Hike the West Branch Forest Preserve-The Nature Conservancy

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Hike the West Branch Forest Preserve-The Nature Conservancy

Length: Approx. 14 miles

Blazes: Donut Hole Trail is orange, other trails are not blazed.

Highlights: Views, gorges, cascades.

Parking: 41.323858, -77.575713. The road to the parking area can be a little rough and impassable if there is snow or ice. A vehicle with some clearance is a good idea.

Issues: Many trails are not blazed and trail junctures often do not have signs.

Level of challenge: Overall this is a moderate to difficult hike.

Description: The West Branch Forest preserve is a large property owned by the Nature Conservancy, located east of Hyner View. There are deep gorges, cascading streams, views, and isolation. It is a great destination for the more experienced hiker. There are several trails, with the most notable being the Donut Hole Trail; this 100 mile trail passes through the preserve.

From the kiosk, follow an unblazed trail along an old forest road. Ascend gradually and reach the top. Notice an unblazed old forest road to the left, it is the Middle Mountain Overlook Trail. This spur trail follows the ridge with some meadows, crosses a dense grassy meadow, and reaches some partial views. Overall, it may not be worth it.

Reach the orange DHT and turn left. Follow a narrow ridge along a pipeline swath. When the trees are bare, there are views off of both sides. Reach a fine view at the end of the ridge. Descend and follow a very long switchback along an old forest grade. Descend more steeply to Richie Run and then hike above it. Cross Bear Pen Run and hike more closely to scenic Richie Run. Enjoy the hemlocks and cascades. It can be easy to miss where the DHT crosses Richie Run. It is a good idea to follow the unblazed Richie Run Trail upstream several hundred feet to see more cascades and small waterfalls. A trail is barely perceptible.

The DHT makes a long climb out of the gorge along sidehill that clings to the steep slopes. When the trees are bare, it is striking how narrow the gorge is. Pass a cabin and follow a mossy road to the top. Turn right on Sugar Camp Road, and another left on an old forest road to South Overlook Trail. This hike is worth it as the view is beautiful, and perfect for sunsets as it overlooks the ridges and gorges to the west.

Return to Sugar Camp Road and follow it back to the parking area. The West Branch Forest Preserve is an off the radar destination, but perfect for those looking for a challenging, scenic, and isolated hike.