Region: Mid-Atlantic (Adirondack Park, New York)

Length: 50 miles (3 to 4 days)

Physical Difficulty: Easy

Logistical Difficulty: Easy

Season: Spring, summer, fall

Net Elevation Gain: 4,094 feet

Hiking the Cranberry Lake 50

The Cranberry Lake 50 is in the northern reaches of Adirondack Park, but doesn’t have the soaring mountains of the park’s High Peaks. What it does have is a gently rolling up and down trail with campsites spread out on Cranberry Lake and the many ponds surrounding it.

I met six people while hiking, so this doesn’t have the crowds of the High Peaks. One hiker said this is what drew him to the route.

Trailhead access is from Wanakena and Cranberry Lake, small villages with friendly people and seasonal homes lining the northern shore of the lake. The roadwalk through Wanakena is along quiet roads, and people in homes and passing cars waved to me, asked me if I was “hiking the 50,” and offered water. Most of the walk through Cranberry Lake is on Route 3, a busy two-lane highway with wide bike lanes for walking so there’s less interaction with people in the village.

I parked at the Gilbert Tract trailhead on Route 3 east of Cranberry Lake. My car was the only one in the lot on Wednesday morning; four other cars were parked there when I returned the following Saturday.

The trail from the Gilbert Tract trailhead meanders through hardwood forests and bogs, with plank bridges providing dry passage through the bogs. The first Cranberry Lake campsites are about four miles in on Brandy Brook Flow. A few miles later a side trail leads one mile to East Inlet and more campsites on the lake.

The trail heads away from the lake and begins crossing ridges, passing Curtis and Dog ponds, both with small campsites. I stayed my first night at Dog Pond with two other hikers on flat shoreline rock ledges while resting after a roughly 12-mile day. The next campsite was about 6.5 miles away at Chair Rock Flow on Cranberry Lake, and I didn’t have it in me to continue. So I ate supper by the pond and watched the sunset.

The second day I headed out early with no specific destination. Lean-tos at Olmstead and Cowhorn ponds, campsites at Cat Mountain and Glasby ponds, and lean-tos and campsites at High Falls were all possibilities. This section of the trail has the most elevation gain of the hike, but it wasn’t anything that beat me up.

The trail passed through wilderness forests, at times on what appeared to be old logging roads. Shortly after passing Cat Mountain Pond I had a decision to make: hike the 1.4-mile round-trip spur trail up Cat Mountain (2,257 feet) or continue on to camp at High Falls. I chose the mountain, and the trail was moderately steep with a short rock scramble near the top. The view from the rock ledges on the mountaintop took in the Five Ponds Wilderness to the south, an area I’ve often thought about visiting. And if I had set aside more than four days for this trip, that would have been a possibility.

Once down from the mountain I decided that hiking on to High Falls was out and I headed for Glasby Pond, less than a mile away. The campsite at Glasby Pond is small, but has a short path to the pond, where I filtered water, ate supper, and chatted with another hiker spending the night. In the morning I had breakfast by the pond and watched the sunrise. Total miles for the day (including Cat Mountain) was about 16.

Day 3 was an easy hike to High Falls, about .4 of a mile off the CL50, and the trip was well worth it to see the falls on the Oswegatchie River. This is a popular overnight site, with lean-tos and several campsites.

Back on the 50 the trail follows a mostly straight, flat line about nine miles to Wanakena. Along the way the trail crosses several beaver dams, with the water flowing over the dams ranging from ankle deep to higher, depending on the amount of recent rain. The worst crossing was ankle deep when I went through.

The hike to Wanakena was easy, but I found the flat trail and scenery monotonous. Plus I was pushing myself to to rack up miles to have an easy last day back to my car. Passing through Wanakena cheered me up as I found the people ready with a wave or hello. I regret not stopping for a drink and snack at Otto’s Abode.

My day ended at the tent site near loop 1 on the Peavine Swamp Trail, a nice spot but the only campsite I saw on the 50 that was not on the water. While falling asleep I heard barred owls screeching on one side of the campsite and traffic on nearby Route 3 on the other side. Total miles for the day was about 17.

The fourth day was an easy six-ish miles through woods and on roads back to my car east of Cranberry Lake. I made sure to stop for a snack and drink at the Lakeside General Store, right on the trail on Route 3. It’s a popular stop for CL50 hikers in summer, but hiker visitors had dropped off by the time I stopped by.

How to Get to the Cranberry Lake 50

Find it: Wanakena and Cranberry Lake

Closest city: 2.5 hours north of Syracuse, New York.

You can also start from Albany (3.25 hours) or Plattsburg (2 hours). All three cities have airports, but you’ll be driving from there to Wanakena and Cranberry Lake.

Parking: There are several spots for parking in Wanakena and Cranberry Lake. I parked at the Gilbert Tract trailhead.

• Recreation area on South Shore Road in Wanakena
• Peavine Swamp trailhead on Route 3 west of Cranberry Lake
• Department of Environmental Conservation boat launch on Columbian Road in Cranberry Lake
• Gilbert Tract trailhead on Route 3 a short walk east of Cranberry Lake
• Burntbridge Pond/Brandy Brook trailhead, on Route 3 about 2 miles east of Cranberry Lake. This involves a short hike to the 50.

About the Cranberry Lake 50

The Cranberry Lake 50 is a collection of existing trails in the Five Ponds Wilderness and Cranberry Lake Wild Forest within Adirondack Park. The 50 is clearly marked with bold blue trail markers stamped with the number 50 and it’s hard—but not impossible—to miss a turn and go the wrong way at a trail junction. (Yes, I did miss a turn but corrected it.) Clearly marked side trails lead even deeper into the wilderness and campsites on ponds.

The trail is well-maintained, with only a few blowdowns blocking the trail. All were easy to walk over or around.

Cranberry Lake was created in the late 1800s when the Oswegatchie River was dammed, and got its name from the cranberry bogs around the river. The dam now provides hydroelectric power.

When to Hike the Cranberry Lake 50

Spring: May can be a good month for hiking, between the likely last snowfall and before the onset of bugs. March and April can be cold with snow a strong possibility, and the bugs begin swarming in June.

Summer: Buggy, wet, and warm. Some people prefer the summer when they can swim in the ponds.

Fall: My favorite time for hiking. The temperature was in the mid 60s during the day and low 40s at night when I hiked the third week of September. The maple trees around the lakes were ablaze with red and the sky was brilliantly blue for four days. I can’t remember when the last time was I had a string of days like that.

Winter: Hiking the 50 in the winter is possible, but the snow will be deep and the temperatures low. Snowmobiles use some of the trails that make up the 50 so it’s important to watch out for them.

The Cranberry Lake 50 Terrain

The trail from Wanakena to High Falls is on an old logging railroad, and can be tedious in its unrelenting flatness. Several beaver dam crossings can be overflowing with deep water in spring and high-rain summers. Although some hikers avoid going counterclockwise from Wanakena to avoid the certainty of wet shoes early in the hike while crossing the beaver dams, the flat trail is an easy first-day hike. And your shoes are going to get wet eventually along the trail.

The trail from Route 3 in Cranberry Lake also starts with little elevation change along planks through several deep-water bogs. Only after reaching Cranberry Lake in several miles does the trail begin rolling up and down along ridges, and continues that way to Glasby Pond a few miles east of High Falls.

The 50 follows roads in Cranberry Lake and Wanakena, and an easy trail links the two villages.

Logistics: Permits, Camping, Water

Permits: No permits are needed to hike the Cranberry Lake 50.

Camping: Lean-tos at High Falls, Cowhorn Pond, and Olmstead Pond, and primitive campsites at other ponds and Cranberry Lake; most have an open privy, and a few have picnic tables. Campsites are marked on the Cranberry Lake 50 map.

Water: Streams and ponds are spread out along the trail so you don’t have to worry about running short of water. There are several beaver ponds on the trail between High Falls and Wanakena, but I don’t recommend getting water from them. I filtered water drawn from streams running into ponds or away from ponds to avoid beaver activity in the ponds.

Route-finding: Blue discs with 50 inscribed on them are nailed to trees along the trail. The markers are easy to see and it’s rare to hike far without seeing one.

Water Crossings: Bridges span most wide streams. But the beaver dam crossings on the trail between High Falls and Wanakena are covered with water, ranging from ankle deep when I hiked in late September to much deeper in spring and a heavy-rain summer.

Know Before You Go

Clockwise or Counterclockwise?: There’s no right answer. Some people hike clockwise to leave the beaver dam crossings and guaranteed wet feet to the end of the trail. Others go counterclockwise because the trail from Wanakena to High Falls is the flattest section. When I hiked I met three people hiking clockwise (four including me) and three counterclockwise, so it’s really personal preference.

Transportation: Driving your own vehicle is the only practical way to get to the trail.

Cell Reception: Surprisingly good in the village of Cranberry Lake, but I couldn’t get reception anywhere else, including in Wanakena.

Trail Guides: The Cranberry Lake 50 Pocket Guide, by Jamie Savage & Spencer Morrissey, Wildcliff Press, was updated in spring 2023 and sold out almost immediately. Other sources for information are the Western Trails guidebook and the National Geographic Adirondack Park (Old Forge/Oswegatchie) map. I used the National Geographic map for trail mileage and the Cranberry Lake 50 organization trail map available here for campsites and shelters along the trail.

Trail Stops: Otto’s Abode in Wanakena and the Lakeside General Store in Cranberry Lake are right on the trail and are must stops for a cold drink and snacks. Both are near trailhead parking.

Lodging: Packbasket Adventures, 12 South Shore Road Extension, Wanakena. Overnight stays, breakfast, packed lunches. Shuttle to Cranberry Lake 50 trailheads. (315) 848-3488

Wildlife: Moose and bears are in the woods, but they’re seldom seen. Red squirrels are seen much more frequently, especially at campsites where they’re trying to raid food stashes. I carry a bear can and had no problems. A fellow hiker at one campsite had a difficult time finding a suitable spot to hang his food bag. Loons live on the lakes, and their haunting calls fill the forest. And of course beavers are active along the trail.

Trails in the 50: The Cranberry Lake 50 combines existing trails to create a loop around Cranberry Lake. Details on those trails can be found on the CL50 website under trail descriptions.

Regulations: State land hiking and camping regulations for the CL50

The 50 Patch: Register your hike and donate a minimum of $5 to get a patch for completing the Cranberry Lake 50.

Behind the 50: The Cranberry Lake 50 is a project of Five Ponds Partners, created to draw people to northwestern Adirondack Park.

State Campground: The New York State-run Cranberry Lake Campground is off Route 3 in Cranberry Lake.

Don’t Rush: The Cranberry Lake 50 can be hiked in three days and two nights. I did it in 3.5. But there are so many side trails leading to ponds deeper into the wilderness that I could easily see spending a week hiking pond to pond. And if you like to fish that’s even more incentive to stay longer.

Cranberry Lake 50 Resources

The Cranberry Lake 50

Cranberry Lake 50 Facebook group

The Cranberry Lake 50 Pocket Guide by James Savage, a professor at the Ranger School in Wanakena.

Western Trails guidebook

Adirondack Park (Old Forge/Oswegatchie) map

Local weather

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The Mid-State Trail is a 331-mile, orange-blazed footpath traversing some of Pennsylvania’s wildest landscapes from the Maryland border to the New York border. It can be hiked in 3-4 weeks and is part of the Great Eastern Trail, an alternative to the Appalachian Trail.

Region: Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania)
Distance: 331 miles
Season: Four-season with proper gear and skills. Spring, summer, and fall recommended.
Total Elevation Gain: 52,803 feet

Physical Difficulty: Moderate

• Gravel forest roads, bike paths, long flat stretches
• Boulder fields and rocky trail, steep ascents and descents
• Thick brush and tall grass with footpath nonexistent or obscured

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• The MST passes through multiple well-spaced towns (little hitching required)
• FarOut app for navigation through poorly maintained sections
• Camping is illegal on Pennsylvania state game lands, making some sections tough logistically and financially
• Northern and southern termini are country roads with no place to leave a car

Season: Fall, spring, summer. Winter with proper gear and skills.

Hiking the Mid-State Trail

The Mid-State Trail is a lightly traveled footpath bisecting Pennsylvania south to north and is often touted as one of the state’s best-kept secrets. It traverses four geographically distinct regions and yields new and interesting terrain as hikers cross into each one. Many thru-hikers are able to complete the trail in 3-4 weeks, making it a good hike for extended time off. It is part of the longer Great Eastern Trail, an alternative to the Appalachian Trail. 

The Mid-State Trail is not for those searching for a social experience or frequent jaw-dropping views. Hikers looking to complete this trail should bring a buddy or enjoy solitude. While the trail is often close to civilization, towns are highly rural, giving the trail a remote feel that the Appalachian Trail lacks farther east. 

The Mid-State Trail alternates moderate walking on forest roads with tougher hiking on steep inclines and declines and sharp, rocky ridgelines. The many small points of interest on this trail—historical remnants, quiet and scenic state parks, and ecologically unique areas—keep hikers’ interest along the Mid-State Trail. 

Getting to the Mid-State Trail

Southern Terminus

Nearest City: Cumberland, Maryland. ~17 miles from the trail 

Getting to the Southern Terminus: 

The southern terminus is at the Pennsylvania/Maryland border at the intersection of Black Valley Road and Gap Road. The nearest parking is a half mile up the road at Solid Wood Floors and Moulding (814-458-2032), which allows hikers to park across the street. 

A Greyhound bus also runs to Cumberland. From here, a taxi to Flintstone, Maryland, and a 2-mile road walk or hitch could take hikers to the border to start the hike. 

My dad was kind enough to drop my hiking partner and me at the border on Gap Road. This is the simplest option, but people sometimes offer shuttles on the Mid-State Trail Facebook group, and finding a suitable ride here is not out of the question. 

Getting to the Northern Terminus

Nearest City: Corning, New York, ~16 miles from the trail

The northern terminus is at the intersection of Heffner Hollow Road and State Line Road on the Pennsylvania/New York border. There is no parking here. 

There is no public transport to the terminus, so finding a shuttle or getting a ride will be the best option. The Crystal Hills Trail continues north from the border with orange blazes. 

When to Hike the Mid-State Trail

The Mid-State Trail can potentially be hiked in all four seasons. Spring brings clouds of mosquitoes and overgrown trail, but water will be plentiful. Fall and later summer will have less of all of these, but will have sweltering temperatures and high humidity. Pennsylvania winters are typically milder than those in the taller mountains of the Southeast and New England; however, microspikes, snowshoes, gaiters, and winter backpacking experience will all be necessary to hike this trail in the colder months. Frequent, bright orange blazes make the footpath easy to find in the snow. 

Mid-State Trail Terrain

The Mid-State Trail varies between highly mountainous and rocky terrain with steep ascents and descents to road walks along country lanes and isolated forest roads. Some small sections in the Everett region lack a footpath entirely and will have hikers wading through tall brush, though they are mostly well-blazed and not difficult to follow. 

Logistics on the Mid-State Trail

Resupply: While the towns along the Mid-State Trail are mostly small (population > 3,000), Dollar General and similar stores are not difficult to find. If you have a special diet or want more variety, most towns also have post offices that will hold packages for hikers. 

Many resupply points along the MST do not require hitchhiking, with the exception of some larger towns, such as State College and Lock Haven. 

Everett: NOBO Mile 35.4

The trail runs through the town of Everett, which has a Foodliner (full grocery store) and a Sheetz convenience store, as well as a laundromat, pharmacy, and several restaurants. The lean-to in Tenley Park is the last legal camping northbound for 50 miles. 

Post office info: 

814-652-2525

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Sunday, closed

Williamsburg: NOBO Mile 80.2

The trail runs through Williamsburg, which has a Dollar General, lodging (highly recommend the Blue Lantern B&B – 814-937-1825), a laundromat, and a pizza restaurant. 

Post office info:

814-832-3214

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon; Sunday, closed

State College: NOBO Mile 115

Getting to State College is more logistically challenging than most towns along the MST, but the town will have the most amenities, including many options for restaurants, lodging, and resupply. From the Hubler Gap vista, take the Musser Gap Trail to the Musser Gap parking lot, and then the Musser Gap Greenway to the bus stop at The Yards at Old State (apartment complex), about a 3-mile walk. The CATA bus runs Monday to Saturday and the fare as of 2022 is $2.20. https://catabus.com/ for most up-to-date fares and routes. Uber and Lyft should also be abundant in the area. 

Post office info: 

814-238-2435

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, closed

Lock Haven: NOBO Mile 207.9

Hitchhiking or walking west from Route 150 will take you to Lock Haven, which boasts more amenities than neighboring McElhattan or Woolrich, both of which are much closer to the trail. Like State College, Lock Haven is a college town with lodging, restaurants, a town-wide bus service, laundry, and a full grocery. 

Post office info

570-748-8055 

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon; Sunday, closed

Camping: The Mid-State Trail traverses many different types of public lands. On state forest lands, impact sites are spaced approximately every 10 miles, and many are marked on the FarOut app. About 70 miles of trail in the southern half traverses state game lands, where it is illegal to camp, and off-trail lodging arrangements must be made. Some options to work around this include: 

Tenley Park Shelter: NOBO Mile 35.4

Hikers may stay for free at this three-sided lean-to in Tenley Park on the edge of the town of Everett. Call the Everett Borough at 814-652-9202 to get permission to camp. 

Loysburg Campground: NOBO Mile 50.9

0.2 miles off-trail to an RV campground with a fee of $20 per night. Bathroom amenities and water access are reported to be sporadic. 

Our Place Guesthouse in Martinsburg: NOBO Mile 64.1

Call 814-505-9006 to reserve a room. Pickup point is the state game lands parking lot next to Route 164, 0.6 miles south of the highway crossing. 

Williamsburg: NOBO Mile 80

Dollar General and post office for resupply, Blue Lantern B&B for lodging. Beginning of the Lower Rail Trail section of the MST, which has three-sided lean-tos and water en route. 

Water: While the Mid-State Trail often traverses ridgetops, it dips into plenty of stream valleys, towns, and state parks, and passes by frequent springs. The State College region is the only exception. It traverses the Tussey ridge, where water can be scarce in any season, and a long water carry or a climb down off the ridgetop may be necessary to access water. 

Special Gear: While it may be tempting to hike in shorts in the heat of spring and summer, long pants tucked into long socks come highly recommended–preferably treated with Permethrin. Many sections of the MST are grown in with brush (some of it prickly) and the trail hosts scores of ticks. A sturdy pair of tweezers is also recommended to remove any ticks. 

Know Before You Go

• There is no camping on state game lands. Hikers should plan around this and note that certain sections of trail on private land may be closed during the hunting season. Check the Mid-State Trail Association’s website, Facebook group, or MST’s guide in the FarOut app for the most updated information.
• Ticks abound on the MST. Brightly colored socks and/or gaiters may help you find the dark-colored bloodsuckers crawling before they bite. Permethrin, long pants, and long sleeves are recommended.
• Supply chain issues are preventing the MSTA from printing the latest maps; the FarOut app is the most current option as of this writing. The trail has also undergone several reroutes in the past year, which the MSTA keeps updated in the app.
• Bicycles are not allowed on most parts of MST, except where the route is shared with multi-use paths, such as the Lower Rail Trail.
• The Mid-State Trail was built by a Penn State professor who valued the metric system over the imperial system. All trail signs and measurements on official MST maps are in kilometers and meters.

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The Old Loggers Path is a moderate 27-mile loop hike in northern Pennsylvania. The loop traverses a primarily wooded area, passing waterfalls and vistas along rolling hills, and can be hiked in 2-3 days. 

Region: Mid-Atlantic (Loyalsock State Forest, Pennsylvania)
Length: 27 Miles (2-3 Days)

Physical Difficulty: Moderate

• Some moderate inclines and declines
• Pleasant Stream might pose a challenge to cross depending on recent rainfall and weather
• Plenty of reliable water sources (some seasonal streams may not be available year-round)

Logistical Difficulty: Easy

• Loop hike with parking at trailhead
• Well-maintained trail with orange blazes
• Dispersed camping allowed throughout with two lean-tos available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Spotty cell phone reception (including from the forest entry to the trailhead parking)
• No permits required

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Total Elevation Gain: 3,727 feet

Hiking the Old Loggers Path

Permits: Not required 

The Old Loggers Path is a lovely 27-mile loop hike that can be completed in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction over 2-3 days. Our group of 5 hikers (a mix of beginner and moderate skill levels) enjoyed the wooded path, beautiful vistas, creek crossings, and inclines and descents along the way. The trail is very well-maintained and blazed in orange with signage at key intervals, especially when crossing logging roads. 

Our first day took us about 10 miles from the trailhead at Masten Road and Pleasant Stream Road to the creek crossing at Pleasant Stream. There were two notable climbs to Sprout Point Vista (just off trail) and Sharp Top Vista. There is a lean-to near Sprout Point Vista, available on a first-come basis for camping, but no convenient water source. Sharp Top Vista offers impressive views and an excellent opportunity for a snack break. The trail continues downhill from Sharp Top to Pleasant Stream. There are established sites with spots for several tents available on both sides of Pleasant Stream. Depending on the amount of recent rain the stream crossing should be fairly easily, with crossing options both up and down stream. During our crossing, the water was about knee-deep in some spots (for this 5-foot, 4-inch hiker), but not very rapid. Farther up and down stream there were additional crossing options.  

Day two took our group another 10ish miles from Pleasant Stream, up a climb to Sullivan Mountain, then back down (steep at times) to follow Rock Run Stream. The Sullivan Mountain lookout offered another stunning view of the valley, although be sure to follow the trail closely back into the woods as the turn off the road can be easily overlooked. There are many dispersed sites along the trail as you follow Rock Run, in addition to the first-come, first-served Doe Run Shelter (about mile 17). Our group chose a site with waterfall views where Hawk Run meets Rock Run. This site was a bit of a squeeze for three tents, but doable.

Day three was the final seven miles back to the trailhead. The majority of the day was uphill until the final two-mile descent back to the parking lot. Neither of these were especially steep.

Overall, the Old Loggers Path is an excellent loop hike with moderate terrain and convenient logistics that make for a wonderful (long) weekend trip. Be sure to sign the logbooks along the way to help track trail utilization. 

Getting to the Old Loggers Path

Nearest City: Williamsport, Pennsylvania (34 miles south of the trailhead)

Trailhead: Near the Masten Camping Area at the intersection of Masten Road and Pleasant Stream Road. The trailhead is well-marked and there is ample parking space. Masten Camping Area provides some picnic tables and fireplace. Map it here.

When to Hike the Old Loggers Path

Old Loggers Path is best hiked from spring to fall, but can be hiked in winter too. As long as the state forest roads are passable, the trail is accessible. Our group hiked it April 30 to May 2, 2021, and experienced a range of temperatures (sleeting/hail and 30 degrees at night, to sunny and 60 during the day). Bugs will be bothersome in the spring, especially after rainfall, and in the summer be especially aware of rattlesnakes. 

One-Day Itinerary: With an early start and a light pack, this loop can be completed in one day. At least one trail runner passed us doing just this. 

Two-Day Itinerary: Start in either direction and camp at a dry site at Sullivan Mountain (13-14 miles per day).

Three-Day Itinerary: Start clockwise from trailhead at Masten Campground to Pleasant Stream (10 miles). Pleasant Stream to Rock Run Stream (10-11 miles). Rock Run Stream to Masten Campground trailhead (6-7 miles). 

Old Loggers Path Terrain

Old Loggers Path traverses the Loyalsock State Forest and is mostly wooded. There are several vistas overlooking the surrounding rolling hills and valleys in addition to beautiful streams and waterfalls. The trail is very well-maintained with orange blazes. 

Old Loggers Path Logistics: Resupply, Water, Land Management

Logistics are fairly straightforward for this trip. You will need a car to get to the trailhead, but will return to it at the trailhead upon completion of the loop. Expect minimal cell phone coverage once you enter the state forest. 

Resupply Strategy: None needed. There are no convenient access points into any town, nor are they necessary due to the mileage and loop nature of the trail. Plan to carry what you will need for your entire journey. 

Land Type: The Old Loggers Path is entirely contained in the Loyalsock State Forest. There are no fees associated to access the land or trailhead, and camping is readily available. It is on the native land of the Susquehannock people. 

Water Sources: There is year-round reliable water at Pleasant Stream (mile 0, trailhead), Pleasant Stream (mile 10), all along Rock Run (~20) and numerous seasonal streams throughout the trail. Water is typically plentiful with no long carries. 

Know Before You Go

Note that fires are prohibited (with a “soft ban”) in Pennsylvania state forests from March 1 to May 25 due to fire danger. You may receive verbal permission to have a fire during this time frame if weather conditions permit by calling the state forest office at 570-946-4049 prior to your trip. 

Resources: 

• Loyalsock State Forest
• State Forest Hiking Trails
• Old Loggers Path Guide and Map – PAHikes

Rachel began as a weekend warrior backpacker and has since evolved into a 2020 PCT NOGOer and a successful 2021 Colorado Trail thru-hiker. Currently she works full time in Corporate America, eagerly awaiting her next outdoor adventure.

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The Loyalsock Trail is a 59.2-mile point-to-point hike in north-central Pennsylvania that spans forested ridges, scenic streams, and historic logging roads. The trail features over a dozen waterfalls and can be hiked in 4-6 days.

Region: Mid-Atlantic (Loyalsock State Forest, Pennsylvania)
Distance: 59.2 miles, 4-6 days

Physical Difficulty: Moderate

• Steep, sudden ascents
• Rocky and muddy trail
• Easy but frequent stream crossings

Logistical Difficulty: Easy

• No permit required
• Point-to-point trail (shuttle service available)
• Plentiful water sources

Season: Spring, Summer, Early Fall

Elevation (average): ~1,500 feet
Total Elevation Gain: 12,000 feet

Hiking the Loyalsock Trail

The Loyalsock Trail highlights the best of Pennsylvania hiking: vistas, waterfalls, streams, and regional history. The trail immediately starts off with a bang, gaining 1,200 feet in elevation from the western terminus to about mile 2.5. The ascent is a taste of what’s to come on this challenging but rewarding hike, which is well-blazed with yellow disks and mile markers.

The toughest climbs are clustered in the western half, and the trail grows easier and more beautiful as you head northeast. We hiked at the end of June and found the initial 12-15 miles to be quite overgrown with grass, ferns, stinging nettle, and rhododendron. Smith Knob gives you the first panoramic view of the Loyalsock Valley shortly after mile 6, a welcome break following another brief but heel-busting climb. From there you descend into a flat rhododendron tunnel and softer sections of pine and stream before a roadwalk skirting private land.

From mile 22 on, keep your eyes open for blue-blazed side trails so you don’t miss the waterfall views, and get ready to cross more streams as well. The largest water crossing is Kettle Creek, which was tame in early summer but potentially trickier in rainy spring months. Another crossing at Ketchum Run leads you to more waterfalls accessible by ladder or bypass trail. Rode Falls is maybe the best of the trip, with a swimmable basin at the bottom.

A couple of impressive vistas come after mile 35: Alpine View follows a rare switchback climb, and Loyalsock Canyon Vista is the first reward within Worlds End State Park. The state park section takes you down a rocky canyon, eventually passing a visitors center (there’s a snack shop nearby) and ending with a steep scramble up to High Rock Vista. Once back on state forest land after mile 47, the miles pass more quickly on old railroad grades and flat, muddy trail through the woods.

The trail saves the best for the end, winding along Loyalsock Creek. Don’t miss the chance to climb across and swim in The Haystacks around mile 57! These huge sandstone formations in the creek form pools where you can cool off. Before you ascend to the parking lot, there’s a waterfall finale at Dutchman Falls from one last blue-blazed detour.

How to Get to the Loyalsock Trail

Western Terminus: Loyalsock Trailhead off PA Route 87
Closest City: Williamsport, Pennsylvania (15 miles)

Eastern Terminus: Loyalsock Trailhead Dutchman Falls
Closest Cities: Williamsport, Pennsylvania (42 miles) or Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (49 miles)

Driving and Shuttle: We drove two cars from Philadelphia (just under 3 hours travel) and parked one at the Dutchman Falls lot, where there are plenty of spaces—no overnight permit required. Then it was about a 40-minute drive to the western terminus, which is a smaller gravel pull-off that still provides space for multiple cars to park. If you prefer to drive one car, The Alpine Club of Williamsport lists a shuttle service on their website and also recommends connecting with local trail angels through the LT Public Facebook Group. 

When to Hike the Loyalsock Trail

Hike the trail in spring, summer, or early fall. Keep in mind that there are many stream crossings, which could be more difficult after snow melt or during rainy months. Avoid hiking during bear and deer hunting seasons from around Thanksgiving through most of December; you can find seasonal dates listed on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.

Sample Itinerary: This is how we did it, purposely leaving just a few miles for the last day’s drive home. The western miles are more challenging, though, so you might consider allocating more miles on later days if hiking northeast.

Day 1: Western trailhead to Snake Run (10.5 miles)

Day 2: Snake Run to Dry Run (17.9 miles)

Day 3: Dry Run to Double Run after Worlds End Road crossing (11.2 miles)

Day 4: Double Run to Sones Pond (13.4 miles)

Day 5: Sones Pond to trailhead at Dutchman Falls (6.2 miles)

Loyalsock Trail Terrain

You’re in Pennsylvania, so expect lots of forest and rocky terrain. On old railroad grade sections, watch for large roots on trail. The hike is constantly climbing steeply and then descending into valleys just as quickly, so do not expect winding switchbacks like you’d find out West. Many of the flat sections are either muddy or overgrown with vegetation, but that will largely be determined by the time of year you go.

Logistics: Permits, Land Designation and Camping, and Open Fires

Permits: No permit is necessary to hike the Loyalsock Trail, but it is recommended that you provide emergency information and dates on trail to Loyalsock State Forest if you’re hiking for multiple days.

Land Designation and Camping: This trail is mostly on state forest land where primitive camping is permitted; however, there are a couple brief stretches that cross private land where camping is not allowed. Also, if you would like to camp within Worlds End State Park (mile 42.77 until just after mile 47), you must reserve a designated site in advance. There are no shelters on trail but established primitive campsites are frequent and well-outlined in a detailed guidebook published annually by The Alpine Club of Williamsport (highly recommend getting one!).

Open Fires: No open fires are allowed on Loyalsock Trail between March 1 and May 25, Oct. 1 and Dec. 1, or any time fire danger is posted as high. Open fires are never permitted on private land or at any point from mile 55.33 through the parking lot at the eastern trailhead.

Know Before You Go

Overgrowth: In less-traveled western parts of the trail you should expect dense rhododendron, overgrown grass, and other vegetation. Definitely use some form of bug protection and check regularly for ticks!

Bears: Loyalsock State Forest is black bear territory, so follow regular precautions and you’ll have no problems. Be sure to properly hang or store your food overnight.

Loyalsock Trail Resources

Alpine Club of Williamsport

Pennsylvania DCNR – Loyalsock State Forest

Worlds End State Park

Loyalsock Trail Facebook Group

BIO

Leah Wynalek is a writer, hiker, and runner from Philadelphia. She loves the green tunnel of Pennsylvania trails and will never stop being enchanted by the lush ferns. Find her on Instagram for cats and outdoor adventures. 

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The Northville-Placid Trail is a 138-mile point-to-point backpacking route traveling through the lower elevations of the Adirondacks of New York. The well-marked trail offers frequent shelters and sees little traffic. Most hike the trail over 8-14 days. 

Region: Mid-Atlantic (Adirondacks, New York) 
Length: 138 Miles (8-14 days) 

Physical Difficulty: Moderate 

• Frequently wet and muddy, bridge-less water crossings
• Dense vegetation in less traveled areas 
• Biting insects much of the prime hiking season 

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• Abundant camping and water 
• Long shuttle between termini 
• Limited amenities at resupply points 
• Bear canister required for final 38 miles

Season: Late Spring, Summer, Fall 

Elevation: 770 to 3,008 feet 
Average Elevation: 1,927 feet 
Elevation Gain: ~9,200 feet

Hiking the Northville-Placid Trail 

As its name implies, the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) travels between the towns of Northville and Lake Placid in the Adirondacks of New York. While most people envision the Adirondacks as a mountainous region, the NPT mostly traverses lower elevations. Although relatively obscure among backpackers, the NPT was built in 1924, making it one of the nation’s oldest long-distance trails. 

While the trail briefly surpasses 3,000 feet at its high point, the NPT avoids summits and remains at lower elevations most of the route. Lower elevations don’t always equal easy hiking. The Adirondacks see abundant moisture that evaporates slowly. The NPT frequently passes through extended wet sections. Beavers thrive in the region and occasionally flood short sections of the trail. Roots and the frequent bog bridges along the trail become a tricky obstacle when wet, which is most of the time. 

Despite its obstacles, there are plenty of reasons to hike the NPT. Compared to better-known trails, the NPT sees little traffic. It’s not uncommon to go a day or more without seeing another hiker. If you are a fan of lakes and streams, the NPT doesn’t disappoint. There is always an opportunity for a dip to cool off or splash some of the mud from your legs. With the frequent lakes comes another treat: loons. Most of the lakes have a resident loon pair that serenade you. The first half of summer, a chorus of frogs join in on the forest music. Most of the lakes and streams are secluded and not easily accessed by day hikers. You will often have the bodies of water to yourself. The NPT travels through some of the most remote areas of the Adirondacks. The remote lakes of the West Canada Lakes Wilderness or loneliness of the Cold River will have you feeling far removed from the rest of the world. 

The entire NPT travels within the Adirondack Park. With the exception of brief road walks and short sections of private land, the trail mostly passes through public land. Along the way the NPT utilizes four Wild Forests and another four Wildernesses. 

How to Get to the Northville-Placid Trail 

The NPT offers the unique advantage of starting and finishing in towns. 

Southern Terminus: Downtown Northville, New York, at the NPT arch 
Closest City: Albany, New York (59 miles) 

Northern Terminus: Averyville Road Trailhead, Lake Placid, New York (end of hiking trail at mile 136, counts as official ending point), or Old Lake Placid Train Station in Lake Placid (traditional end of trail at mile 138, not required for official hike) 
Closest City: Burlington, Vermont (60 miles)

Bus service travels to Lake Placid. The best option for either trailhead is to arrange a shuttle. The Northville-Placid Trail group on Facebook serves as the best source for finding shuttle options. My best recommendation is to ask for suggestions on the Facebook group page as your start date nears since availability can be sporadic on short notice. 

When to Hike the Northville-Placid Trail 

The snow-free season on the NPT generally runs between late spring and early fall. The ideal time for a hike of the NPT runs from mid-August through early October. Both mud and bugs reach their low point during this time, with comfortable temperatures. Mid-September through early October have the added bonus of prime fall foliage color. 

Hikes in May are possible, but a few bridgeless water crossings run deep and dangerous. Recent snowmelt leaves the trail muddy and prone to damage. Blackflies will leave you in a state of madness. June improves slightly as mud begins to dry, with blackflies slowing down but more mosquitoes. July into early August offers long days and warm temperatures. Due to the trail’s proximity to water, the mosquitoes tend to linger, with abundant deer flies joining the frenzy during midsummer. Mid-August through early October lets you experience the best of everything the NPT has to offer. By mid-October, snow can fall with significant snow cover through April. 

The trail can be hiked in either direction. Traditionally, most hikers travel north. Northbound hikers finish in Lake Placid, which has abundant food and drink options to celebrate your accomplishment. Trail guides also are written for northbound hikers. Southbound hikers finish walking through a large NPT arch at the southern terminus. As far as resupplies or shuttles, neither direction offers a great advantage.

Northville-Placid Trail Terrain 

The NPT travels over relatively tame terrain compared to the more mountainous regions of the Adirondacks. Generally the trail sticks to lower elevations as it travels between lakes or along streams. Occasionally the trail gains a low ridge as it travels between drainages but the elevation changes tend to be gradual. The trail’s high point of 3,008 feet is one of the few places with a steep, drawn-out climb and descent. The route features a couple other short, steeper sections, but gradual terrain is the norm. The real challenge comes with the wet footing of the trail. Expect boggy surroundings as the trail travels between bodies of water. Numerous stretches of bog bridges help at times but are frequently as slippery as the wet roots. During spring and big rains, a few bridgeless streams may be difficult to cross. The trail travels its entirety through dense forests, which hold in the moisture. About 3.5 miles of road walk lead in and out of Northville at the southern terminus and an additional 3 miles through the settlement of Piseco.

Northville-Placid Trail Resupply

During my hike of the NPT, I covered the trail in six days and chose not to resupply for logistical ease. Although somewhat limited, a few resupply options will help lighten your load. 

Mile 42: Piseco, New York: At this time, the best choice is the post office. The NPT passes directly in front of the PO. At this time there are no stores. A couple of lodging options in the area will also hold packages some years. For the most up-to-date details, the Northville-Placid Trail group on Facebook is your best resource. 

Mile 86: Blue Mountain Lake, New York: Blue Mountain Lake offers limited resupply at a Stewart’s Shop 3.2 miles west of the trail and a post office 3.5 miles west. 

Mile 100: Long Lake, New York: Long Lake offers several small stores to resupply as well as a post office. Although a side trail leads to town, traveling west 1.5 miles on Route 28N is the easier option to reach town. Hoss’s in Long Lake also rents bear canisters, which are required as of 2021 between Long Lake and Lake Placid.

Logistics: Camping, Water, Special Gear 

Camping: Although primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on state land, at least 30 lean-tos and 20 marked campsites can be found along the NPT. Most lean-tos also offer tenting nearby if full. It is strongly recommended that you carry a shelter and not rely solely on lean-tos, especially during the peak hiking season. At mile 86, the trail passes through a state campground that allows camping for a fee as well as pay showers. 

Water: The NPT never travels too far away from a water source. After a rodent chewed my bladder on the first night, I carried only a liter of water at any point and never worried about finding more or running low. Just be aware that many of the lakes and ponds also contain beavers. The NPT isn’t the place to skip water treatment. 

Special Gear: Bear Canister, Extra Socks, Water Shoes

Bear Canister: As of 2021 the entire High Peaks Wilderness requires bear canisters. This covers the northern end of the trail from Long Lake to Lake Placid. Rentals are available at Hoss’s in Long Lake. This regulation has been confirmed by several phone calls to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Extra Socks: Due to the wet nature of the NPT, an extra pair or two of socks, depending on time of year, beyond what you would normally carry may be worth the extra weight.

Water Shoes: A few unbridged water crossings, especially early season or in a wetter year leave you with wet feet. They also come in handy if you decide to swim in the many lakes or streams along the route.

Know Before You Go 

Bear Canisters: The northern end of the trail passes through the High Peaks Wilderness. Prior to 2020, the wilderness was divided into eastern and western sections. The designation was restructured. Prior to the restructure, only overnight use in the Eastern High Peaks required bear canisters, not the western section with the NPT. With the restructure in 2020, the entire High Peaks Wilderness required bear canisters for overnight use. The regulation, however, was delayed. As of 2021, this regulation is supposed to take effect and will require NPT hikers to use bear canisters north of Long Lake. As of this writing, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) website does not make this clear. I personally spoke to two different people at the regional office and they both indicated that canisters will be required starting in April 2021. To avoid any confusion, I recommend calling the local DEC office at (518) 897-1200 before camping along the NPT section in the High Peaks Wilderness. Ursacks are not acceptable. 

Wet Environment: Don’t underestimate the soggy nature of the NPT. While the trail may be mostly dry by the second half of summer, the route passes near many boggy areas. Beaver activity usually occurs every year, resulting in short sections that become flooded or temporary reroutes. A pair of Crocs or similar shoes help greatly on the NPT. An extra pair of socks or two beyond what you normally carry are worth their weight. Early season and after extended rainy periods leave lingering mud and high water crossings. As with any wet environment, biting insects can be a problem. Any hike before September should include some form of insect protection, including a head net, in your kit. 

Official Thru-Hike Designation: Historically, the NPT traveled from the train station in Northville to the train station in Lake Placid. If you are concerned with a formal thru-hike, you need to hike from the southern terminus to the Averyville Road trailhead, just south of Lake Placid, covering 136.63 miles. If you want to stick to tradition, the guidebook still marks the way to the traditional northern terminus at the old Lake Placid train station for a total of 138.36 miles. The final 1.73 miles are covered by a road walk.

Northville-Placid Trail Additional Resources 

Northville-Lake Placid Chapter of the ADK: Find useful trail planning info, buy maps and guidebooks, trail history, trail updates and notices, all things NPT.

Northville-Placid Trail Facebook group: A great source for recent trail conditions, find hiking partners, arrange shuttles, ask questions for trip planning, connect with NPT thru-hikers. 

New York DEC Adirondack Backcountry Information: Find regulations and use information for the Adirondacks or specific Wild Forests and Wilderness Area along the NPT.

Backpacking the Northville-Placid Trail: The author’s firsthand account of his September 2020 thru-hike of the NPT.

Troy Zohner (Tomcat) has been hitting the trails since the early 1990s. Whether hiking, backpacking, peakbagging, mountain biking, skiing, kayaking, running, or fishing, he prefers to be outside. He has hiked throughout the country, including an AT thru-hike in 1999. You can read about his latest adventures at Tomcat’s Outdoor Adventures or on Facebook.

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