Hike the Mid State Trail, Pennsylvania, USA
WHAT MAKES THIS AREA UNIQUE?
Want to spot a black bear? This is the trail to hike! Known as Pennsylvania's longest and wildest trail, the Mid State Trail's 320+ miles are a popular 2-week zoom for athletes who are in training for a long distance hike. Rocky climbs and pristine vistas will make you question why you ever thought of Pennsylvania as overpopulated and flat. Chanel the early explorers on this lightly traveled, history-rich footpath and admire its wild treasures.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE: Deciduous and evergreen forest, waterfalls, wild flowers, white-tailed deer, eagle, black bear, bobcat, coyote, porcupine, raccoon, snakes.
TERRAIN: Mountain, high plateau.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through October.
ROUTE OPTIONS:
Y Day Trip
Y Weekend Trip
Y 4 to 7-Day Trip
Y 7 to 14-Day Trip
N Loop Trip
N Shuttle Service Nearby
POTENTIAL HAZARDS: Poison ivy, rattlesnakes, black bear.
WHERE TO FIND CHARTS/MAPS: purplelizard.com and hike-mst.org
PERMITS REQUIRED? No.
PETS ALLOWED? Yes.
MID STATE TRAIL 4-DAY ITINERARY: 40.5 KM (25.1 MILES) TOTAL
Day 1
Drop your shuttle car at Sand Mountain Road Parking Lot.
Drive to Indian Steps (Ironstone Loop/Harrys Valley Road).
Hike 16 km to campsite at Fleet Foot Trail.
Day 2
Hike 13 km to camp at Shingle Path Trail.
Day 3
Hike 10 km to camp on Bald Mountain.
Day 4
Hike 4.5 km to your car at Sand Mountain Road Parking Lot.
INFORMATION
Keystone Trails Association, (717) 766-9690
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THIS AREA
Fishing, biking, paddle sports, historical sites, cross-country skiing.