Hike the Pole Bridge, Shanerburg Run, and Rusty Run Falls Loop-Loyalsock State Forest

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Hike the Pole Bridge, Shanerburg Run, and Rusty Run Falls Loop-Loyalsock State Forest

Top drop of Rusty Run Falls

Length: Approx. 9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking: Small lot at 41.452459, -76.530315 or 41.452789, -76.530178

Trail conditions: Mostly good, some sections are unblazed but obvious. Pole Bridge Trail is “followable”. Expect blowdowns. This loop has several turns, but no off trail hiking.

Blazes: Red, or unblazed.

Issues: Several stream crossings without bridges, particularly along Shanerburg Run.

Highlights: scenic streams, waterfalls, hemlock and spruce forests, meadow, cascades, isolation.

Direction of description: I recommend you go clockwise because Point B is easy to miss going counterclockwise.

Description: This isolated loop is ideal for those looking to explore somewhere different, it combines a variety of trails to make an enjoyable loop. From the parking area, hike up Route 154 to a cabin on the right. Don’t go up the driveway, rather punch through the hemlocks to the left of the driveway (Point A) and follow a grade. This is the old Pole Bridge Trail, which is blazed red. While officially abandoned, it still exists and is fairly well blazed. Follow the grade high above the creek. Enter hemlock forests with some large trees. There are blowdowns along the trail. The creek comes closer, but you need to hike off trail to see it. There are many cascades and rapids, but no large falls. Regardless, Pole Bridge Run is beautiful with a primeval, isolated feel.

Cross the creek and climb a grade with more hemlocks. At the top of the climb, there are no blazes, but the grade is obvious. Reach Point B, at the bridle trail and turn left, onto a forest road. The road goes through a logged area but returns to the forest and winds down the mountain under hemlocks. At the bottom, make a sharp left along Shanerburg Run.

This next section is gorgeous with deep hemlocks, moss, and spruce. The creek is often close and there are several creek crossings. In one area, the trail may have been rerouted around a floodplain area, look for blazes or follow the blacked-out ones. Reach a scenic meadow with old apple trees. It was not wet on my hike. Reach the juncture of Rusty and Shanerburg Run, a stunning spot with cascades and a pool. I suggest following the unofficial, obvious trail to the right along Rusty Run. It is a scenic shortcut. Return to the red bridle trail and turn right on the road. Cross the creek. At the next bend, an unblazed trail to the left goes to beautiful Rusty Run. Upper Rusty Run Falls is just upstream.

Back on the bridle trail, follow it to Shanerburg Road and turn left. Follow the road to Campsite 693 and turn right. Follow the obvious, unblazed grade behind the campsite and reach the bridle trail at a sign. Turn right and descend into hemlocks. Wind through a glen and enter a hemlock tunnel. Descend to a more open forest with hemlocks and reach a sharp right turn. In the glen off to the left is a 12 foot falls, Bridle Falls. It is worth seeing. Descend to Shanerburg Run, hike along it, cross it, and turn left on the road back to your car.