Susquehannock Trail System

Pennsylvania

1 Reviews

Located in scenic Potter and Clinton Counties, the Susquehannock Hiking Trail is an 85-mile amalgamation of old Civilian Conservation Corps fire trails, logging roads and railroad grades through the Susquehannock State Forest. Isolated and pristine, the Susquehannock Trail System provides hikers and backpackers with a well marked (orange blaze), rugged trail with some steep grades on single track tread in an isolated backcountry setting. The Hammersley Wild Area is especially unspoiled, offering the longest section of roadless trail in the Susquehannock loop. Please take note: The Susquehannock Trail System accepts foot-traffic only. Work on the trail began in the early 1960s under the leadership of the local innkeeper and Susquehannock Trail President, Will Ahn.

Somewhat coincidentally, the Hammersley is also the most rail-intensive portion of the system. Timber was cut here between 1906 and 1910. Several logging camps and a small town were once located near where Nelson Branch and Hammersley Fork merge. Also, this site is just north of the Forrest H. Dutlinger Natural Area, a 1,500-acre preserve that includes a 158-acre stand of old growth timber (primarily hemlocks).

Parking and Trail Access

To access the trails, take Rout 6 to the Susquehannock State Forest District Office. Trail contact information is as follows:

Susquehannock State Forest
Bureau of Forestry
Forest District #15
PO Box 673
Coudersport, PA 16915
(814) 274-3600
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/susquehannock.aspx

Great loop!

March 2015 jeffsacks

I hiked all of the STS in Oct of 2013. I have also been on smaller section for weekend trips. It is a great loop if you don't wish to have more then one car or you're going solo. I started in Old Bull state park wand went clockwise. If you need a map and guide book, the STS hiking club sells them. This is the clubs website http://www.stc-hike.org/
But if you can I suggest doing all 84 miles in one trip. It is well worth the time. I was able to do it all in 6 days and 5 nights. You go through some of the most wild area's Pa. has to offer. Old growth pine forests, marshes and open fields. The STS has everything. It's every well marked and maintained with lots of camp sites and water.