Jeff Mitchell's Blog, page 16
November 12, 2020
Hike to Nanny Run Vista-Elk State Forest
The PA Wilds are home to dozens of off trail vistas that overlook deep canyons and vast plateaus. These vistas have begun to attract the attention of hikers and adventurers. This one is located in the Elk State Forest near the village of Driftwood. Driftwood is set in a beautiful location, in a deep canyon along the Sinnemahoning Creek surrounded by vast tracts of public land. This village could be an outdoors destination with all the beauty that surrounds it.
This hike is short, but very steep and completely off trail. There are no blazes or signs. I suggest you park at a pull off (41.327135, -78.141426) and walk up Hoover Road . Hoover Road is in moderate shape, but a vehicle with clearance is recommended. If you have such a vehicle, there is a small pull off here as well- 41.320464, -78.144746.
Walk up Hoover Road and enter the state forest. You will need to climb the steep bank to your left and tunnel through some pine trees. The woods then become open with hardwoods for the remainder of the hike. It is best to hike up the spine of the ridge, passing rock ledges along the way. Your legs will burn from the steep terrain.
I reached the vista, which looks west. I could not see the Bennett Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek, but could look up part way into the gorge of Nanny Run. The massive plateaus and the deep gorges made it a fine view, ideal for sunsets. Despite the sweat and heat from the climb, I quickly became chilled at the vista as the sun sank below the horizon. I could see the glow along the horizon through the bare trees on the ridge. While this isn’t one of the most expansive views in the PA Wilds, it was still worth the effort to get to it. The vista is located at 41.320899, -78.140433.
As the skies darkened, it was time to get off the mountain. A steep descent followed, made even more tricky by the waxy oak leaves that liked to slide under my feet. Some loose rock also didn’t help. I returned to Hoover Road unscathed and hiked back to my car in the dark.
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View this post on InstagramNanny Run Vista. Elk State Forest.
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November 3, 2020
Vistas of the Square Timber Wild Area- Elk State Forest
The Square Timber Wild Area is a rugged place with deep, forested gorges and narrow ridges. It is ideal for the experienced hiker looking for somewhere new to explore. The trails are blazed yellow, with the exception of the orange blazed Bucktail Path. You can expect the yellow trails to be in variable condition; they can be brushy and unestablished in places. However, compared to my prior visits, the trails seemed to be more established. Also expect several stream crossings.
Highlights include isolation, pine and hemlock forests, deep gorges, and beautiful streamside hiking when the creeks are flowing. There are also some off trail vistas that you should check out, particularly the North Square Timber Vista and its vast panorama. I suggest the lollipop loop as shown in the map above; I did not hike this entire loop for this post, but have done so in the past and enjoyed it. Here is a link to a prior trip.
From the parking area, located at 41.381404, -78.158443, hike the trail up Big Run into a gorge. Enjoy the hike along the creek and soon hemlocks and pine rise over the water. The manmade sounds soon fade away as you hike deeper into the gorge. Reach the juncture with a yellow trail to the right, which goes up the Right Fork of Big Run. Follow it as the trail climbs another gorge with a small, cascading stream. Expect this trail to be in tougher shape. At the top, turn left onto the Bucktail Path. Climb to a meadow with some nice views, as well as a view from what appears to be an old quarry. Hike along a meadow, return to the woods, and descend to a juncture with the yellow Square Timber Trail. Turn left onto this trail.
Hike along the rolling ridge as the trail climbs and descends the knobs along the ridgeline. In places the ridge is narrow and you can see off both sides when there are no leaves on the trees. The trail does go through laurel, making this a nice section when it blooms in late June. To see Middle Square Timber Vista, you must go off trail, but it is not worth the effort. Reach a juncture with the yellow Big Run Trail. Here, go off trail and head north for a half mile or so. The hiking is easy and the woods are open. Reach the edge of the ridge to see North Square Timber Vista, a stunning panorama of about 180 degrees. This is a great view for sunsets and is located at 41.430166, -78.141529. Return the way you came.
Descend the Big Run Trail, which is pretty steep. The trail moderates into a beautiful, narrow wooded gorge along a babbling creek with riffles and pools. The serenity and isolation are a rare treat in our modern world. Complete the loop and retrace your steps down Big Run back to the car.
To see South Square Timber Vista, it is best to drive up Grove Hill Road to a pull off at 41.392208, -78.135036. This is an off trail hike. Go up a drainage, reach the ridge, turn left and then descend to the view at 41.394490, -78.140143. It is a fine view of the gorges, ridges, and small peaks in the wild area.
For the map above, red is off trail.
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View this post on InstagramNorth Squaretimber Vista, Squaretimber Wild Area. Must be amazing for sunsets.
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View this post on InstagramNorth Squaretimber Vista, Squaretimber Wild Area.
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View this post on InstagramNorth Squaretimber Vista, Squaretimber Wild Area.
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October 9, 2020
Old Growth Forest at the Peck Natural Area-Lake Winola
If you like old growth forests and tall trees, there’s a new hike you should check out in Lake Winola. A loop trail, roughly a mile long, explores an impressive forest of towering pine trees; some may be close to 150 feet tall, if not taller. It is a stunning cathedral of trees. It is called the Peck Natural Area. Once forgotten, this natural area has made a comeback thanks to volunteers and should become a destination. This trail is on PA Fish and Boat Commission land.
Keep in mind when I hiked this trail it appeared new, and not marked, but was easy to follow. The trail has two footbridges. We parked at the Lake Winola boat launch, crossed Lake Road and reached the site of the historic carousel, now a large concrete pad. The carousel existed when Lake Winola was a vacation destination for those living in the Scranton area over a century ago. At the concrete pad is a sign for the Peck Natural Area, here the loop trail begins. We turned left, or clockwise and followed the trail uphill through the beautiful forest and giant trees. It was like a miniature Cook Forest State Park, a famous old growth forest in western Pennsylvania. We were amazed by the towering trees and the colorful beech trees in the understory, turning gold as Fall approached. Ferns dotted the forest floor as moss grew over dead trees and trunks.
We reached a small seasonal stream with a footbridge and crossed it. The trail brought us to a gravel parking area behind the ball fields. Here, it can be confusing. Just walk around the perimeter behind the ball fields. As you near Fairview Road, the trail veers right into the woods. We were impressed by the beauty of this ancient forest, hiding in plain sight. Thanks to the PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the Lake Winola community, for preserving it. We crossed another footbridge and entered the grove of giant trees. I spent so much time looking up at the giants, I had to keep an eye on where I was walking. We soon returned to the site of the historic carousel and completed the loop, returning to the car.
This hike is truly beautiful and ideal for kids. It is easy and mostly flat, but there are some hills. Again, thank you to the volunteers that made this trail a reality.
Here is my post about a visit to the Peck Natural Area from several years ago.
There are three places to park. We parked at the boat launch, 41.509417, -75.842264. This gravel area is another parking spot, 41.507046, -75.839346. You can also park at the ballfield, but avoid this spot if there is a game, 41.505895, -75.840035. Keep in mind when I hiked this trail it was not blazed or marked, but was easy to follow.
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View this post on InstagramSome more pics of the old growth pine forest at the Peck Natural Area. Walk among the giants.
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September 17, 2020
Hike to the Vistas of Kellogg Mountain-SGL 36
Kellogg Mountain in SGL 36, south of Towanda, has some incredible views that any hiker should check out. The hike is relatively straightforward. The views are stunning, ideal for sunrises, and feature beautiful mountainous terrain. Kellogg Mountain has a lot more than just this hike, there are waterfalls on Satterlee Run, chasms, caves, rock outcrops, Split Rock vista and maze, and Deep Hollow Falls. There is so much to see here.
You can hike to these views, also known locally as English Rocks, from the north or south. When the gates are closed, the north route is shorter but harder with more climbing. The south route is longer but easier. During hunting season, this hike either way is shortened considerably when the gates are open. On the north route, you can drive to the top of the mountain (a vehicle with some clearance is recommended) when the gates are open. Do not miss the unique stone cabin at the top of the mountain. When the gates open, you can also drive more of the south route. Again, a vehicle with some clearance is recommended. Most of this hike follows forest roads. Overall, I think the north route is more scenic even though it can involve climbing. The south route is ideal if you also want to include the waterfalls of Satterlee Run.
Either way you go, look for a meadow with trees protected with fencing (41.664050, -76.476662). Notice an unmarked ATV trail heading east. Follow it through laurel. Reach some bedrock outcrops, here it can be confusing. Turn right and hike over the outcrops then veer left on a footpath which can be obscured by brush. This will lead you to the first view, a dramatic balcony of white rock (41.662784, -76.475224.) Continue up the cliff line along herd paths to two more views. Be careful along the cliffs as a fall would be fatal. My favorite is the middle view. The views are stunning and the mountainous terrain is impressive. You can see SGL 57 and even New York from these cliffs. This place is incredible in the Autumn. This is truly one of the finest views in Northeast PA. Return the way you came.
We sat at these views for a while, watching the ravens and hawks as shadows moved across the mountains and ridges. It was an incredible experience.
Be sure to wear orange during hunting season.
For the north route, parking is at about 41.682948, -76.498682. There are more parking areas on top of the mountain when the gate is open.
For the south route, parking is at 41.613660, -76.503264, 41.621899, -76.500853, and when the gate is open, 41.638110, -76.499079.
View this post on InstagramSpectacular views from Kellogg Mtn today. SGL 36.
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View this post on InstagramKellogg Mtn has some of the finest views in northeast PA. An amazing place for a sunrise. SGL 36.
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View this post on Instagram180 degree view from Kellogg Mtn. SGL 36. Love PA.
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View this post on InstagramSomeday I will see the sunrise from here. Kellogg Mtn, SGL 36.
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September 8, 2020
Hike the Slate Run Superloop-Tiadaghton State Forest
Hikers seem to like the Superloop concept- challenging all-day hiking loops with tons of great scenery. The first was the Golden Eagle-Hilborn Superloop, and now gorgeous Pine Creek has a second- the Slate Run Superloop. This 18 mile hiking route will blow you away with its scenery. It has about 3,700 feet of climbing and about the same for descending. If you like gradual climbs and steep descents, hike it counterclockwise. Clockwise will bring you just the opposite. This description is counterclockwise.
Big thanks to the PA Trail Dogs for their work on these trails. They rebuilt some of the trails and cleared others, so say thanks to our trail running friends. This route is very similar to the Slate Run 25k trail run race.
We began at the parking area along Pine Creek, crossed the bridge, and passed the Hotel Manor. There we turned right onto the Black Forest Trail (BFT) which is blazed orange. A long, and mostly gradual, climb began along a narrow ridge with cool rock formations and pine trees. We passed two female backpackers, whom we would see again. We reached the first view at an old quarry with large cliffs and cairns built from all the flat rocks. The climb continued on an old grade up the mountain to a second view, a stunning panorama over Slate Run. The climb continued and became steeper and rockier to the top of the plateau, where the trail promptly leveled off.
We hiked through scenic woodlands with laurel. We dropped into a cove with a reliable spring and some campsites. At a juncture with the Algerine Trail, which is a part of the Long Branch Trail that connects to the West Rim Trail, the BFT turned left. More scenic woodland hiking passed. We continued on the BFT at the Alcinda Trail and reached the edge of the plateau with another superb view. Three or four rattlesnakes also were enjoying the view from under the rocks. They were harmless and mostly looked at us with annoyance.
Level trail continued until we neared the plateau again with some campsites and a fine view over Red Run. We passed a second view and began a steep, rocky descent along Red Run. While low on our hike, in higher water there are many cascades and falls on this rugged stream. The bottom of the valley brought a series of excellent campsites. The next highlight were the falls on Morris Run and its narrow wooden footbridge. The BFT continued on a forest road, crossed scenic Slate Run and then climbed up the plateau back to the road and a nice view. We then turned left onto a new yellow trail, this can be easy to miss. The PA Trail Dogs built this trail, and it was beautiful.
We descended along switchbacks and then the trail followed along cliffs and very steep slopes. It was awesome to hike as we crossed the rugged terrain with ease. In places, Slate Run was well over 100 feet beneath us. The yellow trail dropped down to a cabin road and some cabins.
Here, there is a side hike you should take, which is brown on the map. Follow an unblazed trail down to Manor Fork with cliffs, overhangs and cascades. It is stunning. The trail continues up Slate Run under more cliffs and ledges to Manor Falls, a stunning cascade into a deep, pristine pool surrounded by cliffs and rhododendron. The perfect place on a hot, sunny day. Retrace your steps back to the yellow trail, which goes up Manor Fork, crossing it several times. It is a great creek walk, but can be tough in a high water.
Reach Slate Run Road, cross it, and begin on the yellow Old Supply Trail, also rebuilt by the PA Trail Dogs. This was another enjoyable trail with hemlocks, sidehill and switchbacks with views of the creek below. The trail then went up Foster Hollow, a mossy creek with many cascades in higher water. At the forks in Foster Hollow, we rejoined the BFT and turned left onto it. There is also a campsite here. But the climb continued and the heat of the day began to wear on us. Tyler took a break and I soon followed. Theresa promptly followed our lead. I laid down and felt like I could go right to sleep. The forest above began to spin. I really wasn’t sure if I could get back up, but Tyler gave me some Sour Patch Kids and I felt immediately revived as the high fructose corn syrup pumped through my veins.
We finished the rest of the climb, our last one, and passed a small pond. We reached another view and met the two female backpackers, who were very friendly. They were from Maryland and it was their first time in the Pine Creek area. They commented on the beauty of the region, and warned us about the steep descent coming up. I ominously said, “I know”, having done it a few years ago. Theresa offered them some snacks, but they said they already had too much food, so I said maybe they could give us some snacks. They were about to, but I said I was only kidding.
The descent soon came, and it was steep, as we dropped down the spine of the mountain. The final view appeared and it was stunning, a 250 degree view of Slate Run and Pine Creek in the distance. We were surrounded by mountains. It was incredible. Theresa and Tyler were awestruck. We dropped down to Slate Run Road and crossed it. The hike from here was easier as we explored scenic forests with mushrooms and hemlocks. The easy terrain was most appreciated. The trail meandered through pine forests, passed behind a cabin, and brought us to a paved road that we took down to Slate Run to complete the hike.
This is one of my favorite hikes due to its scenery, challenging nature, and diverse features. There are eight vistas, waterfalls, cascades, beautiful forests, a small pond, swimming hole, diverse terrain, gorges, cliffs and rock overhangs, scenic streams, old quarries, and excellent camping. I never felt bored on this hike. Even if you don’t want to dayhike it, you can easily make this a superb overnight backpack. After hiking this gem, go to Slate Run for a celebratory meal.
Where is the next Superloop? Stay tuned.
For the map above, V=vista, C=campsite, blue dots are cascades or waterfalls, brown is an unmarked trail to Manor Falls. Parking is at 41.471321, -77.502436.
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View this post on InstagramThe gorge where Manor Fork meets Slate Run.
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View this post on InstagramView over Slate Run from the Black Forest Trail. Nearing the end of the beautiful Slate Run Loop.
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View this post on InstagramBlack Forest Trail, Tiadaghton State Forest
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View this post on InstagramVast plateaus. Black Forest Trail.
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August 28, 2020
Fork Hill-Stone Quarry Run Loop (Tioga State Forest)
This is another enjoyable hike you can do from the village of Blackwell, which is surrounded by great hiking whether it be Gillespie Point, Bohen Run and Jerry Run Falls, or the West Rim Trail. This loop follows a recent re-route of the Mid State Trail up Fork Hill, offering a nice view from Johnson Cliff. You can extend the hike with a spur to another view over the PA Grand Canyon.
From the parking area in Blackwell, walk up the road and turn left onto the Pine Creek Trail, a rail trail. Then turn right at an impressive wooden staircase on the Mid State Trail (MST) which is blazed orange. This is also the Great Eastern Trail, stretching from Alabama to New York. Begin the climb up Fork Hill with a mixture of sidehill, switchbacks, and walking up the spine of the mountain. Along the way, pass an old quarry and some unique rock outcrops. The climb is tough, but the trail levels and you reach Johnson Cliff and the fine views to the south. The MST now follows an old jeep road and passes an old communication antenna. The terrain is level and rolling. Reach an open meadow, where the MST turns left and gradually descends to Stone Quarry Run with some large pine trees. Also reach an intersection with the Stone Quarry Run Trail, blazed yellow. If you only want to hike the loop, turn left here. If you want to see the additional spur, continue straight on the MST.
The MST explores large hardwoods. Reach a yellow trail to the left, follow it. It is a spur that ends at a nice view on the east rim of the PA Grand Canyon. There was a second view just further, which looked south, but it is mostly overgrown. Return the way you came.
Descend on the yellow Stone Quarry Run Trail, with a steep gorge below. It was beautiful to have views of the gorge through the trees. At the bottom, the trail switchbacks and becomes steeper right before ending at the rail trail. Here, there is a falls for you to enjoy. I’ve read there is another falls upstream, but I have not seen it. Hike the rail trail back to Blackwell and your car.
The loop is about 5-6 miles, and about 7-8 miles if you include the spur to the other view. I recommend doing this hike when Stone Quarry Run is flowing so you can enjoy the falls. Park at 41.556211, -77.381873.
Pine Creek Gorge has so much great hiking. Explore it.
View this post on InstagramGetting my feet wet in the Pine Creek Gorge.
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View this post on InstagramEast rim view of the Pine Creek Gorge along the Mid State Trail. Tioga State Forest.
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View this post on InstagramFalls on Stone Quarry Run, Mid State Trail. Tioga State Forest.
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August 3, 2020
Hike to Tamarack Falls-Loyalsock State Forest
Tamarack Falls is one of the most scenic falls in the Loyalsock State Forest. At about 20 feet or so in height, the falls is located in a beautiful grotto of fractured rock with hemlocks. The trail to it easy and very enjoyable, if you can find it. This is the easiest and most scenic route to the falls. It is neither marked or signed, but does follow an obvious old forest grade to the top of the falls. Hemlocks adorn this trail, making this hike very enjoyable. You may notice some orange plastic flagging along the trail.
The trail is level and then descends gradually until it nears Tamarack Run. The trail then descends along the creek. The grade fades out, but simply follow the creek downstream along a path to the top of the falls. The trail then switchbacks down along some ledges to the bottom of the falls. The gorge is rugged with lots of rocks and cascades. Enjoy the cave-like overhang in the grotto. There are no other sizeable falls downstream, but there are more cascades. Return the way you came.
This hike is short, about .6 mile, one way. There is no established parking along the road, pull off as best you can. The trail, or old grade, meets Loyalsock Road at about 41.472756, -76.528259. The above map is by Ben Van Riper.
View this post on InstagramNever tire of Tamarack Falls, a unique falls. Loyalsock State Forest.
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July 1, 2020
Golden Eagle and Hilborn Superloop-Tiadaghton State Forest
This rugged, beautiful loop combines the classic Golden Eagle Trail and the Hilborn Trails and should be on the list of any hiker looking for a challenge. Along it are stunning views, deep gorges, old growth trees, and cascades. And it can only really be dayhiked, adding to the challenge. Camping is not allowed on the game lands or the Golden Eagle Trail. There are some state forest lands along the Dragons Back Trail that may allow camping, but there are no established sites. Theresa joined me on this hike.
We began by hiking the orange blazed Golden Eagle Trail (GET) counterclockwise. We trekked up to Ravenshorn, passing several trail runners. After enjoying the views, we descended on the narrow ridge passing rock formations down to Wolf Run. The trail along Wolf Run is a favorite, with beautiful cascades and slides in a deep gorge. Wolf Run can be dry in the summer. As we hiked up the run, we enjoyed some giant hemlock and pine trees. At the top, we saw a nice view and then hiked a grassy forest road to beautiful Beulahland Vista, probably the most bucolic and serene vista you could hope to find. We did a quick side hike to Bonnell Run Vista where we saw a group of Amish hikers.
We retraced our steps back to grassy Beulahland Road, which is not blazed. We hiked it for over a mile until there was a road climbing to the left, we took it. It brought us to stunning Twin Mountain Vista, a favorite of the hike. It reminded me of being in the Catskills. The trail now followed an unblazed ATV trail, but it was easy to follow as we hiked the ridge and made a short climb, and then a gradual descent to another great view from a meadow. The descent steepened to a great view looking across the gorge of Hilborn Run. From there, the trail became very steep as it threaded its way down to the rail trail.
We took a break at the rail trail where a sign pointed us towards the Hilborn Run Trail; again, not blazed but easy to follow. At first the trail was a gradual climb as it entered the gorge. We took a side trail to the left which brought us into the heart of the gorge, it was beautiful but not the right route. We returned to the proper trail. The climb began to get steeper, but never as steep as the Hilborn Bald Trail. We enjoyed some giant hemlock trees and the climb seemed relentless. We finally reached the top and the GET where we saw two hikers, but our route took us right onto a grassy forest road, which was unblazed. The yellow blazed trail began where the forest road ended.
We hiked the ridge which gradually became narrower above the Pine Creek Gorge. We then ran into Ericks and Dave, who were thruhiking the PA Wilds Trail. They were getting close to the end of their incredible journey and were looking a little tired. After talking, we headed down to Webber’s Vista, named after Pine Creek icon Bob Webber who built many of the trails in the area. The view was great as it looked down on Slate Run.
Next was the descent of Quarry Mountain Trail, but first we went straight on an old road along the ridge to enjoy an incredible view looking up Slate Run. The descent was moderate as we switchbacked down the mountain to PA 414. We crossed the road and followed the rail trail to the left enjoying wildflowers, an old cemetery and great views of beautiful Pine Creek as people fished and kayaked. This area is incredible.
The rail trail brought us back to the cars, ending our exhausting but beautiful hike.
This hike is about 16 miles long and has about 7,000 vertical feet of climbing and descending. It is one of the most challenging and beautiful dayhikes you can do in the state. After finishing, celebrate with a meal and beverages in Slate Run or Waterville.
Parking is at 41.438796, -77.510714. For the map above, brown trails are not blazed, but are easy to follow.
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View this post on InstagramWe all need more Pine Creek in our lives. Golden Eagle Trail.
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View this post on InstagramRavens Horn, Golden Eagle Trail.
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View this post on InstagramMore views on our off trail hike from the Dragon's Back Trail. Love PA. Pine Creek Gorge.
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View this post on InstagramWow! Looking straight up Slate Run. Short off trail hike from Dragon's Back Trail.
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View this post on InstagramBeulahland Vista is the type of place where you can sit all day. So peaceful. Golden Eagle Trail.
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June 10, 2020
Lock Branch and Summerson Loop-Hammersley Wild Area
This is a great loop for hikers who like isolation, streams, gorges and forests. While there aren’t any views or towering waterfalls, you will see beautiful forests of hemlock and pine, the stunning old growth forests of the Dutlinger Natural Area, and cascades along scenic Summerson Branch. The loop is about 10.5 miles long.
The hike begins off of Trout Run Rd. There is a small pull off, or you can drive down a camp road to park and begin the hike. The trail is blazed yellow. Cross Trout Run, there is no bridge, and follow the road to a car camping area. Veer right and cross the creek to begin a gradual climb on the Lock Branch Trail. The trail follows an obvious grade and makes a steady climb; as far as climbs go, this one is almost enjoyable. The trail hugs the side of a steep, narrow gorge and passes through forests of stately hardwoods and tunnels of hemlock and pine. It is a beautiful hike. In winter there would be views of the gorge through the trees. Some small side streams cascade down, but they only have water after a heavy rain.
At the top, the trail levels off in a beautiful hemlock forest with some small spring fed streams. A slight climb brings you to another tunnel of hemlock and pine. After that is a grove of old growth hemlock, a beautiful spot with towering trees. Cross a pipeline swath with a trail sign and short push through some moderately thick laurel. Reach a meadow with a small concrete obelisk for the Texaco Co. The trail veers left and re-enters hemlock forests. Reach a trail sign for the Beech Bottom Trail, turn right to hike this spur down into the old growth hemlock forest.
This trail is also blazed yellow and is a little hard to follow at first, but the blazes are there. We hiked down to the trail register and returned to the loop. Enjoy this spectacular old growth hemlock forests- a true cathedral of trees.
Back on the loop, we continued on an old forest road with some yellow blazes. Soon, the trail was unblazed, but still easy to follow. There was laurel, hemlock and pine. We reached an intersection with an old forest road with a trail sign (if hiking clockwise, this juncture can be easy to miss). Turn right here; this was unblazed as well, but easy to follow. This trail, the Trout Ridge Trail, was more open with meadows and hardwoods. We dropped down into a valley and reached a trail sign for the Summerson Trail, on which we turned left.
This yellow trail was not as established as the others, but we were able to navigate it. It descended down the valley and soon mossy cascades appeared along the clear creek. The hike was scenic. At times we followed an old grade with original stonework. We really enjoyed the isolated nature of this valley. Soon, the cascades grew larger with mossy boulders, and hemlocks became more common. This is a beautiful valley. There are a few stream crossings, but nothing too difficult. Some advice- before Lock Branch joins from the left, the trail ascends onto some narrow, sketchy sidehill. It is not an ideal trail. Just stay along the creek, it is easier and more scenic. Return to the trail where Lock Branch joins Summerson Run.
The trail descends along the valley and across a meadow. Reach the car camping area and complete the loop.
Pull off parking is roughly at 41.445994, -77.932090.
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View this post on InstagramAmong the giants. Old growth hemlock forests at the Dutlinger Natural Area.
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June 9, 2020
Hike to Twin Sisters Vista-Hammersley Meadows (Susquehannock State Forest)
This is an easy to moderate hike that leads to spectacular mountaintop meadows and beautiful views across the Hammersley Wild Area. This is a truly unique place in Pennsylvania. The hike is about 2.5 miles one way.
From Red Ridge Road, follow the yellow blazed trail; you’ll also notice new orange blazes. The terrain is hilly as the trail goes through hemlock groves and under forests of some huge hardwoods. It is a beautiful forest hike. The trail crosses the side of the valleys and gorges, allowing you to look down through the open forests with glades of ferns. In one place, the trail follows an old grade with original stonework.
Reach a sign indicating the meadows were created by a fire in the 1960s. The trail crosses what I call the north meadow. Enjoy the stunning views, with the ridges, knobs, and peaks over deep gorges and valleys. In the valley below is the Susquehannock Trail. The trail continues across the north meadow and then reaches the corner of the south meadow before entering the woods. The Twin Sisters Trail continues south and eventually meets the Susquehannock Trail.
I suggest you go off trail to explore both meadows (red on the map). I really enjoy the expansive views from the south meadow, which is an ideal place for sunsets. In spring, you will see many painted trilliums growing in the meadow. For the north meadow, climb to the top for 30-40 mile views. Keep in mind that pickers grow in parts of the north meadow. If you want more of an adventure, descend along the northern edge of the north meadow along a ridge to more meadows with views down the canyon of Hammersley Fork.
This is a place where you will want to linger and enjoy. On our visit, some people were camping at the meadows and I was a little bit jealous. Beautiful clouds swept across the horizon and I could see distant rainstorms drifting across the wild area.
The Hammersley Wild Area is a special place, a sanctuary in Northern Appalachia. Explore and enjoy it.
Parking is at 41.572678, -77.847954. Red Ridge and Windfall Roads are in good shape. Avoid McConnell Road as sections are in poor shape.
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View this post on InstagramTwin Sisters Trail at the meadows. Hammersley Wild Area.
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View this post on InstagramViews from the top of the north meadow. Twin Sisters Trail, Hammersley Wild Area.
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