Resilient Seeker Coaching | Ross Raymond Nunamaker

I was looking for a trail on Google maps and the Katellen Trailhead in Bushkill Township, PA was 15 minutes from my house, so I gave it a try.

It was easy to find and located near the bottom of the Blue Mountain, which divides Northampton and Monroe counties.

I was very glad I had hiking boots because it was mostly rock on the trail. It starts out with a slight uphill and then for a newbie like me got somewhat steep. Nothing too bad, but my thighs will be feeling it in the morning.

The trail wound up the mountain and along the way I saw some deer and there was a natural spring. As it blended with the Appalacian Trail there was a cleared area for tents and the Leroy Smith Shelter  complete with a latrine and firepit.

When I approached the top, there were high power lines and you could follow them for a great view. It wasn’t too sunny and even had light flurries despite it being mid April. The open air did make for a nasty chill wind and I hadn’t brought gloves.

I was on the trail for a little over an hour and a half and covered around 3 miles averaging 2 mph. My app also said it was an elevation gain of 723 feet.

View from a trail I was on a day later showing the Blue Mountain where I was at the top by the power lines.

I have admit the silence was amazing. It was too far away from any roads or housing so the only real noise came from me. The wind rustled the leaves now again and there was an occassional creak from a tree. Even the water from the spring was pretty quite, a little splash against the rocks as it came out of the mountain.

On my way down I had to watch my footing more than going up. I did see four more deer. The entire time I was on rhe trail I only saw one person. I’m guessing based on the size of his pack and gear he was going for ar least a few days.

All in all a great way to start the day. New experience and a lesson learned, always bring gloves!