Hiking Cedar Run-Tioga State Forest
Cedar Run is a tributary of Pine Creek, it is known for its scenery and trout fishing. Cedar Run flows through a deep canyon in the Tioga State Forest. I’ve heard rumors of the beauty of this stream, and decided to check it out myself. This hike comprised of walking up Cedar Run itself, often in the water, and then returning via Leetonia Road. This hike is about 7 miles in total.
I found a place to pull off along Leetonia Road and simply walked off trail down to Cedar Run. I encountered a steep cliff, but took a more gradual deer path down to the creek. From there I simply walked upstream. The water was clear and pristine, not to mention refreshing on such a warm day. As I walked upstream, the scenery of Cedar Run revealed itself with deep, translucent pools, and towering grottos and cliffs. There were deep forests of large hemlock and pine. This section of Cedar does not have any waterfalls on it, or large rapids.
Whenever the creek made a bend, there seemed to be cliffs and deep pools. At times I walked along the bank above the creek when the terrain allowed. As I walked up the creek, I saw a flock of fifteen mergansers. I was pushing them up the creek, and they clearly wanted to go down. I hiked up the bank, and let them pass downstream. They scurried through the water, leaving a wake of bubbling foam.
As I continued upstream, the scenery continued to impress. Despite Leetonia Road being close by, I felt I was in the midst of a vast wilderness. This hike was beautiful, and relaxing. By the time I reached Straight Run on the right, the cliffs and grottos had largely receded to steep wooded hillsides. I then hiked up to Tumbling Run, which featured a twenty foot falls and a cabin perched above it. A truly beautiful spot.
I continued upstream to Long Branch and left Cedar Run. I hiked up Long Branch and scrambled up to the red blazed Long Branch Trail. Up Long Branch was a beautiful ten foot falls. I hiked the Long Branch Trail out to Mine Hole Road, turned left, and hiked a short distance to Leetonia Road, which I then walked back to my car.
This is an ideal summer “crick walk” when the water is low. Do not attempt in high water. Cedar Run is a beautiful creek that you will enjoy.
I parked at or about 41.530243, -77.453171.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 20, 2019 at 3:02pm PDT
View this post on InstagramDown in the gorge of Cedar Run. Awesome day exploring the PA Wilds.
A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 20, 2019 at 6:23pm PDT
View this post on InstagramClear deep waters of Cedar Run. Tioga State Forest.
A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 20, 2019 at 8:00pm PDT
View this post on InstagramForests along Cedar Run. There were huge pine trees along the creek. Tioga State Forest.
A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 21, 2019 at 4:05am PDT
View this post on InstagramScenery of Cedar Run, Tioga State Forest.
A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 21, 2019 at 12:37pm PDT
View this post on InstagramTumbling Run, living up to its name. Cedar Run, Tioga State Forest.
A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 21, 2019 at 12:40pm PDT
View this post on InstagramThe perfect place for a cabin. If I lived here, I might never leave. Cedar Run, Tioga State Forest.
A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 21, 2019 at 12:43pm PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 21, 2019 at 12:54pm PDT
View this post on InstagramViews over Cedar Run, Tioga State Forest.
A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Jul 21, 2019 at 12:57pm PDT
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