Hike to Grays Run Vista-Loyalsock State Forest

Backpacking the Quehanna West Loop Dayhike the Appalachian and South Tra...

Hike to Grays Run Vista-Loyalsock State Forest

Grays Run Vista, Loyalsock State Forest

Length: Roughly 1.5 miles, one way from Twin Fawn Lodge. Length variable depending on route taken.

Trail conditions: This is an off trail trek, there are no signs or blazes. You should have experience with route finding and off trail hiking. This route follows a creek, an old grade, and a faint trail to the vista.

Difficulty: Challenging with steep, rocky slopes, and mountain laurel bushes. Terrain is rugged, hike is difficult.

Parking: Pull off parking can be found approximately at 41.464514, -77.018050 . You can try to find a place to pull off closer to Twin Fawn Lodge. Past the lodge, the Grays Run Road enters private property.

Highlights: a gorgeous view and cascades when the creek is running.

Another route: I’ve heard it is easier to hike in from the top, from Bodine Mountain Road, but I did not go that way.

Description: This hike leads to one of the finest views in the Loyalsock State Forest. It is an off trail hike. To begin, follow the driveway to Twin Fawn Lodge and cross the creek on a bridge. Give the lodge a wide berth and avoid this hike during prime hunting seasons, like rifle season for deer. The lodge appears to be a leased cabin site on state forest land.

Veer left from the lodge through barberry and enter Turntable Hollow. Hike on the south side of the creek and reach some moderately sized boulders. Above are nice cascades through boulders. Cross the creek and work up the hill. The goal is to find an old grade that angles northeast up the slope. The grades in the hollow are often lined with stones. If you find the grade, follow it to the middle rim of the plateau into laurel. The laurel is moderately thick. At the rim, look for a faint footpath to the left, heading west, along the rim. Follow it.

The laurel recedes and the forest becomes open. Stay along the same approximate elevation. Reach the view, it is located approximately at 41.484412, -77.020635 . The view is impressive, looking down the isolated valley of Grays Run with a series of furrowed ridges. It looks south. The best times for this view are morning when fog might linger in the valley, or sunset when light shines on the furrowed eastern wall of the valley. Return the way you came.

The western edge of the Loyalsock State Forest is often overlooked by hikers but it has some great scenery. While in the area, you might want to explore one of the crown jewels of the Loyalsock, the stunning Frozen Run Gorge.