Buffalo Soldiers Ruck: Ernst Trail (Meadville)
Schedule
Sat, 21 Feb, 2026 at 08:00 am
UTC-05:00Location
15909 Bailey Rd, Meadville, PA 16335, United States | Meadville, PA
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Join us for a GORUCK Crawford County event featuring a service-focused ruck, including trail cleanup along our section of Ernst Trail. For this month’s Ruck Club Callout, we’ll honor that legacy the way the Buffalo Soldiers did: by showing up and caring for the land.Before there was a National Park Service, there were Buffalo Soldiers. In the late 1800s, Black U.S. Army regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers served on the American frontier. Among their many roles, they became some of the first protectors of Yosemite and Sequoia, patrolling trails, enforcing conservation rules, and caring for public lands—often while facing intense racism and segregation. Their service helped lay the groundwork for our modern park system and proved their leadership, discipline, and commitment to stewardship.
If you complete this ruck, you will earn your Buffalo Soldiers ruck patch!
Date: Saturday, February 21st
Time: 8 AM
Route Leader: Donavan Lacy
Meeting Location: Ernst Bike Trail Bailey Trailhead located at 15909 Bailey Rd, Meadville, PA 16335
Distance: 6-10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Cost: Free
Essentials to bring: Water, appropriate footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather, and a positive attitude.
No ruck? No problem! Walkers are always welcome to join us with zero shame. Empty backpacks work too! We all carry different weights according to our personal fitness goals.
Rucking is a form of physical activity that involves walking with a loaded backpack (or ‘rucksack’) over various distances and terrains. (Plate carriers and sandbags are also welcome.) A moderate amount of added weight can produce the same stimulus and metabolic benefit as running, while also strengthening the legs and lower back. Rucking is similar to hiking and is often used as conditioning by backcountry hunters, endurance athletes, and those in the military and emergency services.
Please click ‘Going’ if you plan to be there and share the event with your friends and family. Let’s make this a great community experience!
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Where is it happening?
15909 Bailey Rd, Meadville, PA 16335, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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