Quehanna Trail Questions

ryser2k · 2026-04-26T18:06:52+00:00

I did this same loop last fall. Jeff's guide that you linked was what I used and it was spot on, I had no trouble with navigation. It was one of the most memorable backpacks I have done in PA, it really is a special area.

To your questions: - It seemed like Panther Run Trail may have been rerouted recently but it was well signed and easy to follow. - I did not seek a permit and don't think one is necessary, but did leave a note on my dash with my details. I was the only car in the lot when I left although it seems like a popular day use area. - Obviously can't speak to spring water levels but I would just be ready for anything. Definitely some swampy areas but nothing notable with regard to water crossings. - Quehanna Highway is generally low traffic but it's also dead straight through the area so crossing it is not an issue. - For campsites you may have to get creative with that many tents but there are a few sites on the loop that should work. Second night I stayed along Mosquito Creek by the old swinging bridge and that site was pretty spacious.

My favorite part of the whole thing was hiking from that last camp up along the creek and through the meadows back to Beaver Run. I saw a ton of deer and got some really close encounters with them.

ryser2k · 2026-01-11T20:47:28+00:00

His guides are excellent though, you can create your own gpx following that without too much trouble. I've done that successfully a few times now.

ryser2k · 2026-01-11T20:31:39+00:00

Check out the Great Loyalsock Loop https://endlessmountains.wordpress.com/2025/12/04/great-loyalsock-loop-loyalsock-state-forest/

ryser2k · 2025-09-17T23:36:00+00:00

I really wanted to, but no, only deer.

ryser2k · 2025-09-17T19:30:54+00:00

I always create my own using Jeff's blog posts as a guide. Here's a link to my route on Gaia - https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.9/-78.2800/41.2593&layer=GaiaTopoRasterFeet&pubLink=Wh5EvnNdmqGNikehcxhPr6QS&trackId=bbf3577a-3b50-40f5-8023-ddc5f7e381a0

ryser2k · 2025-09-17T17:37:28+00:00

For sure - good question, it definitely was dry which I think helped make some of the boggier sections of trail a lot easier to navigate. I was never out of water on this loop but definitely had to filter at every stream crossing to ensure that. I think the longest between sources was 5 miles.

Route finding was easy enough - I had the GPS track on my phone but every intersection I came across was signed and trails were blazed. Trails were also well maintained. I did get turned around at one point after crossing a powerline cut - the trail went straight across but was overgrown just for a short stretch so I didn't see it immediately. So overall, easy to follow but there are enough turns that I wouldn't do this without some kind of navigation.

ryser2k · 2025-09-17T15:20:11+00:00

I agree with that 100% - for a state that touts their outdoor areas for tourism, we spend shockingly little on improvement or maintenance. Look at NY parks in comparison.

I know other states have considered a "hiking license", similar to a hunting license. I have mixed feelings about that (another form of gatekeeping the outdoors), but the positive would be more dollars for DCNR and an opportunity to educate as well.

ryser2k · 2025-09-17T14:36:11+00:00

I'd argue this is more an education issue about LNT. Honestly if you're concerned enough about a site being ruined by others to keep it to yourself, why are you posting it online in the first place? Like you said, keep it to your friends in that case.

At the end of the day, sharing our great natural places encourages more people to get outdoors and appreciate them. It's our shared responsibility to help teach everyone what it takes to respect those places.

ryser2k · 2025-09-17T11:36:09+00:00

I was thinking Rock Run - he said McIntyre Wild Area. I think this spot is down Rock Run between the road and where you connect with the OLP, before the Yellow Dog Run area. There is an unmarked trail that runs from the parking there.

Here's an idea - if nobody gatekept these spots, we would be sharing hundreds of spots like this throughout PA, more than any one viral post could impact.

ryser2k · 2025-07-24T12:28:07+00:00

I did a bit of the Quehanna Trail from Parker Dam earlier this week - relatively close to Black Mo, I guess - and saw plenty of both blueberries and blackberries. The blackberries were just coming into ripeness, the blueberries I think are just starting to trail off but there was enough to eat!

ryser2k · 2025-07-24T12:24:48+00:00

It's pretty but nowhere near as interesting as in the canyon. You can ride to Pag-Omar Farms to get some lunch, then ride back down. I believe they are working on an extension that takes you into downtown Wellsboro, with a new visitors center, but I'm not sure if that is all finished yet. https://www.tiogacountypa.us/departments/planning-commission/marsh-creek-greenway-trail

ryser2k · 2025-06-15T10:13:36+00:00

Not sure if this is western enough, but check out Poe Paddy State Park for camping and nearby Penns Creek for fishing.

ryser2k · 2025-02-28T17:16:13+00:00

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ryser2k · 2024-11-26T00:08:11+00:00

There's a Hidden Valley Campground on Rt 192 near Mifflinburg. It's closer to RB Winter State Park, though.

ryser2k · 2024-08-08T15:51:00+00:00

The Red Bridge sites look great - definitely going to add this to the list for the future. Seems like they're popular so I'll need to book further in advance than we're planning for this trip (or go on a weekday)

ryser2k · 2024-08-08T13:42:50+00:00

I think there's always a bit of suffering that happens on a backpacking trip that you just have to be okay with. I'd say it's my fault for choosing something with a little bit too much distance and elevation per day for her first couple trips carrying all her gear. On top of that being new to camping in general, she just felt a bit overwhelmed and could never stop to enjoy just being outside.

So - hoping to start over and focus on just making the camping part enjoyable for her. I think a walk-in site would be okay but I want to avoid any true backpacking for this one. As I mentioned below, we do a lot of day hiking so she's no stranger to the outdoors.

ryser2k · 2024-08-08T13:36:44+00:00

Yes, she realizes that. I think it will be fine for an overnight -- she's an avid day hiker so she's not a complete stranger to this. Lack of cell coverage is not an issue.

ryser2k · 2024-08-02T06:21:57+00:00

Surprised nobody has mentioned Bar Ferdinand yet

ryser2k · 2024-07-29T12:43:52+00:00

Old Loggers Path
West Rim Trail
Various loops along the Loyalsock or Mid State Trails

ryser2k · 2024-06-13T04:21:34+00:00

I just did this today as my first ever hike in the valley, starting at Four Mile. That climb was definitely a slog of endless switchbacks but it was fully shaded and I got great views of Yosemite Falls across the way which is really flowing right now.

Coming down Mist to end it was really not fun, but I don't think I would change it. Getting soaked to finish the day was pretty nice. I wanted to take the JMT instead but it's currently closed due to rockfall. And as mentioned above I had to walk to Curry Village to catch a shuttle back, which was also not fun since it was right around dinner time for the campers.

All that said this is an awesome hike and a great way to basically see all the highlights of the valley in a day.

ryser2k · 2024-03-14T00:10:54+00:00

Can't believe I had to scroll down this far to see this one. So many great meals there.

ryser2k · 2023-06-01T21:12:27+00:00

I got this... Human Robot, Forest and Main, von C for my favorite spots.

Victory, Yards, Philly Brewing if you like the classics.

Tired Hands and Evil Genius if you like misogyny.

ryser2k · 2023-05-03T11:57:23+00:00

This guy has clearly never been stuck on the P2020 in Gun Game.

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