Welcome Appalachian Trail Hikers!

We hope you are having an exciting time exploring the A.T. This part of Pennsylvania is pretty amazing if we may say so!  

Blackskye Community Radio Association (BSCRA) is excited to make its repeater available to everyone passing through on the A.T. We know that there are some cellular dead zones along the trail making getting help a challenge if needed, so we are glad to offer another resource that may be used to call for help or simply inquire about the closet town, stores, urgent care, etc. Or just to say, hello :) 

Even with the low-earth orbit satellite messaging built into the latest iPhones and some Android phones, finding a clear view of the sky in the mountain to get a satellite signal can be challenging. Making contact with GMRS radio can allow for a more efficient relaying of information to 911.

This part of the A.T. is serviced by Franklin County 911 & Washington County, MD 911, both have text-to-911 capability. 

Trail Coverage

The BSCRArepeater provides coverage to an estimated 15 miles of trail extending from Old Forge to just south of Smithsburg, MD. Coverage could extend a bit further, but we have not scouted the area completely (yet). Due to geography, coverage on a hand-held radio is a bit better south of Old Forge. 

The following shelters are covered by the BSCRA repeater. 

• Deer Lick Run

• Raven Rock

• Ensign Cowell