The Washington Trail

The Washington Trail is a seventeen mile segment of the 500 mile trail covered by Major George Washington in 1753 to present to the French Commander at Fort LeBoeuf (now Waterford, PA.) a message from Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia demanding that the French leave the British Claimed territory of the Ohio Valley

The trail starts at the park along French Creek and Route 19 in the borough of Cambridge Springs and follows along the west bank of French Creek northward to the borough of Waterford.  Here it terminates at the only statue of Washington depicted in a British uniform.

PROCEDURE for HIKING the WASHINGTON TRAIL

1. One copy of the Historic Trails Program booklet is furnished free upon request to a Scout Unit. Additional copies are available to purchase at the Council Service Center.
2. The Unit Leader selects the date to hike the trail.  The Unit Leader obtains either a Local Tour Permit (No. 34426) or a National Tour Permit (No. 34419A), as applicable, completes an application and forwards it with the completed Tour Permit to: French Creek Council, BSA, 1815 Robison Road West, Erie, PA. 16509-4905
3. Prior to hiking the trail, each Scout and Scouter should read the Journal of Major George Washington (included in the pamphlet) and write an essay of at least 250 words about this journal and the trail.
4. The hike is to be completed in one day. It is recommended that you start before 9:00 am. Estimated time to hike the trail is six to seven hours.
5. Hikers must be in proper uniform, keep together as a group, respect property along the trail. and observe good hiking manners.
6. Upon competition of the trail, the Unit Leader files the application for trail awards along with the proper fees to French Creek Council, BSA

Contact the French Creek Council Service Center

Washington's Diary on the Web

History of the French Creek Valley

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