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Print Friendly MapThis trail passes through a variety of pleasing landscapes. The area near Crane Run is especially scenic. The trail is marked with white diamonds. The skill level of this trail is rated more difficult.
The Twin Lakes Trail ends at the North Country Trail, which is 96.3 miles long in the Allegheny National Forest. This end of the Twin Lakes Trail is within the Tionesta Scenic Area, which is a 4000 acre tract of old-growth forest purchased by the federal government in 1936. The old-growth consists of 300-400 year old beech, hemlock and sugar maple. The primary purpose of the Scenic Area is to protect this unique area of national significance for recreational enjoyment.
The Twin Lakes trailhead is located at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area off of SR 321 between Kane and Wilcox.
You can also park at the Brush Hollow Trailhead located 10 miles north of Ridgway on SR 948. This trailhead provides access to the Mill Creek Trail, which connects to the Twin Lakes Trail near Forest Road 138.
I've hiked the entire trail from end to end. It's not an easy hike. The trail has been neglected for years, but has recently been adopted by a few locals who are working hard to get it back in shape. There are areas on the west end that have been rerouted due to beaver dams flooding the area. Follow the diamonds and look for orange ribbons to guide you. There are areas of heavy blow-down which have been cleaned up, but you'll find yourself climbing and ducking a bit. There's a camp site at the top of the hill that overlooks the valley below and another at Coon Run. Both are great for camping overnight or just a day stop. Most of the trail on the east end has been marked for night hiking as well. During winter months the TL Rec area is closed so you won't be able to park at the campground. You can park at Seven Mile Road, hike 2 miles east to the Twin Lakes Campground and walk around the lake (it's beautiful at night, bring a headlamp). Or you can travel west from this parking spot and continue onto the remaining 14+ miles of trail. There is another parking spot along Route 66 just south of James City (on the left). And a few others along forest roads 152 and 133. There are plenty of natural springs along the trail, keep your eyes open for these, as they are not yet marked with signs. I suggest hiking smaller sections of this trail (out and back) if you have never hiked it. But it would make a great 2-day backpacking trip too! Park one vehicle at Twin Lakes Rec Area (during open season) get dropped off along FR 133 at the NCT trailhead. You'll be hiking almost 19 miles from start to finish, including the two connecting trails on each end.
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