Over the last several years, the Loyalsock State Forest has become a popular hiking destination with its diverse and beautiful scenery. This loop is 4.5 mile long and moderate in difficulty. There are several waterfalls, a nice view, a gorge, spring wildflowers, and open forests with glades of ferns. I think it’s best to park at Dry Run Falls, a great way to both begin and end the hike.
From Dry Run Falls, walk down the road and turn right onto Old Bark Trail, blazed yellow and climb on an old forest road. The creek to your left has a great fifteen foot falls, but it is off the trail. To reach it, hike up the creek. When flowing well, you should not miss this falls. The trail gradually climbs and moves towards the small creek. Cross some wet areas and fern meadows. Reach the Loyalsock Trail (LT). Turn right onto the LT. This part of the trail has some wet spots and features hardwood forests with some towering trees. Cross the headwaters of Dry Run, some campsites, and reach the parking area on Dry Run Road. Continue on the LT and cross the road.
The trail passes through the woods and reaches Mary’s Vista, a narrow window of Dry Run Gorge. It offers a great view of Smith’s Knob and the mountains to the west. Begin to drop down into Dutters Run with some rocky terrain. Reach Dutters Run with a small waterfall. There are larger waterfalls downstream, but they are off trail. The LT meanders up the narrow, wooded gorge of Dutters Run, a highlight of the hike. There are many cascades and falls, and stream crossings without bridges, expect about seven of them. The tallest falls is about 12 feet. Enjoy your time along Dutters Run, it is a beautiful place.
Pass a small cascade and campsite, and climb out of the gorge, following the LT. Turn right onto the yellow Dutters Trail. Descend along an old grade through the woods and pass a juncture with a bridle trail to the left. The trail moves closer to the edge of the gorge and you can see some of the higher falls below; these falls are off trail. Descend to Dry Run Road and turn left back to Dry Run Falls. Ten years ago, Old Bark and Dutters Trail hardly existed. Now they are well established. Hiking has skyrocketed in the Loyalsock. With beautiful loops like this, it is easy to see why.
Afterwards we drove to enjoy the incredible views from High Knob, and to the Hillsgrove Covered Bridge. The Loyalsock is a special place.
Parking at Dry Run Falls is at 41.430370, -76.670430. LT parking is at 41.438448, -76.653757.
Photos:
Hike Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell 