Hike to Pine Island Ledge Vista and Waterfalls-Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon)

Posted on April 12, 2024 by endlessmountains

Length: Approx. 8 miles

Difficulty: Very difficult and challenging.

Trail conditions: Route follows unmarked and unblazed trails, old forest roads or grades, and off trail hiking. It is a steep climb or descent to/from Pine Island Ledge. The bottom section of Pine Island Run requires scrambling along waterfalls and traversing a landslide. It is the most challenging part and potentially dangerous. Do not attempt in high water.

Highlights: Incredible views, cliffs, rock outcrops, glens, many waterfalls and cascades.

Parking: 41.631387, -77.395402. Drive in from the north. There is no bridge where Claymine Road crosses Stony Fork.

Peregrine falcons: They nest at Pine Island Ledge. I was not aware they were nesting when I visited. Consider hiking elsewhere until their nesting season is over.

Rattlesnakes: Can be found at the vistas, and along the hike.

Cliffs: This hike goes near massive cliffs. Be careful. Any fall would be fatal.

Other navigation aids: Look at MyHikes for Pine Island Run and Ledge. You might want to hike them separate to avoid the lower section of Pine Island Run. Also, a prior post to the ledge.

Description: Pine Island Ledge is widely considered the most beautiful view in the Pine Creek Gorge, if not Pennsylvania. I think it is one of the most beautiful canyon or gorge views in the eastern U.S. Here, the canyon is so narrow and Pine Creek flows hundreds of feet below. The ledge has become an increasingly popular destination in the Tioga State Forest.

This is a very challenging hike, only experienced hikers should attempt. It is one of the most beautiful, and difficult, hikes in the Pine Creek Gorge. Most hikers to Pine Island use the rail trail, but this way is long and taxing. The hike from Claymine Road is much more scenic and challenging.

Hiking the loop clockwise or counterclockwise has its benefits. Clockwise requires a difficult scramble down Pine Island Run and a steep climb up to Pine Island Ledge. Counterclockwise is the opposite. It may be best to scramble up the lower gorge of Pine Island Run, which I consider the most challenging part. You can always skip this part and just go to the view.

From the parking area, follow an obvious trail through laurel down to Pine Island Run. Reach an intersection (see picture below). Go left to hike clockwise, right is counterclockwise. We hiked clockwise.

The hike along Pine Island Run is very beautiful with many cascades and slides. You will have to hike off trail much of the way and cross where you need to. The bottom of this gorge is very beautiful but challenging. It is best to stay on the west side of the creek. Be careful crossing a landslide. Rocks and cliffs tower above. Never attempt this hike in high water as the lower part of the gorge becomes too dangerous.

An unmarked trail makes the steep climb to the view. The view is simply incredible, framed by pine trees. An obvious trail continues north from the view, it becomes an old atv trail. There is one more view. There are beautiful pine and hemlock forests. The trail reaches private property, here go off trail to the east, roughly following the state forest boundary markers. Descend to an old grade This grade will take you to a campsite. Cross the creek and complete the loop.

You should have navigational aids or apps to hike this trail, especially the off trail part at the north end of the loop. The rest is fairly easy to navigate.

Parking on Claymine Road. Trail begins behind white sign.

This is where the trail from the parking area meets the loop. Left is down Pine Island Run, clockwise. Right is counterclockwise.

Red is off trail. Yellow are unmarked trails or old logging grades, some can be faint. Blue dots are waterfalls or cascades. This is not a gps track, accuracy not guaranteed, it is for general directional purposes only. Hike at your own risk. This is a very difficult hike with potentially dangerous sections.

Mid State Trail/Slide Hollow Loop-Tioga State Forest

Posted on May 8, 2023 by endlessmountains

Length: this loop is about three miles. If you add the off trail hiking to Rattler Run Falls and Rattler Rocks, it is about four miles.

Parking: At about 41.610862, -77.304136, it is pull off parking. Rattler Road is usually in good shape.

Highlights: Waterfalls, cascades, ruins, giant rocks, ruins, spring wildflowers

Difficulty: Moderate

Blazes: Mid State Trail (MST) is orange, Slide Hollow Trail is yellow.

Description: This loop explores a hidden area of the Tioga State Forest that is largely overlooked by the crowds that go to the PA Grand Canyon. This loop offers a lot of scenery and diversity, even more so if you add in the off trail hiking. This description is clockwise from the parking on Rattler Road.

If you want to see Rattler Run Falls, just go off trail and hike down Rattler Run. It is best to stay on the south side of the creek. The creek begins to form a gorge with cascades and small falls. You will also pick up an old grade that makes the hiking easier. There are many spring wildflowers. Reach Rattler Run Falls, about twenty feet tall. This scenic falls is set in a rocky grotto. Just downstream is Rattler Run Glen, which is even more scenic with a variety of falls and cascades in a bedrock glen. There is a private property line on the south edge of the glen, so explore from the north side. PA 287 is just below the glen. From here, retrace your steps, or make a shortcut to Rattler Road as the terrain allows.

Now just walk Rattler Road downhill. It is a nice walk. At the bottom, on the right, notice yellow blazes. This is the Slide Hollow Trail. The trail crosses a short section of private property, but hiking is allowed. Stay on the trail. Cross the creek and notice a ten foot falls just upstream set amongst boulders. A gradual climb follows up the glen and it is scenic with many wildflowers and cascades. It is a surprisingly nice trail. Reach the MST at a register. The Slide Hollow Trail was built so backpackers could access resupply in Morris.

Turn right on the MST and cross two branches of Slide Hollow with cascades. Begin a climb that steepens and joins an old grade. The MST levels and then descends to ruins from the coal mining era; these ruins are at the top of an incline plane which was used to haul coal down the mountain.

The MST follows a level grade under hemlocks. If you want to see Rattler Rocks, you’ll need to go off trail to the left a few hundred feet. This rock city is impressive with giant sandstone rocks, chasms, overhangs and caves. It might be the highlight of the hike. Maybe the MST should be rerouted to include it.

Back on the MST, drop down to Rattler Road and the pull off parking area.

The MST is the longest trail in PA and a part of the Great Eastern Trail. For more info on the MST, click here.

This map is not a GPS route, it is for general directional purposes only.

More photos:

Hike to Blue Run Rocks-Tioga State Forest

Posted on March 10, 2023 by endlessmountains

Length: About 1.9 miles, one way

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Giant sandstone boulders with chasms, creekside hiking

Blazes: Red

Issues: Blazes becomes sporadic on climb up to the boulders, turn up to the boulders can be easy to miss. Blazes also sporadic around the boulders, particularly the west side of the loop.

Parking: Pull off parking is at about 41.818924, -77.529522.

Description: If you like giant rocks, this is the hike for you. Blue Run Rocks are over forty feet tall with chasms. These rocks also attract climbers. This hike also features a scenic stream, hemlocks and pines, and good isolation. This is not a particularly popular hike, so you will likely be alone.

The trail is in “followable” condition. However, the trail up to and around the rocks have sporadic to non-existent blazing, although there are trails to follow.

From the road, follow the level trail with scenic forests of beech, pine and hemlock. Begin a gradual descent along a creek, which is often in view. Hemlocks often grow over the trail. The trail crosses a side stream. Continue the gradual descent, but keep an eye out for a campsite along the creek below. This marks where the trail turns left and begins to climb. This turn can be easy to miss. The climb is somewhat steep and will get your heart pumping, but it is not very long. Reach the top with mountain laurel, pass another campsite, and descend to the bottom of the rocks.

Take your time exploring these giant outcrops. You can go in between and around some of the boulders. It is a beautiful place and used by rock climbers.

The trail goes around the base of the rocks, but the blazes became non-existent. We were able to follow the trail due to the cut logs on the forest floor. We completed the mini-loop and retraced our steps.

More info about Blue Run Rocks on MyHikes.

More photos:

Hike to Chimney Rock-Tioga State Forest

Posted on November 12, 2021 by endlessmountains

This hike leads to one of the finest views of Pine Creek. There are two ways to begin. You can begin along PA 414 and hike up the Bull Run Trail; this way is longer and more challenging, but makes the view more rewarding. The other way is to drive to the end of Old Mountain Road and park. This way is much shorter and easier, however, the road can be muddy and rutted, so a vehicle with clearance is recommended.

I began from PA 414 and hiked up the yellow Bull Run Trail. This was a scenic trail, and the steady climb wasn’t really all that bad. Bull Run is a small creek and can dry up in the summer. When flowing, it has many small waterfalls and cascades, making for great scenery. Moss, ferns, and hemlocks adorn the trail up Bull Run. As I reached the top, there were many saplings; this was an area that was burned in a fire years ago. The trail leveled off and went through the saplings and some small meadows. I then reached Old Mountain Road.

I turned left and followed the sign for Chimney Rock Trail, also blazed yellow. The trail went through groves of pine and along some meadows. This area was also burned years ago. The trail moved towards the edge of the plateau with some nice views through the openings in the trees; in winter the views would be extensive with the bare trees.

The hiking was level along the edge of the plateau and then a gradual descent began. I hiked past ledges and the descent steepened with large rock outcrops. The woods were open with oak trees. The final stretch to the view was quite steep, but manageable.

Chimney Rock Overlook is impressive with its views of Pine Creek, and the ridges, peaks, and plateaus that surround it. The terrain is diverse and beautiful. Hundreds of feet below is the rail trail and a bridge across the creek. There is a flag at the view. This view is great for sunrises.

There is another view, a short distance off trail, at the point of the plateau. It offers a great view looking down Pine Creek.

From here, retrace your steps.

Parking at PA 414 is at about 41.534728, -77.426813. Parking on Old Mountain Road is at 41.542423, -77.437155. From PA 414, this hike is about three miles, one way.

Scroll through the photos.

Hiking the Birch Trail-Tioga State Forest

Posted on November 9, 2021 by endlessmountains

The Birch Trail is an isolated hike located deep in the Tioga State Forest, near Leetonia. It features a narrow ridge with views and many unique rock formations. The drive to it along Cedar Run is beautiful, with gorges and waterfalls. Cedar Run is a well-known trout stream with many pools, slides, and grottos. I began at the parking area in Gleason Hollow, it is pull off parking, and there is a beautiful bedrock pool in Cedar Run nearby. Cross the road and begin on the Birch Trail, where there is a sign.

The trail is blazed red and soon makes a steep climb up the ridge under pine trees. Leave the pine trees and reach the narrow ridge, where rock outcrops begin to appear. Scramble up some ledges and reach a scenic double vista off both sides of the ridge. Mountains and gorges surround you. Continue to follow the ridge with a moderate climb. The red blazes become more infrequent, but there is generally a path to follow. The narrow ridge is very unique, with many interesting rock outcrops and formations. There are columns of rock, and one formation that resembles a mushroom. The trail sign near the parking area calls these the “Chimney Rocks”. The ridge is often composed of ledges. Enjoy two views off the left, of west, side of the ridge. Climb up the ridge and reach the plateau, and a deer fence.

The trail crosses through the fence and becomes more overgrown with briars. The blazes are still there, but infrequent. This may be tough to follow in the summer. Climb gradually and reach the end of a forest road. Follow the road as it descends. Again, blazes along the road are infrequent. The trail makes a discreet turn to the left, it is easy to miss. Descend into Callahan Hollow and pick up an old grade. The trail curves into a scenic pine forest and descends to Cedar Run. There is no bridge across Cedar Run, so expect wet feet. There was a fallen tree a hundred feet or so upstream that you can cross.

The Birch Trail enters a beautiful spruce forest with moss. Climb up to Leetonia Road and another trail sign. Turn left and walk the road back to complete the loop.

This description follows the loop counterclockwise. While the ridge is the most scenic part of the hike, I enjoyed the entire loop. The loop is about four miles long.

Pull off parking is at 41.579730, -77.473997.

Fork Hill-Stone Quarry Run Loop (Tioga State Forest)

Posted on August 28, 2020 by endlessmountains

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.

Fork Hill Boulder City and Cliffs-Tioga State Forest

Posted on December 2, 2019 by endlessmountains

I enjoy exploring giant rocks and cliffs. Such places have a primeval feel with the draperies of moss, lichens, and ferns, and they often harbor unique ecosystems and habitats as they tend to hold or trap colder air. An area of these giant rocks came to my attention in the Tioga State Forest, above Stony Fork, on a mountain called Fork Hill. I parked off of Clay Mine Road to check them out. I then walked down the road as it began to descend to Stony Fork. Where some large rocks abutted the road, I first headed to the north, or my left.

I walked along some giant rocks that grew into the size of cliffs. I really enjoyed a 30 foot tall monolith capped with ferns and some hemlocks. Nearby were giant cliffs and a cave-like overhang. North of here the rocks appeared to recede in size, so I retraced my steps south back to Clay Mine Road, crossed it, and headed south along the rocks.

I was soon treated to some mossy passageways between some lower ledges. Heading south, the rocks grew in size, creating impressive boulder cities and mazes. These rocks towered 30-50 feet. It was fascinating to walk between the giants and explore the various passages. I continued south with some large cliffs and overhangs with small caves and crevices. This stretch of giant rocks is one of the most impressive in the PA Wilds.

I then reached a valley of sorts where the rocks were smaller and broken down. I crossed a small runoff stream and stayed above the ledges to avoid some thick laurel. I reached a pine forest and more giant rocks, included a massive overhang with a pointed ledge. My exploration ended with an impressive long chasm with a passageway about a hundred or so feet long. From here, I hiked off trail in a westerly direction through the woods to a forest road. While there was some laurel, the woods were mostly open and the hiking was fairly easy. I reached a dirt forest road. I turned right and headed back to my car.

I parked at 41.596717, -77.367790. Keep in mind this parking area is not accessible when there is snow or ice, and there is no bridge where Clay Mine Road crosses Stony Fork. On the map, the dashed black lines are the smaller or broken down rocks. Solid black lines are the larger cliffs and boulders.

Stony Fork Loop-Mid State Trail

Posted on November 25, 2019 by endlessmountains

Stony Fork is one of the most scenic places in the Tioga State Forest. This is a stream of exceptional beauty with cascades, slides, grottos, and deep aquamarine pools. One of the highlights of this creek is the color of its water. In summer, two of the pools are very popular on weekends. The Mid State Trail (MST) follows Stony Fork, revealing its sublime beauty. If you don’t mind a stretch of pleasant road walking, there is a fine loop you can hike. This is also an excellent summertime hike with all the pools to go swimming or wading.

In order to split up the roadwalk, park at about 41.596694, -77.367806. Hike out to Clay Mine Road, and head right to go downhill. This is a scenic, and lightly traveled, gravel road with forest cover. You will pass a seasonal stream with cascades when it is flowing. Reach the bottom at a small parking area. Turn left onto a yellow trail and begin your hike up Stony Brook. The yellow trail keeps its distance from the stream, but features hemlock forests. Reach the orange MST, which will be your route for the remainder of the hike back to the road.

The MST stays closer to Stony Fork and you can see the rapids, cascades, and pools from the trail. The scenery is impressive, and nonstop, as the trail goes from one grotto to another. The creek has sculpted the bedrock into smooth, waterworn ledges. Take your time along Stony Fork, the scenery demands it. The MST climbs away from the creek, but then returns to it, with more pools, rapids, and grottos of smooth ledges. The trail is often under hemlocks, enhancing the scenery of this place.

Reach Mossy Run and the MST turns left to begin the climb. This is a small creek that can dry in summer. When it is flowing, you will be treated to many cascades and falls over mossy bedrock. It is quite beautiful. Reach the top with hemlocks and meander through giant boulders and rocks draped with moss, lichens, and ferns. Reach a trail register, and soon after, Clay Mine Road. The MST continued south across the road. A parking area is a couple hundred feet to the right. To complete the loop, walk the road to your left back to the parking area and your car.

This loop is 4-5 miles long. The blue dots on the map indicate falls, cascades, rapids, slides, or pools. “P” are other parking areas.

Hiking Cedar Run-Tioga State Forest

Posted on September 4, 2019 by endlessmountains

Cedar Run is a tributary of Pine Creek, it is known for its scenery and trout fishing. Cedar Run flows through a deep canyon in the Tioga State Forest. I’ve heard rumors of the beauty of this stream, and decided to check it out myself. This hike comprised of walking up Cedar Run itself, often in the water, and then returning via Leetonia Road. This hike is about 7 miles in total.

I found a place to pull off along Leetonia Road and simply walked off trail down to Cedar Run. I encountered a steep cliff, but took a more gradual deer path down to the creek. From there I simply walked upstream. The water was clear and pristine, not to mention refreshing on such a warm day. As I walked upstream, the scenery of Cedar Run revealed itself with deep, translucent pools, and towering grottos and cliffs. There were deep forests of large hemlock and pine. This section of Cedar does not have any waterfalls on it, or large rapids.

Whenever the creek made a bend, there seemed to be cliffs and deep pools. At times I walked along the bank above the creek when the terrain allowed. As I walked up the creek, I saw a flock of fifteen mergansers. I was pushing them up the creek, and they clearly wanted to go down. I hiked up the bank, and let them pass downstream. They scurried through the water, leaving a wake of bubbling foam.

As I continued upstream, the scenery continued to impress. Despite Leetonia Road being close by, I felt I was in the midst of a vast wilderness. This hike was beautiful, and relaxing. By the time I reached Straight Run on the right, the cliffs and grottos had largely receded to steep wooded hillsides. I then hiked up to Tumbling Run, which featured a twenty foot falls and a cabin perched above it. A truly beautiful spot.

I continued upstream to Long Branch and left Cedar Run. I hiked up Long Branch and scrambled up to the red blazed Long Branch Trail. Up Long Branch was a beautiful ten foot falls. I hiked the Long Branch Trail out to Mine Hole Road, turned left, and hiked a short distance to Leetonia Road, which I then walked back to my car.

This is an ideal summer “crick walk” when the water is low. Do not attempt in high water. Cedar Run is a beautiful creek that you will enjoy.

I parked at or about 41.530243, -77.453171.

Mid State, Pine Creek, and Water Tank Loop-Tioga State Forest

Posted on August 2, 2019 by endlessmountains

The Pine Creek Gorge is a popular hiking destination, with many of the trails on the west side of the gorge. Thanks to the Mid State Trail, Pine Creek Rail Trail and the Water Tank Trail, there is also a great hiking loop on the east rim. This loop is about six miles long. Ian joined me on this hike.

We began hiking from a parking area on Clay Mine Road and walked down the road to the MST, on which we turned right. The MST explored some boulders and meandered through the forest until it eventually made its way down to Water Tank Run. We passed springs and thickets of laurel with pine. At Water Tank Run, the yellow Water Tank Trail joined the MST; this would be our return route.

We continued on the MST as it explored beautiful forests and more laurel thickets. The trail was a pleasure to hike. We crossed the other branch of Water Tank Run and continued on the MST. The trail took us into gorgeous open forests with meadows of ferns, sunlight dappled the forest floor as the ferns waved in the breeze. A yellow side trail to the right took us to a fine view from the east rim, looking across the gorge. Thunderstorms rumbled to the north from dark, ominous clouds. There was also a view looking south, but it was mostly grown over. We retraced our steps back to the MST and soon reached Stone Quarry Run. Here, the MST turned right and descended along Stone Quarry Run. (Keep in mind the MST is presently being rerouted and it will go across Stone Quarry Run and down Fork Hill with two vistas, this route is shown as red on the map).

The trail down Stone Quarry Run was beautiful as we followed a narrow grade above the deep gorge. We could hear the creek cascading far below and the open forest allowed us to see the other side of the gorge carved by Stone Quarry Run. The trail became steep near the bottom. We reached the Pine Creek Rail Trail and there was a fifteen foot falls on Stone Quarry Run.

The next part of the hike followed the rail trail, which is not blazed but obvious. We hiked up the trail as storm clouds gathered to the north. Pine Creek flowed along the trail as kayakers sailed by. Flowers adorned the bank and bicyclists passed us. Many bicyclists from the Philippines passed us and one stopped and warned us about some snakes ahead and their massive size. His alarm caught me by surprise as I thought the Philippines must have some pretty fearsome snakes. We hiked on, but never saw the snakes. We reached Water Tank Run. I hiked an unmarked trail on the south side of the run (black on the map above) to a stunning 30 foot falls. It was a little tough to get to the falls due to the steep terrain, but a path with a rope provided some assistance. I hear there is a double falls upstream, but we did not have time to see it.

We returned to the rail trail and then turned right onto the yellow Water Tank Trail, which is on the north side of Water Tank Run. The trail was very steep, but that was not our only concern. The clouds opened up and we were treated to a torrential downpour complete with thunder and lightning. There was little we could do, so we trudged up the steep trail as heavy rains doused the forest. The trail became more gradual and the rain began to ease. The gorge of Water Tank Run was beautiful with cascades. The gorge was deep and impressive, as the trail clung to the side of it. We crossed Water Tank Run, reached the MST, and retraced our steps back to the car.
This was a beautiful and diverse hike that offered a bit of a challenge. Once the new MST route down Fork Hill is complete, it will be best to begin at Blackwell and I expect Stone Quarry Run will become a cross connector trail.

We parked at 41.603757, -77.373709. Parking in Blackwell is at 41.556268, -77.381904.

Hike Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell

An Outdoors Author Exploring the Natural Beauty of Pennsylvania

Tag Archives: tioga state forest