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One of Pennsylvania's premier trails.


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Map Key

58.5

Miles

94.1

KM

88%

Runnable

2,108' 643 m

High

759' 231 m

Low

9,947' 3,032 m

Up

9,115' 2,778 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

50%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

The Loyalsock Trail is marked by yellow plastic discs with "LT" in red letters. Turns are marked with double blazes or a yellow arrow.

Description

With an elevation profile that resembles an irregular rhythm EKG, scenic vistas at the top of punishing climbs, and hemlock shaded mountain streams to run beside, the Loyalsock Trail does not disappoint.

The scenic and challenging Loyalsock Trail runs roughly parallel to its namesake creek. The name Loyalsock Creek is taken from the Indian phrase "Lawi-Saquick," meaning middle creek, and flows between Muncy Creek and Lycoming Creek.

The trail takes advantage of long-abandoned timber roads and railroad grades, reminders of the logging industry.

What follows should be considered a rough sketch of a few featured sections:

PA Route 87 to Little Bear Road Not even 5 miles, but it feels like much more:
This section begins with one of the notorious climbs to the Allegheny Ridge. Once on top, enjoy the smooth singletrack. Then, as you run along the Allegheny Front, look to your right for views of the rolling farmland to the south. You'll know when you reach the infamous, steep, wet, mossy, slippery, path down Petes Hollow. Insider tip: Dont miss the stinging nettle patch that adorns this descent in the summer.

Little Bear Road to Dunwoody Road A little over 10 miles:
Why not begin another section with a notorious climb? Toward the top, views of Loyalsock Creek make it all worthwhile. Traverse Smiths Knob, cross hemlock-lined Painter Run and savor the trail as you ascend Red Ridge. Youll appreciate some outstanding trail as you explore the headwaters of Shingle Run, Grandad Run, and Hessler Branch before reaching Dunwoody Road. Insider tip: The laurel blooms mid to late June.

Worlds End State Park to Route 220 13ish miles
The section has a bolder field called the rock stairs, visits High Rock Vista, has some smooth singletrack twisting through hemlock forest, and follows the historic Williamsport and North Branch Railroad grade. Youll pass Alpine Falls, Sones Pond, and the Haystacks on your way to the eastern end of the LT. Insider tip: you pass some of the best swimming holes on Loyalsock Creek

Contacts

Shared By:

Two Heel Drive

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 9 votes

#7176

Overall
  4.4 from 9 votes
5 Star
44%
4 Star
56%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#127

in Pennsylvania

#7,176

Overall
7 Views Last Month
5,583 Since Mar 10, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
25%
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75%
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Photos

Gipson Falls (entire drop).
Apr 4, 2015 near Laporte, PA
Angel Falls (entire drop angle #2)  from Loyalsock Trail
Apr 4, 2015 near Laporte, PA
Loyalsock Canyon Vista
Mar 10, 2015 near Laporte, PA
End of a beautiful Fall trail run on the Loyalsock Trail.
Nov 17, 2020 near Montour…, PA
Vista heading up to Smith's Knob. Overlooking Loyalsock Creek.
Nov 17, 2020 near Montour…, PA
Dry Run Falls.
Apr 4, 2015 near Laporte, PA

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