Tower-Bear Wallow-Hemlock-Lower Lake Trail Loop

Wide trail that passes through hemlock-beech forest in poorly drained areas and oak forest in the better drained areas. Several nice areas where you can stretch out and increase your pace safely.

Waterproof shoes, or prepare to potentially get your feet wet. Likely more dry later in the season.

Tower Trail starts on Route 390, and is relatively dry and flat and passes through mixed oak forest. Bear Wallow Trail was wetter, and runs along the edge of a wetland and crosses a small stream with a wooden bridge. Nice hemlock-beech forest in these wetter areas, with an understory of dense Rhododendrons in places. Hemlock Hill Trail was dry and slightly downhill, and provided an opportunity for a facer pace. Lower Lake Trail was a bit treacherous in places, with soft ground, mud, and some uneven footing. Elevation change was very gradual overall, but in places the trail itself was uneven and my feet did end up getting wet. The dog LOVED the mud and water.

Deer, squirrels. Black bear are apparently abundant in Promised Land State Park, although I did not see any in 5 days of trail running. If you stop in the wetter areas, beware the mosquitoes.