Black Forest Trail

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Black Forest Trail
Canyon Vista on the Black Forest Trail (note orange trail blazes)
Length	42 mi (68 km)
Location	Tiadaghton State Forest, Pennsylvania, United States
Trailheads	Slate Run, Pennsylvania
Use	Hiking
Hiking details
Trail difficulty	Strenuous
Season	Year-round
Sights	Vistas, Pine Creek Gorge
Hazards	Severe Weather, Poison ivy, Bears, Rattlesnakes, Ticks

The Black Forest Trail is a 42-mile (68 km) loop trail in Pennsylvania's Tiadaghton State Forest in parts of Lycoming, Potter, and Clinton Counties. A number of other forest roads, hiking, and cross country ski trails cross the Black Forest Trail making it possible to do shorter loops for day hikes or shorter backpacking trips. The Black Forest Trail is known for its steep ascents and descents and views of the Pine Creek Gorge and other canyons to the west.^[1]

Marking[]

As with most long-distance trails in Pennsylvania, the BFT is blazed with orange. Side trails are blazed blue.^[2]

Trailheads[]

The official start of the trail is a short distance from the village of Slate Run (off of Pennsylvania Route 414) on Slate Run Road. The trail can also be accessed from Pennsylvania Route 44, which it crosses twice, north of Waterville, Pennsylvania. In addition the trail crosses several dirt forest roads.

Description[]

This is a brief description starting counter-clockwise from the main trailhead at Slate Run. From the trailhead walkers take a short route through a pine plantation. The beginning of the trail crosses the Slate Run stream which is about 30 feet (9 m) wide and has a foot bridge dedicated on October 24, 2014. Walkers then climb about 1,000 feet (300 m) in a mile and a half. Part way up visitors come across an old quarry that has views of the valley carved by Slate Run Creek. Then next several miles the trail cross the plateau that is the Alcinda wilderness area. This section is generally level. About mile 6 (km 9.7) walkers descend along the Red Run, passing several campsites (including one at the top of the plateau), recrossing the Slate Run around mile 8 (km 13). Walkers then have another gradual 1,000 feet (300 m) climb, part of which is on an old logging road. The trail once again follows the plateau to the west, with level hiking for the next several miles. The Sentiero Di Shay ski trail cross the BFT twice in this section and can be used to make alternative loops. Around the 13-mile (21 km) mark the trail crosses Pennsylvania Route 44 in a stand of hemlocks. The trail slowly descends and for the next several miles and follows the County Line Branch stream. This section has several water crossings that can be difficult in high water; campsites can be found in this section.^{[citation needed]}

View of the Naval Run and Pine Creek Gorges from the Black Forest Trail

Around mile 17 (km 27) the trail makes a steep climb to the plateau again. For the next 6 miles (9.7 km) the trail follows the plateau with views to the west. The hiking in this section is generally mostly level with a few minor climbs, as well as several campsites, especially around mile 21 (km 34). This section of trail also crosses several cross country ski trails that can be used to access Pennsylvania Route 44. Finally around mile 24 (km 39) the BFT recrosses Pennsylvania Route 44. Following the crossing walkers have another couple miles of level hiking before taking on the much more rugged eastern section of the trail. Around mile 26 (km 42) the trail drops down to Callahan Run (with camping at the bottom), one of many runs that flow into Pine Creek. After dropping down walkers immediately climb back up (this is the general pattern for the rest of the trail). After climbing up the trail heads to Hemlock Mountain. At the top around mile 29 (km 47) there is a wonderful, dry, mountaintop campsite with views of Pine Creek. Once again the trail drops down to Naval Run (with a large campsite at the bottom) and follow this for a little less than a mile before climbing again up to the plateau.

Difficulty[]

The Black Forest Trail is considered by hikers to be the hardest backpacking trail in Pennsylvania.^[3] It is often given the rank of strenuous.

Hazards[]

Hazards on the trail include the timber rattlesnake which are found in reasonable numbers in the area. Although the chances of getting bitten are small, as a matter of caution hikers should pay attention to where they place their hands and feet, especially when scrambling over rock. The trail also includes several very steep climbs. Hikers should be certain they are in the proper physical shape to handle the strenuous terrain. Finally the trail has many unbridged stream crossings, especially on the County Line Branch stream. In periods of high water some crossings require fording. Alternative footwear for crossing streams and other possible water crossings is advisable. In the summer water is often an issue, springs have been known to dry up and it is recommended to bring extra water.

References[]

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Black Forest Trail.

• Pennsylvania DCNR website about the Black Forest Trail
• Description of several hikes on the Black Forest Trail
• Description of the northern half of the trail
• Description of the southern half of the trail

Coordinates: 41°30′31″N 77°29′49″W / 41.50861°N 77.49694°W / 41.50861; -77.49694