Blazes: Orange. Short side trail to vista is unblazed.
Terrain: level and rolling to the vista
Parking: small lot is at about 41.236678, -77.374679. Old Coudersport Pike was in good shape.
Highlights: Vista, ferns, mountain laurel
Issues: We couldn’t find the second vista lower on the ridge.
Description: This is a short and easy hike on the Mid State Trail to a fine vista overlooking the deep gorge of Gamble Run. From the parking area, the trail travels through fern meadows and into mountain laurel thickets. The trail was well blazed and in good shape. The terrain was level and rolling with a gradual incline.
After about a mile, look for a cairn and a short unblazed trail on the left that goes down to the vista. The view is very nice as it overlooks and the plateau and gorge. Maps show a second view lower on the ridge. We hiked down to see it, but did not locate it. Maybe we didn’t hike far enough, or it is overgrown. We retraced our steps back to the car. The descent looking for the second vista was steep in places.
If you’re looking for a short, easy hike to a fine view, this is the hike for you. If you want a harder hike that’s nearby, hike Gamble Run to the view over Schultz Fork.
Blazes: Lower Pine Trail is red, remainder of trails are yellow.
Description: The Pine Creek Gorge in the Tiadaghton State Forest is home to many hiking trails and this is one that should be on your list. Park at the forest headquarters which has its own views and wildflower meadows. If the building is open, be sure to check it out to see the displays and a balcony with a green roof and more views.
The red Lower Pine Trail begins at the end of the parking area and descends in a pine forest. Reach Lower Pine Bottom Run with a small cascade and hike the edge of the giant arched concrete culvert. Reach Lower Pine Bottom Road and turn right. Hike up the road a short distance. Turn left at a trail sign, which calls the Eiger Trail the “Quadfather”, you’ll soon see why. Hike behind a cabin and reach the beginning of the loop, continue on the Eiger Trail as it follows an old grade through laurel. The grade steepens as it climbs the flank of the mountain. Begin to pass old quarries and ledges.
The trail eases as it follows the grade along the steep slope of the mountain. I liked this part as the trail offered such forgiving tread across steep terrain. The forested slopes just fall away. Reach a large quarry and more ledges. The ledges continue before the trail begins a series of well built switchbacks up through the laurel.
Finally, the trail levels off at the top and you soon reach Bull Run Vista, an impressive view of the Pine Creek Gorge. The vast plateau is incised with many gorges and glens. Pine Creek is about 1,200 feet below.
Now begin the Log Slide Trail through mountain laurel. This trail would be beautiful in late June when the laurel blooms. The trail then begins its descent on an old log slide, which is somewhat gradual. Hike through groves of hemlocks with moss. Pass an old stone retaining wall for the slide. Reach the end of the loop and retrace your steps. The Log Slide Trail is easier than Eiger, but both are worth hiking.
Length: Approx. 6-7 miles in total to the falls and vista.
Blazes: Mid State Trail is orange, Gamble Run Trail is red.
Parking: Small lot at 41.242016, -77.334424.
Trail conditions: Good. Trails are well blazed and easy to follow.
Highlights: Cascades, small falls, pools, streamside hiking, hemlocks, vista, beautiful gorges.
Issues: Hike up to the vista is steep and rugged.
Level of challenge: Easy to difficult
Description: I really enjoyed this hike and look forward to returning. It is yet another gem in the Pine Creek Gorge region. This is an out and back hike to both the falls and vista. Part of this hike follows the Mid State Trail (MST) the longest trail in the state and a part of the Great Eastern Trail, which goes from Alabama to New York.
From the parking area, hike up and around the meadow with some nice views on the Gamble Run Trail. Expect wildflowers in summer. This meadow really reminded me of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia during my thruhike this year. Drop down and follow an old grade. At first it is well above the creek, but it gradually comes closer. Along the way, the MST joins. Gamble Run nears the trail and it is adorned with cascades and pools of clear water. There is moss, ferns and hemlocks. The cascading water accompanies the trail as you gradually hike up.
Reach Schultz Fork where the MST turns right and begins the climb. Here, Gamble Run has a beautiful slide and deep pool. This is a gorgeous spot. Continue on the red Gamble Run Trail into the scenic gorge. The cascades, ferns, and moss provide the scenery. Up ahead you’ll notice a large ledge with a deep pool; the creek slides through a narrow chasm. This is Gamble Run Falls. Not more than ten feet tall, it is quite beautiful as the water has sculpted the bedrock. While the Gamble Run Trail continues, turn around here and return to the MST at Schultz Fork.
Now begins the climb into this rugged gorge. Schultz Fork is seasonal, but has a variety of beautiful cascades and small waterfalls when flowing. Seeing and hearing the water eases the climb. The trail steepens and moves from the creek. Reach the heart of the rugged gorge where two branches meet and a cliff looms on the other side. The MST turns left and makes a final climb; if the trees are bare, the rugged gorge spreads before you.
The MST makes a sharp right turn. Here, look for faded blue blazes on the left. Follow this trail a few hundred feet through the laurel and reach beautiful Gamble Run Vista (or Schultz Fork Vista) from a ledge. Overlook the deep gorges and tiers of ridges with no signs of development or traffic. It is a glorious window into the wilderness and well worth the climb to see a view most hikers probably miss. This is an ideal sunrise vista. Hidden gems like this vista make hiking so rewarding and underscore the beauty of the MST. From here, retrace your steps to the parking area.
Cascades, falls, pools, moss, ferns, hemlocks, meadows, and a wilderness vista, what more do you want on a hike?
This map is for general directional purposes only, it is not a GPS track.
Description: The Pine Creek Gorge is a hiking wonderland with a vast array of trails. It is also a trail running destination. The hike along Ott Fork is beautiful as it follows a creek with its cascades and hemlock forests. This trail is also along the Eastern States 100, one of the premier trail races in the country.
From the parking area, just follow the old grade as it enters the gorge of Ott Fork. You will soon see some waterfalls and cascades, no more than ten feet tall, but still very scenic. These are the tallest falls on the trail. Continue upstream with some stream crossings and an old bridge abutment. Cascades dot Ott Fork. Mountain laurel and some rhododendron adorn the forest.
As you hike, hemlocks become more common with moss. Some of the trees are somewhat large. Ott Fork babbles off to the right. Pass a juncture with the Pine Hollow Trail. Continue along Ott Fork until the trail ends at a dirt road. Retrace your steps.
This is an easy and enjoyable hike that feels isolated. Ott Fork is a gem worth visiting. While in the area, visit Mountain Top Provisions for a meal.
This map is for general directional purposes only and is not a GPS track.
This is a great dayhike loop in the Pine Creek Gorge, offering views of the creek, rail trail, two fine views, rock outcrops and a small stream. It is about five miles long. Parking is at two places in Ramsey, and both have limited parking for about four or five cars. Â
From the parking area, follow the rail trail to the left or south and cross Pine Creek on an old steel bridge. Enjoy views of the creek and surrounding canyon. Continue on the rail trail and look for a discreet trail juncture to the right. Take it and follow the yellow blazes. Continue straight up the hill on the Tiadaghton Trail. Reach an old quarry site, and the climb becomes steeper; avoid the trails that join from the left. The climb remains steep as you ascend the ridge, passing some rock outcrops. Reach the ridge with more unique rock outcrops and ledges. Another climb brings you to a stunning 180 degree view of the Pine Creek gorge from rock outcrops. Enjoy the superb scenery.
Continue on the yellow Tiadaghton Trail as it climbs up the ridge; however, this climb is much more gradual. Moss and pine trees often adorn the trail. Descend gradually along the narrow ridge. In winter, expect extensive views through the bare trees. The yellow Turkey Vulture Trail joins from the right.  Reach a second view looking down the gorge, another beautiful sight. Turn left onto a trail and leave the Tiadaghton Trail. Descend to the Stone Cutter Trail which follows an old forest road above Bonnell Run, a small, babbling creek with some small cascades. Follow the Stone Cutter Trail down, enjoying views of the creek and the valley. The trail does not get very close to Bonnell Run. Â
Reach the orange Mid State Trail, and you can go either way. Left will take you along an old grade that will descend to the rail trail. Right, or straight, will take you down Bonnell Run and you can connect to the rail trail at the bottom; just be sure you do not continue following the Mid State Trail up the mountain.
Hike the rail trail to the left with many wildflowers. Pass a camping area and some shelters. Cross the bridge over Pine Creek and retrace your steps. Â
Parking in Ramsey is at 41.284498, -77.324630 or 41.284322, -77.321053. Again, parking is limited. Â
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. Â
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. Â
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. Â
Hemlock Mountain is one of the highlights along the rugged 42 mile Black Forest Trail, a popular backpacking trail loop. While Hemlock Mountain is known for its steep climb if you follow the Black Forest Trail, there is an easy way to get to the mountain and enjoy its superb views of the Pine Creek Gorge. This hike is a little over 2 miles, one way.
Park at the small parking area on Big Trail Road, located at about 41.454056, -77.564225. There is space for about three cars. Follow the yellow blazed Old Cutoff Trail as it descends on some long switchbacks and then levels off along a forested ridge with hardwoods and laurel. After another descent, reach the orange blazed Black Forest Trail, on which you will go straight, or left. Follow the rolling ridge. The trail then begins a steeper climb up Hemlock Mountain. Enjoy one view looking toward the plateau with two windows through the trees. Continue climbing under pine trees as the trail begins to level.
Reach a dry campsite and an excellent view looking south down the gorge. This is a famous view of the gorge and it is stunning, particularly in the morning when it is often above the clouds and mist. The size and scope of the canyon are breathtaking, as it is surrounded with towering, vast plateaus with furrows of ridges. Continue on the orange Black Forest Trail as it descends to another view of the gorge, this one looks north. If you continue on the Black Forest Trail, you will reach a long, steep descent into Naval Run, so you will want to retrace your steps. Â
Hikers seem to like the Superloop concept- challenging all-day hiking loops with tons of great scenery. The first was the Golden Eagle-Hilborn Superloop, and now gorgeous Pine Creek has a second- the Slate Run Superloop. This 18 mile hiking route will blow you away with its scenery. It has about 3,700 feet of climbing and about the same for descending. If you like gradual climbs and steep descents, hike it counterclockwise. Clockwise will bring you just the opposite. This description is counterclockwise.
Big thanks to the PA Trail Dogs for their work on these trails. They rebuilt some of the trails and cleared others, so say thanks to our trail running friends. This route is very similar to the Slate Run 25k trail run race.
We began at the parking area along Pine Creek, crossed the bridge, and passed the Hotel Manor. There we turned right onto the Black Forest Trail (BFT) which is blazed orange. A long, and mostly gradual, climb began along a narrow ridge with cool rock formations and pine trees. We passed two female backpackers, whom we would see again. We reached the first view at an old quarry with large cliffs and cairns built from all the flat rocks. The climb continued on an old grade up the mountain to a second view, a stunning panorama over Slate Run. The climb continued and became steeper and rockier to the top of the plateau, where the trail promptly leveled off. Â
We hiked through scenic woodlands with laurel. We dropped into a cove with a reliable spring and some campsites. At a juncture with the Algerine Trail, which is a part of the Long Branch Trail that connects to the West Rim Trail, the BFT turned left. More scenic woodland hiking passed. We continued on the BFT at the Alcinda Trail and reached the edge of the plateau with another superb view. Three or four rattlesnakes also were enjoying the view from under the rocks. They were harmless and mostly looked at us with annoyance.Â
Level trail continued until we neared the plateau again with some campsites and a fine view over Red Run. We passed a second view and began a steep, rocky descent along Red Run. While low on our hike, in higher water there are many cascades and falls on this rugged stream. The bottom of the valley brought a series of excellent campsites. The next highlight were the falls on Morris Run and its narrow wooden footbridge. The BFT continued on a forest road, crossed scenic Slate Run and then climbed up the plateau back to the road and a nice view. We then turned left onto a new yellow trail, this can be easy to miss. The PA Trail Dogs built this trail, and it was beautiful.
We descended along switchbacks and then the trail followed along cliffs and very steep slopes. It was awesome to hike as we crossed the rugged terrain with ease. In places, Slate Run was well over 100 feet beneath us. The yellow trail dropped down to a cabin road and some cabins. Â
Here, there is a side hike you should take, which is brown on the map. Follow an unblazed trail down to Manor Fork with cliffs, overhangs and cascades. It is stunning. The trail continues up Slate Run under more cliffs and ledges to Manor Falls, a stunning cascade into a deep, pristine pool surrounded by cliffs and rhododendron. The perfect place on a hot, sunny day. Retrace your steps back to the yellow trail, which goes up Manor Fork, crossing it several times. It is a great creek walk, but can be tough in a high water. Â
Reach Slate Run Road, cross it, and begin on the yellow Old Supply Trail, also rebuilt by the PA Trail Dogs. This was another enjoyable trail with hemlocks, sidehill and switchbacks with views of the creek below. The trail then went up Foster Hollow, a mossy creek with many cascades in higher water. At the forks in Foster Hollow, we rejoined the BFT and turned left onto it. There is also a campsite here. But the climb continued and the heat of the day began to wear on us. Tyler took a break and I soon followed. Theresa promptly followed our lead. I laid down and felt like I could go right to sleep. The forest above began to spin. I really wasn’t sure if I could get back up, but Tyler gave me some Sour Patch Kids and I felt immediately revived as the high fructose corn syrup pumped through my veins. Â
We finished the rest of the climb, our last one, and passed a small pond. We reached another view and met the two female backpackers, who were very friendly. They were from Maryland and it was their first time in the Pine Creek area. They commented on the beauty of the region, and warned us about the steep descent coming up. I ominously said, “I know”, having done it a few years ago. Theresa offered them some snacks, but they said they already had too much food, so I said maybe they could give us some snacks. They were about to, but I said I was only kidding. Â
The descent soon came, and it was steep, as we dropped down the spine of the mountain. The final view appeared and it was stunning, a 250 degree view of Slate Run and Pine Creek in the distance. We were surrounded by mountains. It was incredible. Theresa and Tyler were awestruck. We dropped down to Slate Run Road and crossed it. The hike from here was easier as we explored scenic forests with mushrooms and hemlocks. The easy terrain was most appreciated. The trail meandered through pine forests, passed behind a cabin, and brought us to a paved road that we took down to Slate Run to complete the hike. Â
This is one of my favorite hikes due to its scenery, challenging nature, and diverse features. There are eight vistas, waterfalls, cascades, beautiful forests, a small pond, swimming hole, diverse terrain, gorges, cliffs and rock overhangs, scenic streams, old quarries, and excellent camping. I never felt bored on this hike. Even if you don’t want to dayhike it, you can easily make this a superb overnight backpack. After hiking this gem, go to Slate Run for a celebratory meal.
Where is the next Superloop? Stay tuned. Â
For the map above, V=vista, C=campsite, blue dots are cascades or waterfalls, brown is an unmarked trail to Manor Falls. Parking is at 41.471321, -77.502436.
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. Â
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. Â
Parking is at 41.438796, -77.510714. For the map above, brown trails are not blazed, but are easy to follow.
The Pine Creek Gorge is one of the largest in the eastern U.S. It is 50 miles long and 1,450 feet deep at its deepest point. It was formed by glacial meltwater, and later, but the redirected Pine Creek. Pine Creek is famous for its beauty. It was one of the original rivers considered to become a national scenic river, and it is currently a state scenic river. Pine Creek is home to a vast network of trails, several state parks, and the famous Pine Creek Trail, one of the finest rail trails in the country.
The rim of the gorge also features a series of overlooks. Many of these can be driven to, and the most impressive of these views are in the southern half of the gorge. If you are with someone who can’t hike, or want a relaxing way to see the beauty of the gorge, these roadside vistas are ideal. I was incredibly impressed by the beauty of these vistas and am surprised they are not more famous.Â
The numbers below correspond to the map.
1.Ramsey Vista Rating (0-5): 5 Location:  41.304726, -77.342571 The finest vista on the east rim of the gorge, this one is perfect for sunsets. This view has a wide 180 degree panorama and is very scenic. Â
2. McKees Run Road Rating: 4 Location:  41.380531, -77.332474 A fine view looking north over deep glens. Isolated feel. The road to it is a little rough, but can be negotiated by a car.
3. McKees Run Road Rating: 2.5 Location: Â 41.377949, -77.343345 A second view on McKees Run Road is nice, but not as scenic as No. 2. It basically looks across a forested valley with not much variation of terrain.
4. Big Trail Road/Black Forest Trail Rating: 4.5 Location: 41.444881, -77.556803 Â A beautiful view looking over Hemlock Mountain and the plateaus along the gorge.
5. Big Trail Road Rating: 5 Location:  41.430781, -77.526315 One of the finest views in the region, this one is rarely visited. It looks north up the gorge offering an impressive view with a wide variety of terrain. The road to this view is a little rough, but can be driven by a car.
6. Big Trail Road Rating: 0 Location: 41.413117, -77.491389 Don’t bother with this one. The view is largely grown over and the road to it is long and rough.
7. Lebo Vista Rating: 5 Location: 41.390368, -77.468836 An awesome vista that is ideal for sunrises. 180 degree view and isolated. A must see.
8. Sinking Springs Spur Rating: 3 Location: 41.356643, -77.428054Â Nice view and isolated, but pretty narrow view. Â
9. Bull Run #1 Rating: 4.5 Location: Â 41.305124, -77.379143 Beautiful view looking north into the gorges of Pine Creek and Little Pine Creek with towering plateaus.
10. Bull Run #3 Rating: 5 Location:  41.270989, -77.347183 Spectacular views from a swath and the view itself. You can see to the north, east, and south. Perfect for sunrises.
11. Bull Run Rating: 4.5 Location:  41.254627, -77.344260 Beautiful view looking east, can see for about 40 miles. The Allegheny Front and lowlands can be seen from this view. Ideal for sunrises.
Hike Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell 