This is another enjoyable hike you can do from the village of Blackwell, which is surrounded by great hiking whether it be Gillespie Point, Bohen Run and Jerry Run Falls, or the West Rim Trail. This loop follows a recent re-route of the Mid State Trail up Fork Hill, offering a nice view from Johnson Cliff. You can extend the hike with a spur to another view over the PA Grand Canyon.
From the parking area in Blackwell, walk up the road and turn left onto the Pine Creek Trail, a rail trail. Then turn right at an impressive wooden staircase on the Mid State Trail (MST) which is blazed orange. This is also the Great Eastern Trail, stretching from Alabama to New York. Begin the climb up Fork Hill with a mixture of sidehill, switchbacks, and walking up the spine of the mountain. Along the way, pass an old quarry and some unique rock outcrops. The climb is tough, but the trail levels and you reach Johnson Cliff and the fine views to the south. The MST now follows an old jeep road and passes an old communication antenna. The terrain is level and rolling. Reach an open meadow, where the MST turns left and gradually descends to Stone Quarry Run with some large pine trees. Also reach an intersection with the Stone Quarry Run Trail, blazed yellow. If you only want to hike the loop, turn left here. If you want to see the additional spur, continue straight on the MST.
The MST explores large hardwoods. Reach a yellow trail to the left, follow it. It is a spur that ends at a nice view on the east rim of the PA Grand Canyon. There was a second view just further, which looked south, but it is mostly overgrown. Return the way you came.
Descend on the yellow Stone Quarry Run Trail, with a steep gorge below. It was beautiful to have views of the gorge through the trees. At the bottom, the trail switchbacks and becomes steeper right before ending at the rail trail. Here, there is a falls for you to enjoy. I’ve read there is another falls upstream, but I have not seen it. Hike the rail trail back to Blackwell and your car.
The loop is about 5-6 miles, and about 7-8 miles if you include the spur to the other view. I recommend doing this hike when Stone Quarry Run is flowing so you can enjoy the falls. Park at 41.556211, -77.381873.
Pine Creek Gorge has so much great hiking. Explore it.
Hike Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell 