Thomas Run Falls and Little Schrader Creek-SGL 12

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Black follows gravel or logging roads.  Red is off trail.  Yellow is an established trail up along Little Schrader Creek; it is not blazed or signed.

Southern Bradford County is home to SGL 12 and 36, vast public lands that feature remarkable natural beauty. Near the former logging town of Laquin, now a shadow of its former self with only a few homes and cabins, is an isolated hike to beautiful streams and waterfalls. Laquin was once home to 2,000 people, now, you will likely have this hike all to yourself.

From the game commission parking area, hike around the gate and simply follow the gravel road, which was once a railroad. After a half mile, cross Little Schrader Creek on a bridge and see a distinct path to your right crossing a small meadow. Remember this spot for your return from Thomas Run Falls, for it is the trail to the falls and cascades on Little Schrader Creek.

Continue hiking the road. Overall, it is a nice hike. One highlight are some large meadows which offer views, not to mention opportunities to see wildlife and birds. Reach a new logging road to your right (located at about 41.604664, -76.675140). Turn right and follow for a thousand feet until the road makes a sharp right turn. Here, go off trail to the left; there may be an old grade. You will soon reach Thomas Run. Hike off trail up the run. You will enter a gorge with cascades and boulders. Cliffs loom overhead. Thomas Run Falls soon comes into view and it is a beautiful setting. Counting the cascades just downstream, the height of the falls is 20-25 feet. What is unique is that you are gorged in, there is no safe way to hike above the falls as it is surrounded by cliffs. It is a truly beautiful, out of the way spot. The falls are located at about 41.606006, -76.681902. Return the way you came.

Back at Little Schrader Creek, take the path across the meadow, now on your left. The path has no blazes or signs, but it is well established. The path follows impressive old grades with huge stone retaining walls, some of which are collapsing. Enter an impressive gorge with rapids, cliffs, and cascades. The first falls is a narrow chute with overhanging ledges and a deep pool. The path continues across another meadow and into a second gorge with another falls and pool. It is hard to get good photos of both falls due to their position. Little Schrader Creek is very scenic and is well worth the hike. It is described in Hiking the Endless Mountains. Return the way you came.

Park at 41.624435, -76.659780. The hike is about two miles, one way, to Thomas Run Falls. No trails have signs or blazes.

Photos and video:

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Introducing Thomas Run Falls in SGL 12, near Laquin. Including the lower cascade, not in the photo, about 20 to 25 feet tall. Located in a beautiful glen that is completely surrounded by cliffs. I drove up here after paddling the Loyalsock, got back to my car just before the storms hit.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jun 1, 2019 at 6:58pm PDT

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Schrader Creek wilderness, on the hike to Thomas Run. SGL 12.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jun 2, 2019 at 6:02am PDT

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Hiking up the beautiful glen of Thomas Run to the falls. SGL 12.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jun 2, 2019 at 6:07am PDT

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More shots of Thomas Run Falls, a beautiful spot in SGL 12.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jun 2, 2019 at 6:14am PDT

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Thomas Run Falls, SGL 12.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jun 2, 2019 at 6:24am PDT

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Storms approaching. Schrader Creek meadows, miles from anyone. SGL 12.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jun 2, 2019 at 6:30am PDT

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A trail for National Trails Day. If hiking to Thomas Run, the hike up into the beautiful gorge of Little Schrader Creek is a must. SGL 12.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jun 2, 2019 at 6:36am PDT

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Little Schrader Creek is beautiful with two falls, deep pools, several slides, and gorges. SGL 12.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jun 2, 2019 at 8:01am PDT