Penns Creek Path (Mid State Trail):
Pennsylvania
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Description:
Though little-known compared to other popular rail-trails in Pennsylvania, the Penns Creek Path is worth the effort of visiting for a scenic bike ride or hike in the forest. Pretty in all seasons, it is especially picturesque in June when its mountain laurel bushes abound with beautiful white blossoms.

The trail forms part of the Mid-State Trail, a 319-mile cross-country hiking trail that traverses five state forests and eight natural areas in the ridge and valley region of central Pennsylvania; with its firm surface, the Penns Creek Path is more suitable for cycling than most other sections.

Penns Creek Path is tucked away in Poe Paddy State Park at Poe Mills, a former lumber town dating from the timber industry boom in the late 19th century. The trail follows the path of a small timber railroad that once threaded through this mountainous region to transport lumber to State College.

Starting out from the roadside trailhead near Poe Mills, you soon come to a narrow, rustic footbridge that crosses Penns Creek. It's best to walk your bike across the bridge since the wood planks run lengthwise, leaving gaps that may catch bike tires. Look down to the water as you cross, and you are likely to see fly-fishers hoping to snag a trout with the Green Drake fly (a fishing fly especially popular at Penns Creek in late May and early June).

Just beyond the bridge is the next thrill, a former railroad tunnel carved into the rock face. It curves just enough to block any light from the other end, making it pitch-black for a short distance inside. A headlight or flashlight makes it less creepy and helps you avoid stepping in the rubble spilling into the pathway from the inside walls.

Beyond the tunnel the trail delivers a serene woodland experience. At mile 1.5 Penns Creek becomes visible again through the foliage. From here to the end of the trail, larch and pine trees share space with the deciduous trees lacing the sky. The crushed stone surface gradually fills with equal amounts of grass, giving the impression of being less-traveled. Near the end of the trail at Cherry Run, the Mid-State Trail breaks off to the left heading uphill.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Poe Mills trailhead, take US 322 to Potters Mills and turn east (right if you are traveling north on US 322) on Decker Valley Road. Continue about 10 miles, following the signs to Poe Valley State Park. Stay on this road through Poe Valley State Park to Poe Paddy State Park (an additional 3 miles from Poe Valley State Park). Most of this route from US 322 is unpaved. Turn left into the park, cross a one-way bridge, stay straight and continue about 0.5 mile. On the right is a small sign for Penns Creek Path. Park beside the road.

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Neat Trail.
By ryweston in July, 2010
We actually started at the Coburn side of this trail. We parked at one of the PA Fish Commission parking lot areas and rode the township road to the Coburn tunnel. We crossed Penns Creek over a very narrow railroad bridge. We were unable to ride across because the guide rails were so tight it rubbed the end of our handle bars. The trail itself for being privately owned in this section was in pretty nice shape although not as nice as other trails I have been on. We rode on to the village of Engleby where the trail gets a little more narrow but it still is rideable. We rode on to the next bridge which is no longer in existance and we had to cross Penns Creek. We crossed on some rocks in the stream but I would recommend bringing sandals or some kind of footwear you don't mind getting wet. Some parts of the stream were mid calf high at this point. We then rode on to the beginning of the actual trail near Poe Paddy State Park. The Actual trail itself is very nice and well constructed. Watch your head if you ride through the tunnel on the other side. It was pretty close for me. We rode on to the Cherry Run parking lot where the trail ends. We did ride on out to the township road and further out to the town of Weikert. The township road follows the old railroad bed but this part of the privately owned section is not open to the public. Over all the main trail is very nice but if you want to extend the ride the rest of what I have described is very neat too. I actually enjoyed the stream crossing since it was 98 degrees out the day we went. Overall the grade is nice and it provides a great workout.
Trail Report 3/11/2010
By mhouser13 in March, 2010
Fun little trail that parallels a creek. The best part of the trip is defiantly the tunnel. The trickiest part of this trail is getting to the trail head. I traveled from the west and most of the gravel roads are still snow covered.
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