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Hike the Golden Eagle Trail and Dragon’s Back Trail Loop-Tiadaghton State Forest

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I met some friends from college to hike this excellent loop, totaling 10.3 miles.  It follows the classic Golden Eagle Trail and the fairly new Dragon’s Back Trail featuring several views, rock outcrops, and cascades.  It is considered one of the finest dayhikes in the state.  I recommend adding the Dragon’s Back Trail as I feel it is more scenic than the Golden Eagle Trail along Bonnell Run, which is still very scenic with a gorge of open hardwood forests.

From the parking area, we crossed PA 414 and began on the GET as it climbed up a gorge.  We turned right to begin the loop as falls tumbled below us to the left.  We made the long climb up to the ridge, which steepened as we neared the top.  It was getting warm and the sunlight filtered through the forest.  We reached the ridge and enjoyed the breeze as we descended passing a fine view to the left that looked up Wolf Run and then shortly thereafter, the classic view from Raven’s Horn and its unique rock outcrop.  The view was stunning as we looked into the Pine Creek Gorge as green mountains surrounded us.

Our descent continued along the ridge, passing more unique rock outcrops.  The trail then followed Wolf Run, which was flowing low, but has many cascades and small falls in a deep gorge.  We passed outcrops of flagstone, with sheaths of rock that looked stacked.  The trail along the creek was beautiful, and we crossed it several times.  When flowing well, Wolf Run is truly beautiful.  As we neared the top, there was a an old growth forest of giant pine and hemlock.  We reached our first view and then hiked through the laurel to an old forest road, which we took to Beulahland Vista, a gorgeous view looking over the fields and mountains of northern Pennsylvania.  

We continued on the grassy road, passing another excellent view, Bonnell Run Vista.  The GET then turned left, but we continued straight on the grassy forest road to hike the Dragon’s Back Trail.  We soon entered the woods and followed the yellow blazes along the forested ridgeline that narrowed with steep slopes on both sides.   We enjoyed another view, Webber’s Vista, looking down on Slate Run. We made another short climb, and then descended on a series of grades that switchbacked down to PA  414.

We crossed the road, walked down to the rail trail, and turned left on it.  The rail trail had great views of Pine Creek, wildflowers, and even an old cemetery.  It was a great way to end the hike.   We reached our cars and went to Slate Run for a meal.  

Pine Creek Gorge has dozens of excellent hiking trails for any ability.  However, hiking here generally means climbing.  The views make it more than worth it.  

Parking is at  41.439008, -77.511436.

Scroll through the photos.

 

Golden Eagle and Hilborn Superloop-Tiadaghton State Forest

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This rugged, beautiful loop combines the classic Golden Eagle Trail and the Hilborn Trails and should be on the list of any hiker looking for a challenge.  Along it are stunning views, deep gorges, old growth trees, and cascades.  And it can only really be dayhiked, adding to the challenge.  Camping is not allowed on the game lands or the Golden Eagle Trail.  There are some state forest lands along the Dragons Back Trail that may allow camping, but there are no established sites.  Theresa joined me on this hike.

We began by hiking the orange blazed Golden Eagle Trail (GET) counterclockwise.  We trekked up to Ravenshorn, passing several trail runners.  After enjoying the views, we descended on the narrow ridge passing rock formations down to Wolf Run.  The trail along Wolf Run is a favorite, with beautiful cascades and slides in a deep gorge.  Wolf Run can be dry in the summer.  As we hiked up the run, we enjoyed some giant hemlock and pine trees.  At the top, we saw a nice view and then hiked a grassy forest road to beautiful Beulahland Vista, probably the most bucolic and serene vista you could hope to find.  We did a quick side hike to Bonnell Run Vista where we saw a group of Amish hikers.

We retraced our steps back to grassy Beulahland Road, which is not blazed.  We hiked it for over a mile until there was a road climbing to the left, we took it.  It brought us to stunning Twin Mountain Vista, a favorite of the hike.  It reminded me of being in the Catskills.  The trail now followed an unblazed ATV trail, but it was easy to follow as we hiked the ridge and made a short climb, and then a gradual descent to another great view from a meadow.  The descent steepened to a great view looking across the gorge of Hilborn Run.  From there, the trail became very steep as it threaded its way down to the rail trail.

We took a break at the rail trail where a sign pointed us towards the Hilborn Run Trail; again, not blazed but easy to follow.  At first the trail was a gradual climb as it entered the gorge.  We took a side trail to the left which brought us into the heart of the gorge, it was beautiful but not the right route.  We returned to the proper trail.  The climb began to get steeper, but never as steep as the Hilborn Bald Trail.  We enjoyed some giant hemlock trees and the climb seemed relentless.  We finally reached the top and the GET where we saw two hikers, but our route took us right onto a grassy forest road, which was unblazed.  The yellow blazed trail began where the forest road ended.

We hiked the ridge which gradually became narrower above the Pine Creek Gorge.  We then ran into Ericks and Dave, who were thruhiking the PA Wilds Trail.  They were getting close to the end of their incredible journey and were looking a little tired.  After talking, we headed down to Webber’s Vista, named after Pine Creek icon Bob Webber who built many of the trails in the area.  The view was great as it looked down on Slate Run.

Next was the descent of Quarry Mountain Trail, but first we went straight on an old road along the ridge to enjoy an incredible view looking up Slate Run.  The descent was moderate as we switchbacked down the mountain to PA 414.  We crossed the road and followed the rail trail to the left enjoying wildflowers, an old cemetery and great views of beautiful Pine Creek as people fished and kayaked.  This area is incredible.  

The rail trail brought us back to the cars, ending our exhausting but beautiful hike.
This hike is about 16 miles long and has about 7,000 vertical feet of climbing and descending.  It is one of the most challenging and beautiful dayhikes you can do in the state.  After finishing, celebrate with a meal and beverages in Slate Run or Waterville.  

Parking is at 41.438796, -77.510714. For the map above, brown trails are not blazed, but are easy to follow.

Map and guide.

Golden Eagle and Dragon’s Back Trail Loop-Tiadaghton State Forest

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View from Ravenshorn, Golden Eagle Trail

 

The Golden Eagle Trail (GET) is a nine mile loop that is widely considered one of PA’s most scenic dayhikes.  This trail has challenging terrain, several vistas, diverse forest types, streamside hiking, gorges, and the cascades of beautiful Wolf Run.  The premier feature of the trail is the impressive view from Ravenshorn.

I returned to the GET with Ed and Ken, whom had not hiked this trail before.  As usual, I also had a different plan in mind.  I noticed some maps had a new trail that connected to the GET, called the Dragon’s Back Trail.  This new trail traversed the ridge to the west of the GET and dropped down to PA 414.  Our plan was to hike the GET counterclockwise, and then follow the Dragon’s Back Trail and the Pine Creek Rail-Trail to complete the loop.

The day was very hot and sunny.  The forests were incredibly green.  The climb up to Ravenshorn was tiring, as we passed a pink lady slipper and jack in the pulpits.  The heat of the day was magnified by the climb.  We made it to the top in good time and followed the ridge to a great view up Wolf Run.  Ravenshorn soon came into view with its stunning vista looking down Pine Creek between massive plateaus.  The terrain is so steep it felt as if we could just fall into the surrounding gorges.  Ed and Ken were impressed.

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Wolf Run

 

We descended on a ridge with fascinating rock outcrops and soon reached Wolf Run.  This pristine stream creating a cooling breeze under hemlocks.  It was a pleasure to hike up the creek has the water tumbled over ledges with moss.  The top of the drainage featured a beautiful pine forest with some large trees.  We passed a view that was partially overgrown and reached an old grassy forest road.  Two other hikers warned of a snake ahead.  We did not see it.

Next was Beulahland Vista as it overlooked the rolling plateaus and some distant farm fields for thirty miles.  Puffy clouds sailed by as a hummingbird zipped to a tree above us.  We passed another view looking down Bonnell Run.

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Beulahland Vista, Golden Eagle Trail

 

The GET left the old woods road to the left, but we continued straight, following the yellow blazes of the Dragon’s Back Trail.  There was no sign for the trail.  We climbed gradually Dragon’s Back Trail was well blazed and established.  It descended under a scenic hardwood forest.  As we continued, the ridge gradually narrowed and pine trees became more common.  As the name implies, there were some hills along the ridge, but the trail was not rocky.  The trail was close to the steep escarpment above Pine Creek and there were some views through the trees.  In winter, the views would be non-stop.  The ridge narrowed so we could see down both sides.  A climb under more pine trees brought us to a beautiful double vista looking down on Slate Run and Little Slate Run.  Pine Creek flowed far below.  We sat to take it all in.

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View of Slate Run and Pine Creek, Dragon’s Back Trail

 

We finally left as the narrow ridge provided one more climb until the trail dropped to the right.  I took an obvious, unblazed trail to the left that climbed to a view over Bonnell Run.  Just further was an extensive old quarry under red pine trees and more partial views across Pine Creek.  This could be a great campsite for backpacking, although there is no water.  While backpack camping is not allowed on the GET, the Dragon’s Back Trail may make the GET available to backpackers by offering dry campsite options.

I returned to the Dragon’s Back Trail and began the descent (here, where the trail descends, it may be known as the Quarry Mountain Trail).  The trail followed long switchbacks along an old forest road.  It was actually a nice walk down, although my feet burned a little.  There were lots of centipedes on the trail.

We reached PA 414 at a trail sign, crossed the road, and walked down to Tombs Flats.  We then turned left onto the rail trail to complete the loop, with views of small, old cemeteries, Pine Creek, and many kayakers.  We even saw a bald eagle.  The blooms of dame’s rocket surrounded the trail.  We reached the car, completing our loop.

The Golden Eagle-Dragon’s Back Trail Loop was an excellent hike.  The Dragon’s Back Trail is a great alternative from hiking along Bonnell Run on the GET.

More photos.

Map and brochure of the Golden Eagle Trail (does not show the Dragon’s Back Trail).

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  1. This loop is about 11 miles.
  2. We parked at the Clark Run access, 41.438753, -77.510730 on Google maps.
  3. The Golden Eagle Trail is blazed orange.
  4. The Dragon’s Back Trail and Quarry Mountain Trail are blazed yellow.
  5. All trails are fairly well established.
  6. The Dragon’s Back Trail connects to the GET at the top of Bonnell Run along the old, grassy forest road.  There is no trail sign.
  7. The vista on the Dragon’s Back Trail is located at N 41 27.835  W 077 29.896.
  8. Before descending, take an obvious, unblazed side trail to a view across Bonnell Run.  The view is located at 41.458402, -77.500082 on Google maps.
  9. The quarry area is located at 41.456895, -77.501868 on Google maps.
  10. There may be an additional view on the ridge, it appears to be on state forest land, although a cabin road passes it, located at 41.454455, -77.505290 on Google maps.  I did not hike out to it.
  11. The loop crosses PA 414 at this trail sign.
  12. Follow road down to Tomb Flats.
  13. Follow the rail trail to the left to complete the loop.