Hike the West Rim Trail, Pennsylvania, USA
WHAT MAKES THIS AREA UNIQUE?
Tracing the western ridge of Pine Creek Gorge north from Blackwell to Ansonia, this 30-mile trail offers just what many beginning hikers are looking for: all the views and all the campsites with the least amount of elevation gain possible. With 15 vistas, varied connector trails, multiple access points and many established campsites, you can easily choose a route on the West Rim Trail that perfectly fits your style. Star-gaze from one of the 15 vistas, feast on blueberries, fill your canteen at a cold mountain stream, and hike with your head literally in the clouds as you trek the very edge of this beautiful ridgeline trail.
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: October for peak fall foliage; winter for leaves-off views.
ROUTE OPTIONS:
Y Day Trip
Y Weekend Trip
Y 4 to 7-Day Trip
N 7 to 14-Day Trip
N Loop Trip
N Shuttle Service Nearby
POTENTIAL HAZARDS: Steep drop-offs, rattlesnakes.
WHERE TO FIND MAPS/CHARTS: Pine Creek Lizard Map available at www.purplelizard.com.
PERMITS REQUIRED? No.
WEST RIM TRAIL MINI OVERNIGHT HIKE: 5 MILES TOTAL
1/3 OF THE TRAIL’S VISTAS ARE IN THIS 2-MILE SECTION. THIS ITINERARY IS GREAT FOR FAMILIES.
Park your car at the Bradley Wales Picnic Area lot (there are bathrooms here). Hike north 2 miles to camp near the Ice Break Trail.
Day 2
Hike the West Rim Trail south 2 miles to your car, or hike three miles back to your car by taking the Ice Break Trail to Painter Leetonia Road, then following Painter Leetonia Road and West Rim Road south to your car at Bradley Wales Picnic Area.
INFORMATION
Tiadaghton District Office, (570) 753-5409
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THIS AREA
Campgrounds, paddle the Pine Creek, biking on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, explore the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania via the trails at Leonard Harrison State Park.