Pinchot Trail System

Hike Name: Pinchot Trail System Location: northeast PA Length: 22 Submitted by: Harry Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Pennsylvania trail reviews Pennsylvania national parks Pennsylvania state parks
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Description
The brochure says it's a 23 mile hike, but the map reads 21. I averaged the two. Start on the trailhead off of SR 2045. I took the north loop and did the trail counter clockwise.
The trail is very well marked, and easy to follow. The climbs are gradual with very few exeptions. Make sure to fill up on water at every opportunity, as it can be scarce at some points. Big Pine Hill Vista is a worthwhile side trip. The northern loop ends at the SR. This part of the trail has been relocated. You have to walk west for a few yards to catch up with the trail again. After a brief walk through the woods, this section follows a gravel road for a while before breaking off and decending to Choke Creek. This section of trail is VERY rocky and filled with roots. Get used to it, because the entire southern loop is like that. I camped about 1/2 mile down the Nature Trail under a big pine tree. I could hear coyotes yipping away all night. It was erie.
The Southern Loop takes you down to Choke Creek, through a swamp or two, and up to the Stone Tower Lookout. Beware of a false peak about 50 yards before the real one.
The rest of the way is a gradual decline through swampland and back to the gravel road. Take the gravel road back to the SR, and turn right to get to the trailhead about 1/2 mile away.
There are many campsites at points along the trail, and the entire trail is well maintained. I ran into a few other hikers and two hunters, and I could hear gun shots as it was hunting season, but it didn't take away from the peacefullness of the trip. Great weekend hike.

Directions to Hike
From Philadelphia: N.E. Extension (476N) to the Bear Creek Exit. 115 South 4 miles to Traffic light. Make a left and go to T intersection. Make a right, and trailhead is afew miles ahead on left.

Contact Information
Ranger Contact: Bureau of Forestry, Forest District #11, (570) 963-4561, fd11@state.pa.us

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