By Leah Wynalek, 2021 Loyalsock Trail Hiker
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
Pennsylvania DCNR – Loyalsock State Forest
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.
