Hike to Nanny Run Vista-Elk State Forest

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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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Nanny Run Vista. Steep climb to a fine view over deep gorges and canyons. The size and scale of the plateaus impressed me. I enjoyed the sunset in a chilly breeze and hiked out in the dark. A day well spent in the PA Wilds. Elk State Forest.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Nov 1, 2020 at 6:45am PST

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Nanny Run Vista. Elk State Forest.

A post shared by Jeff Mitchell-Outdoors Author (@hiking_mitch) on Nov 1, 2020 at 7:08am PST