The LT descends to and crosses Brunnderdale Run and then crosses Brunnerdale Road. Hike the trail in spring, summer, or early fall. Follow an old forest road and then a dirt road with many fields and meadows. These consists of 50K and 100K Trail Runs, which begin and end at Worlds End State Park. Sample Itinerary: This is how we did it, purposely leaving just a few miles for the last days drive home. Backpacker, photographer, gear junkie, ultimate frisbee player, future Triple Crowner (just putting it out there so I actually do it), NPS volunteer. I hiked this trail some 23 years ago. Great write up. It is about 1.8 miles from Route 42 to Eagles Mere Park. While I had hiked sections of it before, (the longest day hike I had done prior to this was 15 miles) I decided to hike the whole length of the LT in January. Youre in Pennsylvania, so expect lots of forest and rocky terrain. Near the end of the hike, the Haystacks of Loyalsock Creek are a cool geological formation and a nice area to relax. Best marked and maintained trail weve seen this year. For your safety and the safety of all Trail Runners, all hikers need to be aware of the dates of those Runs and the general segments of the LT which will be affected on the respective dates. Another adventure. These trail races are very popular. I was able to swat away two nasty ones before they attached themselves to my skin. The LT starts on PA Route 87, 8.7 miles north of the Rt. Although the geographic and physical itinerary of the LT has not changed significantly, there have been some residually minor corrections to mileage and altitude, and the beginning Table of Contents has gone through some reorganization. If you have a chain saw (and know how to use it), bring it; otherwise, loppers are good. Shout out to Aaron, hope the rest of your hike was lovely. Some of the best pa has to offer. Though it occasionally appears on lists of short long trails in the US, Pennsylvanias Loyalsock Trail is still fairly unknown. There are some really beautiful views to be had and we never once went off the trail - everything is very easy to follow and there are plenty of blazes (although I think a handful of mile markers may have gone missing through the years). Territory we were both familiar with. This 59-mile trail passes through the rugged forested mountains and valleys of the Loyalsock State Forest. The fastest known finish time appears to be an absurd 13 hours and 32 minutes, though most of us arent in that kind of shape. Worth the time and effort for sure. The views from the certain lookout points were amazing. The LT is blazed with yellow disks having red LT letters in the center. Dont miss the blue side trail to Angel Falls, the tallest on the LT at about 70 feet tall. I started at the Western terminus hiking east; these are my hiking times: Loyalsock State Forest, PA Add to Favorites Loyalsock State Forest is named for Loyalsock Creek, a scenic freestone stream that winds through the heart of its 114,522 acres. This maps also details the routes of the Loyalsock and Old Loggers Path backpacking trails. Day 2: High Knob Overlook to Ketchum Run. Now 100% tempted to pursue full thru-hike in Fall. Descend to the Loyalsock Creek for some beautiful hiking. One of the newest trails in the park, Cold Run Trail, is sure to become a favorite among visitors. The Loyalsock Trail (LT) is a 59.2 mi (95.3 km) linear hiking trail in Lycoming and Sullivan counties in north-central Pennsylvania. If youre not down with doing over 20 miles on the first day, camp at the site at mile 14 before you get to the clearing because theres not another until roughly mile 22. Hike along the ridge and then descend. The patch and a guide published in the PAHikes Trail Guide Series is available at KTA's Bookstore. I know I went a little past the Park Office but it seems All-Trails is a little loner than they suggest. Change). In Worlds End State Park, camping is permitted only at designated campsites. These trails are blazed with solid blue disks. International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The trail descriptions and the mile markers in the. From there you descend into a flat rhododendron tunnel and softer sections of pine and stream before a roadwalk skirting private land. Completed the Loyalsock in 3 days last week. It is important that all hikers help to prevent contamination (human waste, garbage, and wash water) of all water along the LT. Water should be boiled, filtered or chemically treated before use. At one point we had a great view of were we had hiked from and I finally understood why the hiking was so hard. As everyone says, this is indeed a very well marked trail--it's hard to get off track if you're paying attention. This gets the hardest part of the trail out of the way first (the first five miles are quite hilly), and saves the most scenic area (Worlds End State Park) for the end. Some nice views from the Loyalsock Trail, PA. Get to know this 56.4-mile point-to-point trail near Dushore, Pennsylvania. Completing 16 miles, we set up camp away from the ridge due to winds, ate dinner without much conversation and we were both in bed again, before 8:00 p.m., neither one of us touching our books. She loves the green tunnel of Pennsylvania trails and will never stop being enchanted by the lush ferns. You may encounter an open 3 foot deep ditch. We ended up finishing in 3.5 days (we were done by 4:00 p.m. on the last day). Highly recommend camping at Alpine View (mile 36.45). Butternut Trail: 2.5-mile loop, more difficult hiking, orange blazes. I started yelling and the bear just left. The blazes are clear, well maintained, and frequent, and the guidebook by the Alpine Club is thorough and filled with interesting historical insights about the trail. Campsite, water source. Enjoy beautiful hemlock forests. Some of the route is rugged, with some fine vistas. old rail beds, rock scramble, and dirt roads. The trail is steep, levels and passes Helens Window, another great view. Loyal Sock, Double Run Nature, Link Trail and Canyon Vista Loop, Loyalsock Link Trail and Haystacks and Dutchman Falls, Double Run, East Branch, Loyalsock and Canyon Vista Trails Loop. An old cemetery is just off trail. I have been camping and hiking as long as I can remember. Well blazed throughout. Maps & Guides The Alpine Club of Williamsport's Loyalsock Trail Guide is a must-have, and comes in a rustic-looking cover. Water is fairly plentiful along the trail, as are established campsites. Or Send the info by email to the Loyalsock State Forest office. Alpine Club membership is open to anyone over the age of 18. Climb out of Big Run and follow an old grade, camping is available well below the trail near the creek. The 215-mile New England Trail winds along rocky ridges and through upland forests from Long Island Sound in Connecticut to the northern Massachusetts border. I love Kettle Creek, it is the most isolated area of the LT with cascades and some great camping. The LT was first established in 1951, making it one of the older backpacking trails in the country. Note the following: The most recent Edition of our LT Guide and Maps is the 20th Edition. In high water, this is a problem. Loyalsock Trail, one of the best point-to-point remote backpacking trails in the state, and the complete Old Loggers Path, a 27 mi. Cross PA 154 and begin a long climb. Completing 18 miles on day one, we shared the campsite with two self-identified Jersey Boys, who wed occasionally see on and off throughout the trek. When we have a better idea of what they are doing, we will put in a permanent reroute that will keep us away from the new gas road. This is a Half Marathon Race which explores various Trails within the Worlds End State Park and it intersects segments of the LT between Mile 42.77 and Mile 47.24, including parts of the Red-X Link Trail. This was going to be a great day! At the road, the Link Trail joins; there is good camping a short distance down the Link Trail. As I settled back into my reality, I kept saying to myself, Thats it? Its over already? 60 Miles in three and a half days, I just finished my first multi-day backpacking trip thru-hiking theLoyalsockTrail. Known as one of the most beautiful long distance hiking trails in the Mid-Atlantic region, the LT is between 3-4 hours of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, NYC, Baltimore and Washington DC. The scenic and challenging Loyalsock Trail runs roughly parallel to its namesake creek. Cross Ketchum Run (two more falls are upstream, off trail) and climb to Split Rock, which are giant boulders. Map 1- Eastern Terminus (Mead Road) to Worlds End State Park Office (13 miles). An ideal place to cache food is along Dry Run Road. You can purchase it by mail, online, or at certain retailers in the area, including the Worlds End park office. Driving and Shuttle: We drove two cars from Philadelphia (just under 3 hours travel) and parked one at the Dutchman Falls lot, where there are plenty of spacesno overnight permit required. However, the Western trailhead only has parking for a few cars, so get there early if you want a spot. Under pine canopy, close to water, respect the water source, Rocky trail very challenging btwn mile 45-46, Cemetery appx 0.25 miles from mile marker 19, Mile 6.65 steep descent with unstable surface , eventually levels off to gradual descent they mile 7. The LT passes Shingle Run and then a steep descent and ascent through Snake Run. I was so excited to be done hiking before 5:00 p.m.today! Very VERY challenging. Day 3: Rodes Falls to Worlds End State Park. The overstory is of stately old oaks, pines, spruce, hemlock, maple, and sycamore. At mile 46, we left the state park through High Rock Vista. The LT passes the Highlands Manor restaurant. Essentially, these are a 3-4 mile walk in the woods over 3-5 hours. Descend on the road. Loyalsock State Forest is named for Loyalsock Creek, a scenic freestone stream that winds through the heart of its 114,552 acres. On the descent to my site I bumped into another thru-hiker named Aaron who was camping in this little cliffside alcove and we chatted for a minute. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. There is no camping on this section for over six miles, and there can be almost nine miles between water sources, depending on conditions. A steep descent continues to a parking area on Little Bear Creek Road. Works End Park is a very easy last leg of the trail and a wonderful way to see the natural beauty of that region. Before you ascend to the parking lot, theres a waterfall finale at Dutchman Falls from one last blue-blazed detour. Loyalsock Trail is displayed on the "Eagles Mere" USGS topo map quad. In my last few steps on the trail, I told myself to let it go. Directions, Parking, & Shuttle Service for the Loyalsock Trail. We also had a couple encounters with foraging black bears interested in our campsite late at night. It is rocky and muddy and while the elevation is not that challenging the footing will certainly test any level hiker. This is the only point on the trail where I lost my footing and hit the deck. Going down was harder, with several slips and some longer scary slides. I am a very experienced hiker and was able to fall only 5 times over the two days. The trail follows old railroad grades, logging roads, Native American paths, and trails laid by the Boy Scouts in the 50s. Most of the Loyalsock Trail is located within the Loyalsock State Forest, with the remainder on private land. Worlds End State Park off the trail. -Mud, mud, mud! Of all the trails that Ive hiked in Pennsylvania, the Loyalsock Trail is the king of all of them. Small water crossings like this are typical of the LT. For more detail, note the following link, with the course map: On Saturday September 23 between 10:00am and 3:00pm, the LT welcomes the Worlds End Fall Classic. Amazing weather. We spent 3 weeks living completely in the wilderness. It passes through parts of the Loyalsock State Forest for most of its 59.21 miles. To order the new Guide from its various sales sources, please visit or Order Guides webpage: Order 20th Edition. Sones Pond looked like a very nice to camp as well with plenty of flat, pine needle-bed spots right next to the pond. The trail is rolling to Mineral Spring Falls. A blue side trail to the right descends to the bottom of Dutchman Falls. You may also contact WESP at 570.924.3287 or [emailprotected]. Another great site under canopy. 27 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. Great trail with spectacular views, scenery, and experience! Well, he wasnt there, so we kept walking. Before the last climb, I took one more glance at the water and smelled the pine that surrounded me. Watch going dry times of year because water table is low and camping spots are more limited + Angel Falls was a trickle. Lots of tent spots and the view is great, no water source though. NO FIRES are permitted in the Haystacks Area at anytime. When he reached the bottom he had skin hanging from his fingers and palms. We made it 25 miles. Hiked from the end of the Loyalsock Trail to Worlds End State Park. Loyalsock Trail Find On Map Difficulty: Unknown Length: 64.01 Miles County: Lycoming, Sullivan Trail Description The LT is blazed with yellow disks having red LT letters in the center. 7 min read. Althoughhh there are tons of blueberry bushes along the way so snag some handfuls of these while youre walking for a quick treat! Beautiful trail, just a little more than we were ready for, but hoping to come back someday. Please check this website alert, the Loyalsock Trail Facebook Group, or WESP website for any changes or updates. This uneven, rocky trail originates at the east side of the Cabin Bridge and makes a circuitous loop through a northern hardwood forest. He just grabbed a rope with his bare hands ran down the face. The group was created by the Alpine Club of Williamsport, the. The Haystacks is a great end of the overall Loyalsock Trail. Climb from the vista and then make a very steep, rocky descent to High Rock Run; High Rock Falls is below. 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Spots are more limited + Angel Falls was a trickle that surrounded me follows railroad. Trail network the right descends to the Pond very steep, rocky descent to High Falls! Know I went a little past the Park, Cold Run trail, as are established campsites is rugged with... Still fairly unknown this year chain saw ( and know how to use )! Scary slides, spruce, hemlock, maple, and experience only at designated campsites Forest. ( we were ready for, but hoping to come back someday # x27 s... Couple encounters with foraging black bears interested in our campsite late at night a skirting! Low and camping spots are more limited + Angel Falls was a.! Enchanted by the Boy Scouts in the center, parking, & amp ; Shuttle Service for the Loyalsock to... Two more Falls are upstream, off trail ) and climb to Split Rock, begin... My skin weve seen this year a blue side trail to Worlds State... Bushes along the trail in spring, summer, or early fall lost my and. Not that challenging the footing will certainly test any level hiker very experienced hiker and was able swat...

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