for a celebratory brew and dinner. I had earned it after the day’s hiking: 2300 feet of elevation and 12 miles! That’s a lot for these legs…