Jeff Mitchell's Blog

Horn’s Quarry Vista

Length: Varies depends on route taken; you can hike for up to 8-9 miles.

Parking: Best parking is at the state forest maintenance building; do not block the garage doors. 41.360103, -77.410463

Difficulty: This hike can be challenging with long, steep descents and ascents, particularly if you include the off trail vistas, Big Fork Trail, and Torbert Vista.

Highlights: Several superb views, pine and hemlock forests, small cascades, old quarries, ledges, cliffs, rock outcrops.

Issues: Not all trails are blazed; you need to have decent navigation skills. If you hike to the off trail vistas, you will likely need to hike off trail to Okome Road, unless you want to return to Horn’s Quarry Vista.

Other info: MyHikes has a good write up on this hike, although that route is a little different.

Description: The Pine Creek Gorge is one of the largest canyons in the east and a hiking wonderland. Despite hiking here for years, I never explored this hidden corner of the gorge. I’m glad I did because it is a gem.

From the parking area, walk out to Callahan Run Road (note this creek is not to be confused with the Callahan Run on the Black Forest Trail) and turn right. Cross the creek and turn right onto Callahan Run Trail; there is a sign and it is blazed red. It is a narrow forest road, but parking is very limited. Pass a gate and continue up the scenic gorge with pines, hemlocks, cascades, and pools.

Reach a sign for the Big Fork Trail; we did not hike this trail. The sign seems to point the wrong way; the trail is across Callahan Run and I believe is marked yellow. Continue for about 600 more feet and reach Point A on the map. Look across the run for two obvious grades that slope down to the creek, one from upstream and the other downstream. Cross the creek and veer left on the upstream sloping grade. There is a trail, but no blazes. The forestry map says this is the Pikes Peak Trail, but there are no sign or blazes. It’s a steady climb. Reach an old quarry with ledges and turn right. Continue the climb to Horn’s Quarry Vista and it is impressive. Enjoy the wide panorama looking down Callahan Run to Pine Creek. Cliffs and ledges are behind the view. There is a large fire ring. This would be an amazing sunset vista. I’d love to camp here someday.

I believe you can follow the grade into Big Fork and return to point A to make a mini-loop, but we did not go that way. We decided to climb very steeply up the spine of the ridge to the next bench. To our surprise, there were two views! One looks over Big Fork and Callahan Run and across the plateaus. I called it Big Fork Vista. It is very beautiful. Nearby is Fire Ring Vista, which looks across Callahan Run and the rim of the Pine Creek Gorge. It has log benches and a fire ring. From here, we did not want to descend so we tested our luck and bushwhacked to Okome Road. At first this was fine, but it soon became a laurel hellscape. I think the best way is to go to the top of Mullen Run and take a logging road out to Okome Road (pink line on map) but we did not go that way.

Okome Road was a nice change. We reached Torbert and Big Fork Trails, with signs, and took Torbert. This was a nice trail across the plateau. It descended along the edge of the canyon and offered a very nice view. The steep descent continued. Near the bottom, an old cemetery was off to the left. We came out next to a cottage on the rail trail, behind where we parked.

This was a great hike with so many views, beautiful forests, old quarries, and ledges. If you’re up for a challenge, check it out.

Light green are potential routes for your hike. Locations are approximate. Pink/purple line is off trail.

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McIntyre Vista

The McIntyre Wild Area, near Ralston, is a gem of the beautiful Loyalsock State Forest. It has long attracted hikers with its numerous waterfalls, historic ruins, views, and gorges. Rock Run is nearby and is widely considered to be PA’s most scenic stream with waterfalls, deep pools, and glens carved into the bedrock. Old logging and mining grades spread into the wild area, as well as remnants of mines. These qualities make the McIntyre an interesting place to explore. The wild area has little in the way of marked trails, but there are unofficial trails.

Parking: A lot is here that is usually accessible year-round. 41.507020, -76.951178 . There are several places to pull off of Rock Run Road, but it is not plowed in winter.

Highlights: Waterfalls, cascades, chasms, glens, large boulders, mining and historic ruins, views, Rock Run, pine forests.

Terrain and difficulty: It varies depending on route taken, but the wild area has challenging and steep terrain. You should be an experienced hiker. Many hikes are along or near streams, which are steep and have waterfalls. Do not attempt to hike in high water. Be careful. Do not enter any mines as they may be unstable. Most of these locations are off trail.

McIntyre Road: Is in variable condition and not plowed in winter. Have a vehicle with clearance. The road can have erosion and ruts.

Places to explore:

Rock Run: one of the most beautiful streams in Appalachia, Rock Run is famous for its waterfalls, gorges, and pools. Expect company on warm summer weekends. When the water is low, hike up and down the creek to experience its beauty.

Dutchmans Run: An unblazed trail goes from Rock Run Road to the bottom of the run. There are several falls and cascades. The bottom falls is about 40 feet and has impressive ice formations, Above is a stunning double falls. Use the old grade to explore further up. See a huge bedrock cascade with a massive old stone retaining wall likely used to transport coal down from the mountain.

Abbot Run: Another amazing creek with many falls and cascades. A huge cliff is at the bottom. Above the run is Ben’s Vista and a rock shelter that forms an ice cave in winter. Be very careful exploring along the creek, especially near the bottom.

Band Rock: A fine vista looking across and down the Lycoming Creek. Apparently, when the town of McIntyre existed, a band would play here and the music could be heard in the valley.

McIntyre Vista: the finest view in the wild area, it looks over Ralston, down the Lycoming Creek and up Rock Run a little ways. You’ll need to punch through some laurel to reach the view.

Spruce Pond: a hidden gem, it is a small pond surrounded by spruce trees and moss.

Miners Run: another stunning creek with giant boulders, cascades, and several waterfalls. An incredible gorge. A trail is on the right or east side of the gorge but you miss most of the waterfalls.

Hounds Run Falls: another beautiful waterfall, just a short walk from Rock Run Road.

Hawk Run chasm: an impressive gorge of cliffs, boulders, slides and cascades.

McIntyre Ghost Town: a mining town was located on the plateau, but little remains of it now.

McIntyre Cemetery: a small cemetery is just off the road with several headstones, some with detailed descriptions about who was buried there.

Links:

Hounds and Hawk Runs

Dutchmans and Abbott Runs waterfalls

Vistas of McIntyre Wild Area

McIntyre Wild Area

Rock Run Summer

Chasms of Rock Run

Some of these places are also described in Hiking the Endless Mountains.

Blue dots are waterfalls or cascades. Brown line is an unblazed trail. P is for parking. Locations are approximate.

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Long Path in the Catskills, NY

What is it? The Great Appalachian Traverse (GAT) is a long-distance hiking concept, a route that goes from Flagg Mountain in Alabama to (the aptly named) North Traveler Mountain in Maine. It is designed to traverse the entire Appalachian Range in the United States, linking the mountains furthest to the south and north that are accessible by existing, connecting hiking trails. The GAT utilizes many of the trails that connect to the AT, trails that hikers don’t even know exist. The intent of the GAT is to use a continuous, or near-continuous, route on existing trail systems. Much of the GAT follows the Appalachian Trail (AT). The GAT has three major deviations, from the AT: 1) the Pinhoti and Benton MacKaye Trails in Alabama and Georgia; 2) the Mountain to Sea Trail, Black Mountain Crest Trail, and other side trails in North Carolina; 3) the Tuscarora, Standing Stone, Mid State, Finger Lakes, Long Path, Northville Placid, North Country, and various side trails in Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont.

The GAT features diverse scenery, historic features, numerous towns, and remarkable natural beauty. It is longer and harder than the AT, with more roadwalking. Think of it as the AT on steroids. It explores landscapes the AT misses, such as the Alabama mountains, Black Mountains, Allegheny Plateau and canyons, Finger Lakes, Catskills, and Adirondacks. The GAT can be seen as an alternate route to the AT. I think the GAT is the most scenic, diverse, and challenging route through the Appalachian Mountains.

Golden Eagle Trail, PA

(Another new route. Since the GAT takes a different route in Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont, it can be combined with the AT to create a giant, 1,400ish mile mega loop, the Northern Appalachian Loop Trail (NALT). I don’t know if anyone has hiked the NALT.)

What is the purpose of the GAT? Besides traversing the length of the Appalachians, the GAT introduces hikers to a vast network of side trails that connect to the busy and famous AT. These other trails can use more hikers and offer scenery that rivals, if not exceeds, the AT. The GAT seeks to create an immersive experience within the Appalachians: at times it is more circuitous than the AT, taking the most scenic route, delving into the culture and tradition of the region, going through small towns, following country roads, bordering farms, and passing historic sites.

Southern Terminus: Flagg Mountain, Alabama

Northern Terminus: North Traveler Mountain, Maine

States traveled through: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine.

Length: Approximately 3000 miles.

Mid State Trail in the Pine Creek Gorge, PA

Is the GAT an official trail? No, it is only a proposal. It has no official website, interactive map, or its own emblem or blaze. To navigate the GAT, you must follow the blazes, signs, and markings of the existing trails.

Has anyone thru-hiked the GAT? I don’t think so, but hopefully someone has, or will. I have not hiked all of it.

Are there issues with the GAT? You’ll need to keep an eye on following the correct trails, particularly shorter side trails. You will need maps and navigation aids. Some trails can become overgrown or have poor maintenance. There are also areas with more road walking than the AT, particularly in New York. Parts of the GAT are isolated with few amenities. You’ll need to be more self-sufficient than you’d be on the AT. Expect more isolation. In places, the GAT is like hiking the AT decades ago. To hike this, you’ll need to roll with the punches and accept the challenges.

The GAT goes through the Adirondacks, but the Adirondacks are not geologically part of the Appalachian Mountains. Yes, but the same tectonic forces that created the Appalachians also created the Adirondacks. Further, the Adirondacks are considered part of the Appalachian Highlands Physiographic Region. The Adirondacks are so beautiful and rugged, it would be shame not to include them on the GAT. They are a highlight of the route.

Choose your own route. The GAT encourages hikers to choose their own route. Prefer to hike a different trail or skip another? No problem. There is a whole other world of hiking and backpacking trails that connect to the AT; the GAT encourages you to explore them.

A common thread of trails. The unique thing about the GAT is that it does not simply cross other trails, it follows them, it experiences them. Whether it is the Pinhoti, Benton MacKaye, Mountains to Sea, Black Mountain Crest, Tuscarora, Standing Stone, Mid State, Finger Lakes, North Country, Northville Placid, or Long Trails, the GAT allows you to create memories on each.

West Rim Trail, PA

Maps. Many of these trails are on FarOut, Gaia, or have maps available on their club websites. For routes not covered by websites, those maps are below. The purple highlight is the route of the GAT and is for the maps only, routes are not marked that way on the ground.

Do your research. Each trail has challenges and issues that you need to educate yourself about. Look over trail websites, purchase guides, and join that trail’s social media pages.

Who will be the first to hike the entire GAT? Who knows, maybe you? It will be an experience and challenge unlike any other.

Map 1. Overview map. The AT is the red line. The GAT is purple.

Alabama

The GAT begins at Flagg Mountain and follows the Pinhoti Trail through Alabama.

Georgia

The GAT continues on the Pinhoti Trail, and then follows the Benton MacKaye Trail to the AT north of Springer Mountain. The GAT then follows the AT north.

North Carolina

Map 2. The GAT’s route in North Carolina.

Through North Carolina, the GAT is very diverse, scenic, and rugged. It takes you to the highest peaks and range in the east, passes waterfalls, goes by the outskirts of Asheville, explores temperate rainforests, and delves into small towns. From Georgia, the GAT follows the AT north through North Carolina to the Chestnut Branch Trail near Davenport Gap. It follows trails through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (see Map 3), picks up the Mountains to Sea Trail to the Black Mountain Crest Trail at the summit of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain in the Appalachians, the eastern United States, and eastern North America. The GAT then follows the Appalachian High Route back to the AT, south of Erwin, TN. The GAT then follows the AT into Tennessee.

Map 3. This is the route of the GAT through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park upon leaving the AT. Continue on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to the summit of Mt. Mitchell and then proceed on the Black Mountain Crest Trail and the Appalachian High Route.

Tennessee

The GAT follows the AT through Tennessee.

Virginia

The GAT follows the AT through Virginia. In Shenandoah National Park, the GAT includes Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag (see Maps 4-7). These are significant scenic features that should not be missed. Whiteoak Canyon is famous for its spectacular waterfalls. Old Rag is the most popular hiking destination in the region with stunning views and rock formations. It will be very crowded on weekends. A fee is required most of the year. From Old Rag, the GAT follows a variety of trails back to the AT.

Maps 4 and 5. Old Rag is one of the most scenic and unique mountains in the Appalachians. Made of volcanic rock, it features sweeping views, rock formations, and scrambles. It is also very popular and fee is required much of the year. To bypass, follow Weakley Hollow Fire Road. Maps 6 and 7. The GAT follows these trails from Old Rag north to the AT. A: Nicholson Hollow Trail. B: Hot Short Mtn Trail. C, D, E, F: Hazel Mtn Trail. G: Meadow Spring Trail

West Virginia

The GAT follows the AT through West Virginia.

Maryland

The GAT follows the AT through Maryland.

Pennsylvania

Map 8. Route of the GAT through Pennsylvania.

Here, the GAT begins its major deviation from the AT. The GAT primarily follows the AT through the Michaux State Forest, with some changes for improved scenery. South of Duncannon, the GAT leaves the AT and will not return to it until Vermont. You will hike through the ridge and valley region, the Seven Mountains, the Allegheny Plateau and Pine Creek Gorge. Get ready for rock formations, views, friendly towns, old growth forests, and historic relics. As you head north, explore canyons, views, waterfalls, and clear mountain streams.

The GAT makes a minor diversion in Michaux State Forest to include better scenery (see Map 9). South of Duncannon, leave the AT and follow the rocky, rugged, wild Tuscarora Trail to scenic Cowans Gap State Park. Follow the Standing Stone Trail to the Mid State Trail. Follow the Mid State Trail north to Little Pine State Park. A few miles north of there, leave the Mid State Trail for a route through the Pine Creek Gorge via the and (see Map 10). Follow the to the West Rim Trail. (see Map 11). Follow the Pine Creek Rail Trail to Wellsboro (a great town!) and then side roads back to the Mid State Trail near Hills Creek State Park. Follow the Mid State Trail north to New York.

Map 9. In Michaux State Forest, the GAT utilizes a more scenic route than the AT. Enjoy streams, rock outcrops, rhododendron tunnels, a beautiful shoreline hike, and views. Map 10. From the Mid State Trail heading north, leave the trail and follow Barrens Road to a gate, hike behind the gate. Follow the obvious road to a private property gate, hike the road to the right around private property to the Golden Eagle Trail. Continue on to the rail trail, Black Forest Trail, side trails, and Long Branch Trail. This is a beautiful section of the GAT with deep gorges, views, cascades, and Slate Run, a scenic village with amenities. Map 11. The GAT follows the scenic Long Branch Trail to the popular West Rim Trail. It then follows the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which now extends into Wellsboro, one of the finest trail towns on the GAT. Follow roads to the Mid State Trail, near Hills Creek State Park and continue north to New York.

New York

Map 12. The GAT’s route in New York.

Here, GAT hikers will explore a dramatic variety of landscapes that the AT misses. There are also more segments of road walking. Follow the Crystal Hills Trail (part of the Finger Lakes Trail system) to the Finger Lakes Trail and hike east. Hike through world-class state parks like Watkins Glen and Treman State Parks. The waterfalls and gorges of the GAT far exceed that of the AT. The Finger Lakes Trail features shelters, towns, short roadwalks, fields, meadows, farms, and pastoral views. Follow the Finger Lakes Trail into the Catskills. The Catskills are a highlight of the GAT, rugged, wild, and beautiful. Reach Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills and follow the Long Path north with stunning views. The Long Path follows part of the infamous Devils Path, a very challenging route with rock scrambling, steep climbs and descents, and breathtaking views. Don’t miss Kaaterskill Falls, the tallest near the GAT. Encounter more roads across the Mohawk Valley and enter the southern Adirondacks. At Northville, follows the famous Northville Placid Trail, one of the oldest backpacking trails in the country. Follow this classic, isolated, beautiful trail along streams, beaver dams, ponds and lakes to Duck Hole. At Duck Hole, follow a variety of trails through the stunning High Peaks. (see maps 13 and 14). Feel free to choose your own route! Enjoy amazing views, alpine summits, glacial lakes, towering waterfalls, and dramatic scenery. Summit Mt. Marcy, the tallest peak in New York. This is one of the most challenging and beautiful sections of the GAT.

Enter Hoffman Notch Wilderness (see Maps 15 and 16) and hike the North Country Trail east to Vermont. The North Country Trail is a National Scenic Trail, like the AT, and is the longest trail in the country.

Map 13. If hiking north, leave the Northville Placid Trail at Duck Hole and hike to Henderson Lake. Hike north through the dramatic and rugged Indian Pass to the Adirondack Loj. The GAT is routed to the Adirondack Loj because it has food, lodging, and the ability to get a ride into Lake Placid. Basemap by Adirondack Mtn Club. Map 14. Here, the GAT goes through the dramatic heart of the High Peaks. It is very challenging and beautiful. Enjoy stunning Lake Colden, the rapids and falls of the Opalescent River, Lake Tear of the Clouds (the source of the Hudson River), and the alpine climb up to Mt. Marcy. Next, tackle the Great Range. The scramble up Saddleback Mountain from Basin Mountain is a challenge. The view from Pyramid Peak is among the best in the High Peaks. Descend to Rainbow Falls and climb to the iconic view over Lower Ausable Lake. Hike out via Elk Lake; this is private land, stay on the trail and road. Basemap by Adirondack Mtn Club. Map 15. Stay on the trail and road across the Elk Lake Easement. Enter Hoffman Notch Wilderness to the North Country Trail. Map 16. The GAT follows the Hoffman Notch Trail to the Big Pond Trail/North Country Trail (NCT). Follow the NCT east over Jones Hill with several views. Upon leaving the wilderness, continue east on the NCT into Vermont.

Vermont

Follow the North Country Trail, there is some road walking. Climb into the Green Mountain National Forest and join the famous Long Trail. Hike south to the AT at Maine Junction. Head north on the AT to New Hampshire.

New Hampshire

Follow the AT through New Hampshire.

Maine

Follow the AT through Maine. In Baxter State Park, the GAT follows the Blueberry Ledges Trail and climbs to the dramatic summit of Katahdin (see Map 17). But it does not end there. Follow Knifes Edge (this is exposed, so feel free to take another route) down to Chimney Pond. Hike north to the alpine summit of North Traveler Mountain, the most northern, prominent peak accessible by a trail. Here, the GAT ends.

Map 17. The GAT follows the dramatic Knife’s Edge, which is exposed. Choose any route you’d like off of Katahdin. North Traveler Mountain is the northern terminus of the GAT.

Long Path in the Catskills, NY

What is it? The Great Appalachian Traverse (GAT) is a long-distance hiking concept, a route that goes from Flagg Mountain in Alabama to (the aptly named) North Traveler Mountain in Maine. It is designed to traverse the entire Appalachian Range in the United States, linking the mountains furthest to the south and north that are accessible by existing, connecting hiking trails. The GAT utilizes many of the trails that connect to the AT, trails that hikers don’t even know exist. The intent of the GAT is to use a continuous, or near-continuous, route on existing trail systems. Much of the GAT follows the Appalachian Trail (AT). The GAT has three major deviations, from the AT: 1) the Pinhoti and Benton MacKaye Trails in Alabama and Georgia; 2) the Mountain to Sea Trail, Black Mountain Crest Trail, and other side trails in North Carolina; 3) the Tuscarora, Standing Stone, Mid State, Finger Lakes, Long Path, Northville Placid, North Country, and various side trails in Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont.

The GAT features diverse scenery, historic features, numerous towns, and remarkable natural beauty. It is longer and harder than the AT, with more roadwalking. Think of it as the AT on steroids. It explores landscapes the AT misses, such as the Alabama mountains, Black Mountains, Allegheny Plateau and canyons, Finger Lakes, Catskills, and Adirondacks. The GAT can be seen as an alternate route to the AT. I think the GAT is the most scenic, diverse, and challenging route through the Appalachian Mountains.

Golden Eagle Trail, PA

(Another new route. Since the GAT takes a different route in Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont, it can be combined with the AT to create a giant, 1,400ish mile mega loop, the Northern Appalachian Loop Trail (NALT). I don’t know if anyone has hiked the NALT.)

What is the purpose of the GAT? Besides traversing the length of the Appalachians, the GAT introduces hikers to a vast network of side trails that connect to the busy and famous AT. These other trails can use more hikers and offer scenery that rivals, if not exceeds, the AT. The GAT seeks to create an immersive experience within the Appalachians: at times it is more circuitous than the AT, taking the most scenic route, delving into the culture and tradition of the region, going through small towns, following country roads, bordering farms, and passing historic sites.

Southern Terminus: Flagg Mountain, Alabama

Northern Terminus: North Traveler Mountain, Maine

States traveled through: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine.

Length: Approximately 3000 miles.

Mid State Trail in the Pine Creek Gorge, PA

Is the GAT an official trail? No, it is only a proposal. It has no official website, interactive map, or its own emblem or blaze. To navigate the GAT, you must follow the blazes, signs, and markings of the existing trails.

Has anyone thru-hiked the GAT? I don’t think so, but hopefully someone has, or will. I have not hiked all of it.

Are there issues with the GAT? You’ll need to keep an eye on following the correct trails, particularly shorter side trails. You will need maps and navigation aids. Some trails can become overgrown or have poor maintenance. There are also areas with more road walking than the AT, particularly in New York. Parts of the GAT are isolated with few amenities. You’ll need to be more self-sufficient than you’d be on the AT. Expect more isolation. In places, the GAT is like hiking the AT decades ago. To hike this, you’ll need to roll with the punches and accept the challenges.

The GAT goes through the Adirondacks, but the Adirondacks are not geologically part of the Appalachian Mountains. Yes, but the same tectonic forces that created the Appalachians also created the Adirondacks. Further, the Adirondacks are considered part of the Appalachian Highlands Physiographic Region. The Adirondacks are so beautiful and rugged, it would be shame not to include them on the GAT. They are a highlight of the route.

Choose your own route. The GAT encourages hikers to choose their own route. Prefer to hike a different trail or skip another? No problem. There is a whole other world of hiking and backpacking trails that connect to the AT; the GAT encourages you to explore them.

A common thread of trails. The unique thing about the GAT is that it does not simply cross other trails, it follows them, it experiences them. Whether it is the Pinhoti, Benton MacKaye, Mountains to Sea, Black Mountain Crest, Tuscarora, Standing Stone, Mid State, Finger Lakes, North Country, Northville Placid, or Long Trails, the GAT allows you to create memories on each.

West Rim Trail, PA

Maps. Many of these trails are on FarOut, Gaia, or have maps available on their club websites. For routes not covered by websites, those maps are below. The purple highlight is the route of the GAT and is for the maps only, routes are not marked that way on the ground.

Do your research. Each trail has challenges and issues that you need to educate yourself about. Look over trail websites, purchase guides, and join that trail’s social media pages.

Who will be the first to hike the entire GAT? Who knows, maybe you? It will be an experience and challenge unlike any other.

Map 1. Overview map. The AT is the red line. The GAT is purple.

Alabama

The GAT begins at Flagg Mountain and follows the Pinhoti Trail through Alabama.

Georgia

The GAT continues on the Pinhoti Trail, and then follows the Benton MacKaye Trail to the AT north of Springer Mountain. The GAT then follows the AT north.

North Carolina

Map 2. The GAT’s route in North Carolina.

Through North Carolina, the GAT is very diverse, scenic, and rugged. It takes you to the highest peaks and range in the east, passes waterfalls, goes by the outskirts of Asheville, explores temperate rainforests, and delves into small towns. From Georgia, the GAT follows the AT north through North Carolina to the Chestnut Branch Trail near Davenport Gap. It follows trails through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (see Map 3), picks up the Mountains to Sea Trail to the Black Mountain Crest Trail at the summit of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain in the Appalachians, the eastern United States, and eastern North America. The GAT then follows the Appalachian High Route back to the AT, south of Erwin, TN. The GAT then follows the AT into Tennessee.

Map 3. This is the route of the GAT through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park upon leaving the AT. Continue on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to the summit of Mt. Mitchell and then proceed on the Black Mountain Crest Trail and the Appalachian High Route.

Tennessee

The GAT follows the AT through Tennessee.

Virginia

The GAT follows the AT through Virginia. In Shenandoah National Park, the GAT includes Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag (see Maps 4-7). These are significant scenic features that should not be missed. Whiteoak Canyon is famous for its spectacular waterfalls. Old Rag is the most popular hiking destination in the region with stunning views and rock formations. It will be very crowded on weekends. A fee is required most of the year. From Old Rag, the GAT follows a variety of trails back to the AT.

Maps 4 and 5. Old Rag is one of the most scenic and unique mountains in the Appalachians. Made of volcanic rock, it features sweeping views, rock formations, and scrambles. It is also very popular and fee is required much of the year. To bypass, follow Weakley Hollow Fire Road. Maps 6 and 7. The GAT follows these trails from Old Rag north to the AT. A: Nicholson Hollow Trail. B: Hot Short Mtn Trail. C, D, E, F: Hazel Mtn Trail. G: Meadow Spring Trail

West Virginia

The GAT follows the AT through West Virginia.

Maryland

The GAT follows the AT through Maryland.

Pennsylvania

Map 8. Route of the GAT through Pennsylvania.

Here, the GAT begins its major deviation from the AT. The GAT primarily follows the AT through the Michaux State Forest, with some changes for improved scenery. South of Duncannon, the GAT leaves the AT and will not return to it until Vermont. You will hike through the ridge and valley region, the Seven Mountains, the Allegheny Plateau and Pine Creek Gorge. Get ready for rock formations, views, friendly towns, old growth forests, and historic relics. As you head north, explore canyons, views, waterfalls, and clear mountain streams.

The GAT makes a minor diversion in Michaux State Forest to include better scenery (see Map 9). South of Duncannon, leave the AT and follow the rocky, rugged, wild Tuscarora Trail to scenic Cowans Gap State Park. Follow the Standing Stone Trail to the Mid State Trail. Follow the Mid State Trail north to Little Pine State Park. A few miles north of there, leave the Mid State Trail for a route through the Pine Creek Gorge via the and (see Map 10). Follow the to the West Rim Trail. (see Map 11). Follow the Pine Creek Rail Trail to Wellsboro (a great town!) and then side roads back to the Mid State Trail near Hills Creek State Park. Follow the Mid State Trail north to New York.

Map 9. In Michaux State Forest, the GAT utilizes a more scenic route than the AT. Enjoy streams, rock outcrops, rhododendron tunnels, a beautiful shoreline hike, and views. Map 10. From the Mid State Trail heading north, leave the trail and follow Barrens Road to a gate, hike behind the gate. Follow the obvious road to a private property gate, hike the road to the right around private property to the Golden Eagle Trail. Continue on to the rail trail, Black Forest Trail, side trails, and Long Branch Trail. This is a beautiful section of the GAT with deep gorges, views, cascades, and Slate Run, a scenic village with amenities. Map 11. The GAT follows the scenic Long Branch Trail to the popular West Rim Trail. It then follows the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which now extends into Wellsboro, one of the finest trail towns on the GAT. Follow roads to the Mid State Trail, near Hills Creek State Park and continue north to New York.

New York

Map 12. The GAT’s route in New York.

Here, GAT hikers will explore a dramatic variety of landscapes that the AT misses. There are also more segments of road walking. Follow the Crystal Hills Trail (part of the Finger Lakes Trail system) to the Finger Lakes Trail and hike east. Hike through world-class state parks like Watkins Glen and Treman State Parks. The waterfalls and gorges of the GAT far exceed that of the AT. The Finger Lakes Trail features shelters, towns, short roadwalks, fields, meadows, farms, and pastoral views. Follow the Finger Lakes Trail into the Catskills. The Catskills are a highlight of the GAT, rugged, wild, and beautiful. Reach Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills and follow the Long Path north with stunning views. The Long Path follows part of the infamous Devils Path, a very challenging route with rock scrambling, steep climbs and descents, and breathtaking views. Don’t miss Kaaterskill Falls, the tallest near the GAT. Encounter more roads across the Mohawk Valley and enter the southern Adirondacks. At Northville, follows the famous Northville Placid Trail, one of the oldest backpacking trails in the country. Follow this classic, isolated, beautiful trail along streams, beaver dams, ponds and lakes to Duck Hole. At Duck Hole, follow a variety of trails through the stunning High Peaks. (see maps 13 and 14). Feel free to choose your own route! Enjoy amazing views, alpine summits, glacial lakes, towering waterfalls, and dramatic scenery. Summit Mt. Marcy, the tallest peak in New York. This is one of the most challenging and beautiful sections of the GAT.

Enter Hoffman Notch Wilderness (see Maps 15 and 16) and hike the North Country Trail east to Vermont. The North Country Trail is a National Scenic Trail, like the AT, and is the longest trail in the country.

Map 13. If hiking north, leave the Northville Placid Trail at Duck Hole and hike to Henderson Lake. Hike north through the dramatic and rugged Indian Pass to the Adirondack Loj. The GAT is routed to the Adirondack Loj because it has food, lodging, and the ability to get a ride into Lake Placid. Basemap by Adirondack Mtn Club. Map 14. Here, the GAT goes through the dramatic heart of the High Peaks. It is very challenging and beautiful. Enjoy stunning Lake Colden, the rapids and falls of the Opalescent River, Lake Tear of the Clouds (the source of the Hudson River), and the alpine climb up to Mt. Marcy. Next, tackle the Great Range. The scramble up Saddleback Mountain from Basin Mountain is a challenge. The view from Pyramid Peak is among the best in the High Peaks. Descend to Rainbow Falls and climb to the iconic view over Lower Ausable Lake. Hike out via Elk Lake; this is private land, stay on the trail and road. Basemap by Adirondack Mtn Club. Map 15. Stay on the trail and road across the Elk Lake Easement. Enter Hoffman Notch Wilderness to the North Country Trail. Map 16. The GAT follows the Hoffman Notch Trail to the Big Pond Trail/North Country Trail (NCT). Follow the NCT east over Jones Hill with several views. Upon leaving the wilderness, continue east on the NCT into Vermont.

Vermont

Follow the North Country Trail, there is some road walking. Climb into the Green Mountain National Forest and join the famous Long Trail. Hike south to the AT at Maine Junction. Head north on the AT to New Hampshire.

New Hampshire

Follow the AT through New Hampshire.

Maine

Follow the AT through Maine. In Baxter State Park, the GAT follows the Blueberry Ledges Trail and climbs to the dramatic summit of Katahdin (see Map 17). But it does not end there. Follow Knifes Edge (this is exposed, so feel free to take another route) down to Chimney Pond. Hike north to the alpine summit of North Traveler Mountain, the most northern, prominent peak accessible by a trail. Here, the GAT ends.

Map 17. The GAT follows the dramatic Knife’s Edge, which is exposed. Choose any route you’d like off of Katahdin. North Traveler Mountain is the northern terminus of the GAT.

Totts Gap Mine

Length: About 5 miles, out and back.

Parking: There is an Appalachian Trail (AT) lot at 40.935440, -75.196947

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Terrain is hilly, and often rocky.

Highlights: Kirkridge Shelter, three vistas, Totts Gap Mine.

Description: This is a great out and back dayhike with easy to moderate terrain and several scenic features. From the parking area, be careful crossing PA 191 and hike the AT north. Forests are mostly open hardwoods. Reach a side trail to Kirkridge Shelter, a nice spot with its own little view. Continue on the AT. After a small climb reach Nelson’s vista, a great view from a small field. People often camp here. I believe this is also a launch site for hang gliders. Barns and farms are far below.

The AT continues through hardwoods with some laurel. Climb up some ledges and reach Lunch Rocks vista, just off the trail to your right. This is a superb view looking east to the Delaware River. You can see the ridge of the mountain.

Continue on the AT. As you near Totts Gap, and right before you cross two powerlines, keep an eye on the ridge to your left. Look for an open area in the trees. Hike up to it, it is only 100-200 feet off trail. Enjoy an incredible view looking east over ridges and wooded valleys. You can see the crest of the Delaware Water Gap and Kittatinny Mountain. I think this is one of the better views on the AT in PA. I believe this view is for watching hawks and there is a small shed for doing so. This hawk watch vista is at about 40.948620, -75.165345 . Don’t miss it.

Descend a rocky slope into Totts Gap. Leave the AT and follow an unblazed forest road to the right. Go downhill. After about 200 feet, look for the Totts Gap Mine to the right, It is an interesting spot, and larger than I expected. It goes back about 60 feet. The walls of the mine has dozens of boreholes. Of course, do not vandalize the mine or disturb any wildlife, like bats, which might be inside.

From here, retrace your steps.

Locations are approximate. The AT is blazed white. Brown is an old forest road and is unblazed.

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North Branch Canal, off of the Eagle Trail

Length: 6-7 miles

Parking: Lot at 41.549989, -76.009643 in Vosburg Neck State Park.

Direction of description: Clockwise

Highlights: Bald eagles, historic North Branch Canal, spring wildflowers, views of the Susquehanna River, an overlook.

Trail conditions: Good. You will need to keep an eye on turns, particularly in Camp Lackawanna.

Difficulty: Moderate. Terrain is hilly in areas, conditions can also be wet and muddy.

Camp Lackawanna: This is a private religious camp but public access has been allowed. Their website indicates visitors are welcome. Refrain from visiting during the summer camp season. Sign in at the kiosk.

Mountain biking: There is mountain biking on the state park trails.

Description: Vosburg Neck State Park is PA’s newest state park, and one if its most unique. The park is on an oxbow loop on the Susquehanna River. Here, it feels as if you are in a gorge as the mountains rise hundreds of feet on the other side of the river. The park had been the Howland Preserve before being transferred to the state. Adjoining the state park is Camp Lackawanna, which has been open to the public, and to my knowledge, still is. The camp had been home to the Endless Mountains Nature Center, now closed. The nature center was crucial in developing the camp’s trail system. This loop encompasses both the park and the camp.

The Vosburg Neck is a local landmark. It is famous for its bald eagles, birds, wildflowers, and remnants of the North Branch Canal. Parts of the canal still have water.

The state park has been steadily improving the trails with new signs and mowing. I believe more trails are planned.

From the parking area, hike the road down to the river under spruce trees. Enjoy views of the river and turn right onto River Trail. The trail goes through a riparian forest with some big trees, views of the river, and wildflowers. Cross the canal and reach the road. Turn left. Veer left onto Eagle Trail and enjoy more of the riparian forest with a wetland. The canal is off to your left and is worth seeing if the brush isn’t too thick. Return to the road at the entrance of Camp Lackawanna.

Enter the camp and sign in at the kiosk. Follow the yellow trail to the river and enjoy more views. This section of the river is very scenic. It is quiet and undeveloped. Go straight onto a purple trail with more views of the canal and river. The trail bends sharply on the other side of the canal, where you can see the original stonework. Turn left onto a green trail and climb under hardwoods with some pine and hemlock. There are also old stone walls. Go straight onto a gray trail to the overlook. The view isn’t expansive, but is nice to look over the river and countryside. Hike behind the overlook and enter the state park. Veer right onto the Vista Trail and then left onto Howlin Down. This is one of my favorite trails in the park as it passes stone walls and the top of a deep ravine. Pick up the Old Farm Road along meadows and descend back to your car.

If you like history, bird watching, wildflowers, and the Susquehanna River, Vosburg Neck is the place for you.

The Vosburg Neck is also described in my book “Hiking the Endless Mountains.”

Purple highlight is my route, not marked that way on the ground. Purple highlight is my route, not marked that way on the ground.

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Length: about 7 miles

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Terrain is hilly but no large climbs or descents.

Blazes: Yellow with blue or red side trails. The Loyalsock Trail is red/yellow.

Direction of description: Counterclockwise on the loop.

Parking: Pull off on Worlds End Road during winter: 41.451143, -76.601840 . Coal Mine Road is closed in winter but open the rest of the year and has smaller parking areas closer to this route, allowing a shorter hike.

Highlights: Incredible hemlock forests, small creek, ledges, overhangs, old mine entrance, meadow.

Issues: The Drift Mine Trail is intended for mountain bikers but hiking is allowed. The trails are quite curvy. Wear bright colors so bikers can see you. The trails also intersect a cross country ski trail system. Winter is an ideal time to hike this trail, but do not walk in the cross country ski tracks.

Description: If you love hiking in a hemlock forest, this is the hike for you. It features extensive, and very scenic, hemlock forests. This route focuses on the northwestern half of the Drift Mine Trail system, where most of the hemlock forests are.

We hiked up Coal Mine Road for a half mile or so, and turned left onto a light blue access trail at a small parking area. This trail soon took us to the yellow Drift Mine Trail which we followed to the right. This trail is very scenic and will interest those who like forest hiking, particularly under hemlocks. Cross a small creek and wind up a hill. Enjoy the evergreen forests with some large trees. Go by some ledges and through more hemlocks. The trail winds down along more boulders and crosses a powerline swath where it meets the Loyalsock Trail. Stay on the yellow trail. Reach the swath again and turn right on it, follow it for about 500 feet. Turn right on a blue cross country ski trail and follow the Loyalsock Trail. Just off to your left, in the trees, are large rock outcrops and a mine entrance, do not enter. The Drift Mine Trail is named after the shallow coal mines that were once in this area.

Stay on the blue trail as the Loyalsock Trail leaves to the right. Cross a meadow and complete the loop. Return the way you came.

Our route was the pink highlight. Trail is not marked that way on the ground.

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Lower Alpine Vista

What is the Great Loyalsock Loop (GLL)? It is a figure 8, or double loop, backpacking route in the Loyalsock State Forest. It does not have its own blaze or insignia, and the vast majority of the route follows existing trails which have their own blazes. There are also two spur trails, the Angel Falls and Haystacks Spurs, which can be used to extend the hike.

Length: The entire loop is about 54 miles, comprised of an East Loop of about 38 miles and a West Loop of about 16 miles.

What was the reason behind the GLL? The Loyalsock is beloved for its natural beauty and I’ve been hiking it for decades. With its network of bridle, ski, and hiking trails, not to mention the Loyalsock Trail (LT), I became curious if it was possible to create a loop that would feature many of the forest’s scenic highlights. This is what I came up with.

Scenic highlights: This loop is remarkable. 25+ waterfalls and large cascades on or near the route, 10 vistas, 4 ponds, extensive hemlock forests (particularly on the East Loop), gorges and glens, extensive rock formations and features, historic points of interest, plenty of creekside hiking, swimming holes, whitewater rapids, superb campsites, amenities, some meadows and glades. This is among the best backpacking routes I’ve done.

East or West Loop? If you had to choose one, choose the East Loop. The West Loop is very nice and worth doing, but in my opinion, the East Loop might be one of the finest backpacking loops for its length and difficulty in the eastern U.S. If you just do the East Loop, be sure to include the Haystacks Spur.

Blazes: Variable. The LT is red and yellow. The Link Trail has a Red X. Other trails are red, yellow, and/or blue. This route also follows a few short unblazed trails and a short off trail section along Dutters Run; all can be bypassed on blazed trails.

Difficulty: Variable. Much of the loop has moderate terrain with level, rolling, or hilly terrain. There are several steep climbs and descents. Areas can also be rocky and wet. There are many unbridged stream crossings. You should have good navigational skills to hike this and you will need to keep an eye out for turns.

Issues: The biggest concern is high water; do not hike this if the creeks are high. There are several crossings without bridges, particularly Kettle Creek, Dutters Run, both branches of Double Run, and Shanerburg Run. Nettle is also an issue in a few areas in summer. As mentioned, you need to have good navigational skills. You should be an experienced backpacker. The terrain is challenging in areas.

Hike your own hike: By all means, if there is a section of the loop you don’t want to hike, choose your own!

Do your homework: Familiarize yourself with the trails in the Loyalsock State Forest, Worlds End State Park, and Eagles Mere Conservancy and look over their maps. The Worlds End Ultra trail race follows much of the GLL, so those maps are a resource as well.

Patience: The GLL is intended as an immersive experience in this beautiful landscape. It does not go from point A to B quickly. It is designed to fully explore the scenic highlights of this region. For example, the GLL is very circuitous in Worlds End. The reason is simple, the scenery justifies it. Feel free to shorten your route or choose another one. You will also need patience to follow the various turns; with patience and experience you can navigate this loop. Feel free to skip or bypass unmarked trails or the one off-trail segment. Consider hiking a section of the GLL before doing the whole thing.

Do you have a GPX or GPS track? No, I do not. In that sense I guess I’m old school. If you have good map reading skills, you can do this using the maps below.

Parking: Worlds End State Park office is probably the best. Also, Fern Rock Nature Trail.

Amenities: Pit toilets at High Knob Overlook, Canyon Vista, and Haystacks parking. A shelter at Fern Rock Nature Trail parking, not for overnight stay. A snack shop/grill is open at Worlds End in summer. Swimming area at Worlds End. Worlds End park office has water, toilets, and running water. The GLL passes the Worlds End campground with showers and water (must pay to stay and use those amenities). This loop does not have lean-tos or shelters for camping.

Rules and Regulations: No permits are required. No fees. You must register your car, for free, if parking at Worlds End. There is a form and box at the park office. No backpack camping in Worlds End. No camping or night hiking on the Eagles Mere Conservancy Trails; hike during the day only. No overnight parking at any trailhead on Eagles Mere Conservancy lands.

Direction of description: From Worlds End State Park office, clockwise on East Loop to Ketchum Run, then counterclockwise on West Loop. And then clockwise on the remainder of the East Loop.

Overview Description: For years I’ve been toying with the idea of a grand Loyalsock loop. Over the last two years, I had pre-scouted sections of this loop. And this November, I finally did it. I was blown away by its beauty and diversity. It seemed there was something interesting around every bend. It features of wide variety of scenic highlights, from waterfalls to boulder mazes, to vistas and ponds. It is truly something special. I can see myself hiking this again and again over the years. The Loyalsock State Forest is a backpacking wonderland.

From the Worlds End State Park office, hike the road to the cabins and quickly pick up the LT. You will follow the LT all the way to the Link Trail. This section of the LT climbs to High Rock, passes Alpine Falls (be sure to see it on a short side trail. Another falls is downstream), and passes sublime Sones Pond. Descend along giant rocks and pass the site of a CCC camp. Cross the old iron bridge and turn right on the Link Trail, marked with red Xs. The GLL follows the best of the Link Trail; it’s awesome. Hike along the gorgeous Loyalsock Creek with its rapids and pools. The Onion Hole is an amazing swimming hole. Hike under hemlocks with first class camping. Climb to PA 154 and descend back to the creek for more great scenery. Wow. Reach PA 154 again, below are broad ledges with another large swimming hole. Leave the Link Trail and turn left up Shanerburg Road; off the road to the left is Cooper’s Spring, a historic spring built in the 1850s by the landowner. It flows all year, I’m told, and is very cold. Follow the road for about a mile. Don’t fret, this is one of the nicest and most scenic roadwalks you can do with hemlocks and views of the creek.

Reach GPS 1 at a gate to the left and a yellow blaze. Follow it. Cross the creek and follow the red bridle trail. This is a beautiful section with spruce, hemlocks, and the creek. But there are about 4 crossings. (Note: at the third crossing, if I remember correctly, the trail crosses at a brushy island and seems to disappear. The trail actually crosses to the left, downstream, or north). Expect wet feet. Go through hemlock tunnels and reach a beautiful meadow and hike along the creek with slides and pools. Reach Rusty Run at a beautiful spot, hemlocks and cascading slides. The red bridle trail goes straight, but I suggest you take the unblazed trail to the right along Rusty Run. It was in good shape when I hiked it, is more scenic and direct route to Rusty Run Falls. Meet the red trail again and go right for a side hike to the falls. An unblazed trail now seems to go up along the creek, or follow the red trail until it makes a curve to the right; look for an unmarked trail to the left that soon leads to the falls. Another gorgeous spot.

Return to the red trail and go right on it, heading south. Reach a Y and go right; you will see a light blue blaze, this is the Falls Path or trail. Climb to the top and level with hemlocks. Enter Eagles Mere Conservancy lands. Hike along the fence of a private estate. Reach the Rainbow Path and turn right. Climb and cross a road. Hike along ledges and enter the hemlocks with several outcrops. Reach Red Arrow Path and turn left, meandering through the rocks under hemlocks. Beautiful. Off to your right is a giant water tank on its side, a remnant of a long gone resort.

Turn right and hike to Big Spring, a historic point of interest, and follow the Red Arrow Path across a wetland with orchids in summer. Hike through Fern Rocks, and the more impressive Rock Labyrinth. Reach the yellow Loyalsock Canyon Vista Trail; a private community is to the left, do not enter. Reach the old rail grade. If you want to hike through the Hemlock Hollow (more scenic) go right; if you want to stay on marked trails you can bypass to the left.

So, I went right and then left, staying on the Loyalsock Canyon Vista Trail. Reach GPS 2, near the state forest boundary. Look to your left for old blue or blacked out blazes; that’s what you want to follow. A treadway is there but can be faint. Enter a gorgeous hemlock forest with moss. Keep an eye on the blue or blacked out blazes. Reach GPS 3, which is very close to the Eagles Mere Conservancy sign. Turn right on Yellow Arrow Trail. At post 26, go straight onto a blue ski trail. Reach GPS 4, turn left onto an unblazed trail that meanders around a pond. The path becomes less distinct as you near GPS 5, but the woods are open. Reach GPS 5 at a forest road. Enjoy the scenic pond nearby. Follow the road through hemlocks. At a Y, go left to see a larger pond with potential camping. Return to the forest road and turn left onto Shanerburg Road to Fern Rock Nature Trail.

Follow the nature trail loop to the right and turn right onto Ketchum Run Trail (this is the hinge, or juncture point, of the two loops). At post 18, turn left, cross Ketchum Run, and continue straight on the Ketchum Run Trail; avoid the bridle trail to the left. Descend to the LT and veer left on it. Continue on the LT, passing Split Rock and Cape Run. At High Knob Road, turn right and hike the road to enjoy a nice view. Reach High Knob Overlook, an incredible view and probably the best one of the GLL. Descend steeply on the High Knob Trail. I love this trail, it is cruisey with laurel and big hardwoods. Pass two old springs and reach the Jackson Trail, turn right for a short side hike to the Duck Pond, a sublime, serene spot surrounded by pines. I love it there.

Turn left onto the red bridle trail and hike under more towering, large hardwoods. Reach GPS 6; the LT is only about 30 feet to the right. Go to it and follow it to the right (do not climb to High Knob). Turn right onto Old Bark Trail and pass through a wet area. Descend along a gorge. At the bottom, Old Bark Falls is about 200 feet off trail, worth seeing if flowing well. It is a very scenic falls. Cross Dry Run Road and enjoy Dry Run Falls. Walk up the road to Dutters Trail. Here, you have a choice. The GLL goes off trail and follows Dutters Run into a gorge with four falls. There is some scrambling. It is very beautiful, but challenging. It then meets the LT and goes right on it, following it upstream along Dutters Run with many stream crossings and more falls in a scenic gorge. If you’re up for a challenge, take the off trail route which is probably the most difficult part of the GLL. Or bypass by taking Dutters Trail, but by taking Dutters Trail you will miss all the scenery of Dutters Run.

Reach GPS 7 on the LT, and turn right off of it and descend McCarty Road, an obvious, unblazed route. It is a wonderful, cruisey descent under big hardwoods along the gorge of a small, cascading stream. Reach GPS 8 and the LT, turn left. To the right is camping, and off trail, beautiful Kettle Creek Falls. I love Kettle Creek, it is so isolated and beautiful. The LT climbs to the left, stay on unblazed McCarty Road and cross Kettle Creek; do not attempt in high water. Reach intersection with Ryans Trail, or Walnut Run Trail, to the left with yellow blazes. Follow it and cross Kettle Creek again. A cliff towers above. Although little hiked and brushy in places, I like Ryans Trail. It feels isolated and explores more of Kettle Creek. Before climbing, there is another falls 200 feet off trail. Upper Kettle Creek Falls is not very tall, but has a large, deep pool. The climb from the creek is long with some blowdowns. Reach GPS 9 and turn right on the red bridle trail. Follow through hardwoods, meadows, and along a fence. Turn left onto a short blue trail, turn left onto High Knob Road, and right onto Ketchum Run Trail. Turn left onto Ketchum Run Nature Trail loop to enjoy more falls and cascades and return to post 18. The West Loop is done and you have returned to the East Loop.

Follow a well established, unmarked trail down along Ketchum Run to see two falls and many cascades. So beautiful. Reach the LT and veer right or straight onto it (do not cross Ketchum Run on the LT). Follow the LT through the wonders of Ketchum Run, a highlight of the loop with two falls, many slides, a narrow gorge, and ladder at Rodes Falls. Enjoy the wonders of Ketchum Run. Climb to the two Alpine vistas and continue on the LT to Canyon Vista. Now the meandering begins as shown on the maps below. Enjoy extensive rock features, views, and waterfalls. Cold Run Trail cannot be missed, particularly when the creeks are flowing well; there are so many waterfalls. Follow Canyon Vista Trail along the Loyalsock Creek, up to Warrens Window, and along both branches of Double Run with non-stop cascades and falls. Take Pioneer Road to the LT and descend to the swimming area, pass the snack shop, and along the creek with rapids, High Rock cliff, and High Rock Falls. Return to the park office.

As you can see, this loop is amazing. It consolidates features found on few other trails. I really enjoyed the challenge, beauty, and diversity of this loop. I think you will as well. Get out there!!

The GLL is surely one of PA’s best backpacking loops.

Map Legend and Information

Disclaimer: the maps do not show gps tracks. Locations are approximate. Know how to read maps. GPS coordinates are approximate. Maps are for general directional purposes. Consider hiking a portion of the GLL before doing the whole loop. You should be an experienced backpacker with good navigational skills to hike this loop.

P: parking

C: campsites or potential camping

Blue dots: waterfalls or large cascades, some are just off the GLL.

Black dots: large rock formations or features.

Yellow dots: historical points of interest

Red dot route: off trail section along Dutters Run; very challenging.

Brown or light brown dot routes: unmarked trails.

Purplish/pink highlight: the route of the GLL; for the map only, not marked that way on the ground.

Bluish highlight: The Haystacks and Angel Falls spurs; for the map only, not marked that way on the ground.

GPS points:

GPS 1. 41.438909,-76.531499

GPS 2. 41.4304370, -76.5789379

GPS 3. 41.430505, -76.584026

GPS 4. 41.43451,-76.59168

GPS 5. 41.43522,-76.59491

GPS 6. 41.43942, -76.67542

GPS 7. 41.42225,-76.65713

GPS 8. 41.41515,-76.66163

GPS 9. 41.42025,-76.64275

Overview map. Angel Falls and Haystacks Spurs not shown. Map 1 Map 2 Map 3 Map 4 Map 5 Map 6 Map 7 Map 8. Green dots are a scenic alternate route.

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Porcupine Rock Lookout

Location: Near English Center, in SGL 75.

Parking: P1 is at about 41.444709, -77.276308 . P2 is only accessible when the gate is open during hunting seasons. It provides a much shorter hike to the lookout. When we hiked the loop, this road was in good shape.

Length: About 8 miles for the whole loop with out and back to the lookout.

Difficulty: This is a challenging hike with steep terrain in places.

Highlights: Superb view from Porcupine Rock. Hemlocks, mountain laurel, leaves off views from a ridge.

Blazes: The trails are blazed red. Even the road walk has red blazes.

Trail conditions: Variable. We hiked this in late November and found the whole loop navigable, but it may be more difficult in summer. The trails were blazed generally well, with some blazes far apart, but we were able to follow them. There were some areas of thick laurel, but again there was usually a way through, and we could see the next blaze with some patience. There were blowdowns and fallen branches on the trail; a treadway was not always apparent.

Other route: Using Lick Run Trail may be an option, but I do not know its condition.

Description: This hike is a hidden gem in the PA Wilds and has one of its better views. It is also an anomaly. Usually, game lands do not have blazed hiking trails with signs, but there is one here. And it is a worthwhile trail that could use more footsteps.

We decided to do the whole loop. The scenic highlight is the lookout, but I found the loop to be a fine hike. If you just want to see the vista, start from P2 if the gate is open, or maybe the Lick Run Trail.

From P1, we hiked counterclockwise. There is a trail sign saying the loop is 5 miles, but it is longer than that. A steep climb up a glen with a seasonal stream followed (A on map). It was blazed kind of well, but there were debris and little sign of a treadway. The climb steepened near the top. This is the steepest part of the hike. The trail leveled and turned turned right into hemlocks, and then, laurel. The laurel, overall, wasn’t that bad. There was a way through with no serious bushwhacking. My perspective may be skewed because I’ve been through some horrendous laurel. The blazes are there, but you will need some patience to see the next one is places. The trail then enters open hardwoods along a ridge with nice off leaf views. It becomes easier to follow and appears to use an old forest road.

Reach the first trail juncture with signs; veer left. Lick Run Trail is to the right and might be an alternate route. Go over a small hill and reach a second trail juncture with a sign for Don Watson Trail and an arrow to Bear Run Road (see photo below), which I guess is also Cemetery Road. You will return here to complete the loop, but go straight to the overlook.

Reach a third trail juncture, go left. Straight goes to the game lands boundary. Follow the spur trail to the lookout along a narrowing ridge. The trail follows a grassy ATV trail. Reach a small grassy clearing surrounded by laurel. Look for a trail going straight, or north. You can see a blaze down this trail. Avoid the trail to the left. We soon reached Porcupine Rock. I was impressed. It features 180 degree views of a wooded gorge with no sign of development, other than the road below. It would be a fine sunset hike. There is a giant rock pedestal that we reached via a small ladder. True to its name, porcupines live in the rocks and their droppings are on the ground. Spend some time at this beautiful place. The view is dramatic.

Retrace your steps to the loop (second trail juncture) and now turn right. Descend into a glen with hemlocks. Reach B on the map. Here, the trail goes through thickets of saplings and pickers. It was cut back when we hiked, but it can be an issue in the future. At the bottom, reach P2, and hike the road back to P1.

Put this hike on your list. I look forward to returning to see the fall colors.

Trail is blazed red. Yellow dots are trail signs. There is a gate after P1, only open during hunting seasons. P1 and P2 are identified that way for this map and are not identified that way on the ground. Routes on this map are not gps tracks and are for general directional purposes, use at your own risk. Locations are approximate. This is the trail junction where the spur trail leads to the lookout. This junction is above the glen marked B on the map.

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Frozen Run Gorge Vista

Length: Varies greatly; this is an off trail hike. You can hike 5-10 miles depending on the features you want to see.

Trail conditions: No marked trails or signs, this is an off trail hike. There are some old logging roads and grades that can be used.

Difficulty: This is a challenging and difficult hike that should only be attempted by experienced hikers with good navigational skills. Terrain is rocky and steep with cliffs and ledges. You will also need to cross creeks without bridges (although there is one bridge). Do not hike here alone. Use all safety precautions.

Parking: Look for pull off parking roughly here: 41.502362, -77.008409 . Bodine Mountain Road was in very good shape when I was last on it, although it is narrow when going up the mountain. There may be gas trucks using the road. There were check stations at the bottom and top directing traffic, so you may be asked to wait for a truck to use the road.

When to hike: When the creeks are flowing well (due to all the falls and cascades), but do not attempt this hike in high water. Frozen Run becomes a ferocious whitewater river. Bodine Mountain Road is likely not accessible in winter.

Highlights: Stunning views, waterfalls, rapids, cascades, giant rocks, overhangs, caves, chasms, beautiful creeks.

Future: There is talk of a hiking trail system being established in the gorge.

Description: Frozen Run is a crown jewel of the Loyalsock State Forest, and even Pennsylvania. It is a place of incredible beauty. But there is a price. It requires off trail hiking and it is rugged. However, if you come here, it will be an experience you won’t forget.

Frozen Run is just different from other gorges in PA. The creeks are wild and rugged, filled with large, smooth boulders with rapids, cascades, and pools. There are waterfalls on the tributaries. There’s a glen with smooth bedrock and deep pools. There are giant rocks, cliffs, chasms, and overhangs on the top of the plateau. And there is the stunning Frozen Run Gorge Vista, looking straight down the gorge with the impressive Pickenville Cliffs. You can easily spend a day in this magnificent place.

This is a hike where you really need to choose your own route. You can stay on top and explore all the giant rocks. There are impressive rock formations and overhangs. One view is Windmill Vista; it’s not an amazing view as it looks across the top of the plateau to some windmills. A very cool chasm scramble is close by.

Frozen Run Gorge Vista is a must-see. There are other views on the escarpment, but you must punch through the laurel to see them.

I also recommend you explore Frozen Run and the side streams. If there is good flow, expect to see lots of falls and cascades. These creeks are so beautiful. There is one random wooden footbridge, which I call the Bridge to Nowhere.

Trip reports from April, 2016 and October, 2016.

This place is also described in Hiking the Endless Mountains.

Enjoy this special place!

Blue dots are larger falls, cascades, or rapids. Brown lines or old forest grades or roads. Black dots are rock features or views. All locations are approximate. This is a rugged gorge, be careful.

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