Hike the Golden Eagle Trail, Pennsylvania, USA
WHAT MAKES THIS AREA UNIQUE?
Considered one of the best day hikes in Pennsylvania, the G.E.T. offers hikers sweeping displays of mountain laurel, rugged terrain, blueberry patches and six vistas. Cool off in a swimming hole along Bonnell Run, examine the wild flowers growing on Wolf Rock, and gaze down to the Pine Creek from your perch atop Raven’s Horn. Make sure you bring water and plenty of snacks—this rugged hike is more than worth every bit of energy it takes.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE: Deciduous and evergreen forest, streams, wildflowers, mountain laurel, blueberries, white-tailed deer, eagle, black bear, coyote, porcupine, raccoon, snakes.
TERRAIN: Mountains.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May for peak wildflower display, early June for mountain laurel bloom, October for peak fall foliage.
ROUTE OPTIONS:
Y Day Trip
N Weekend Trip
N 4 to 7-Day Trip
N 7 to 14-Day Trip
Y Loop Trip
N Shuttle Service Nearby
POTENTIAL HAZARDS: Rattlesnakes.
WHERE TO FIND MAPS/CHARTS: Pine Creek Lizard Map available at www.purplelizard.com.
PERMITS REQUIRED? No.
GOLDEN EAGLE TRAIL DAY HIKE: 10 MILES TOTAL
Park your car at the Clark Farm Utceter Station lot. Cross the road and follow the short connector trail along Bonnell Run. Keep left at the split, and gradually ascend the mountain as you continue to follow Bonnell Run. Follow the G.E.T. clockwise and take the same connector trail to return to your car.
INFORMATION
Tiadaghton District Office, (570) 753-5409
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THIS AREA
Campgrounds, paddle the Pine Creek, biking on the Pine Creek Rail Trail.