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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