Bear Creek Preserve-Hike the Purple and Grey Loop

Bear Creek Preserve has become a hiking destination thanks to its network of trails, scenic beauty, and accessibility.  While most people do a loop on the grey, red, and yellow trails around Shades Creek, there is another loop you can do that I think is even more isolated and diverse. 

This loop follows the purple and grey trails, and the pipeline swath.  This hike begins at the parking area along White Haven Road.  Park at 41.160327, -75.734372.  This loop is about 8.5 miles long.

Follow the purple trail across a pipeline swath and into the woods.  Reach a glen with a seasonal ten foot falls that you can go behind.  Hike among laurel and hemlock and re-enter the open hardwoods along a pleasant trail.   Reach the red trail and follow the purple trail right down along rock outcrops and into hemlocks.  Enjoy views of Bear Creek and cross Shades Creek on a log bridge.  Large rocks and ledges are off to the left.  Reach beaver dams and meadows with fine views.  The trail enters large meadows near the Francis Walter Reservoir.  When the reservoir is filled, this is very scenic.  When the reservoir is drawn down in winter, it has a post-apocalyptic feel to it.  The trail turns right and enters open hardwoods and begins a long gradual climb. 

The purple trail descends to a gray trail, turn right onto it and reach the pipeline swath.  Walk the swath which offers a change of scenery and opportunities to see wildlife and wildflowers.  Descend into Shades Creek valley and reach wet areas.  Look left for the grey trail, it can be easy to miss.  Follow this trail into gorgeous hemlocks along a creek to the right and ledges to the left.  Continue on the gray trail along Shades Creek.  This trail is so beautiful with cascades, slides, pools, hemlocks and rhododendron jungles.  It is an absolute joy to hike.  Continue on the gray trail pass the waterfall and onto the swinging bridge with great views over Shades Creek.  Turn left onto the red trail and rejoin the purple trail.  Turn right onto this trail to go back to your car.

Bear Creek Preserve is an amazing place that we are lucky to have.  

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