The Mid State Trail (MST) is a 518 km (323 mile) long main trail network with many side trails located in the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians and Allegheny Plateau of Central Pennsylvania. It is known as “The Wildest Trail in Pennsylvania”. In 2006, MST was announced as part of the Great Eastern Trail network of footpaths intended to extend from Alabama to New York State.$37.95Add to CartMid State Trail Map & Guide Setby Mid State Trail AssociationThe Mid State Trail extends from the Maryland border to the New York border, bisecting the middle of Pennsylvania. The southern end of the MST is found on the Mason-Dixon line on route PA326. The northern terminus is located just north of Lawrenceville, PA. The MST is primarily on public land; state forests, state game lands and state parks. MST uses private lands by permission on occasion, generally closer to the Maryland and New York borders.The Mid State Trail is marked with rectangular orange blazes. Yellow and blue blazes are used to mark other, side trails. The MST marks the trail with single rectangles and two rectangles to denote turns.The Mid State Trail is divided into four different regions. The southern most section of the trail is the Everett Region. The Everett Region covers the section of the trail that extends from the Maryland border to route US22 near Alexandria, PA. Adjacent to this region is the State College Region. This extends from route US22 near Alexandria, PA to the R.B. Winter State Park. The next region is the Woolrich Region which includes the section of the MST from R.B. Winter State Park to the town of Blackwell, PA. The final region is the Tioga Region. The section of the trail from Blackwell, PA to the New York state border make up this region.A brief history of the Mid State Trail tells about how the trail began and the growing pains it suffered as it slowly blazed its way across the middle of the state. More information about the Mid State Trail and the organization tasked with maintaining it is available on the Mid State Trail Association (MSTA) website.

Source: Mid State Trail – PAHikes

Being over 60 miles in length, the Loyalsock Trail is marked with high-quality 2-by-6-inch yellow rectangles with 1-inch horizontal red stripes. Originally the trail was marked by tin can lids painted red with a yellow “LT,” and many of these are still present. Side trails are marked with yellow can lids bearing a red X.$19.95Add to CartGuide to the Loyalsock Trailby Alpine Club of WilliamsportThe name Loyalsock is derived from the Native American name Lawi-Saquick, meaning “Middle Creek,” because the creek now known by that name is situated between Muncy Creek and Lycoming Creek. The scenic and challenging Loyalsock Trail runs roughly parallel to its namesake creek. The Loyalsock Trail frequently climbs up and down ridges and mountaintops, passing many waterfalls, lakes, ponds, and historic places. The trail is known for its many fine vistas.

Source: Loyalsock Trail – PAHikes

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, one of the finest natural trails in Pennsylvania, extends for over 70 miles from Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown to the rugged and picturesque Youghiogheny River Gorge at Ohiopyle State Park. The northern terminus is a few miles east of Seward off PA 56, and the southern terminus now connects with the Great Allegheny Passage at Ohiopyle. Most of the trail is on Laurel Mountain, but there are some sections where it drops to the valley floor.The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is blazed with 2-by-5-inch yellow markings. Large signs indicate access points, and markers appear at every mile. There are eight overnight shelter areas along the trail, situated 8 to 10 miles apart. Each contains five shelters with tent pads, two comfort stations, a fireplace, and water sources. These overnight areas are not directly on the trail, but are set back somewhat to retain a wilderness atmosphere. Overnight stays, which require a reservation, are limited to one night at each shelter area.The Charles Lewis Natural Area, though not a part of the LHHT, is located just across the Conemaugh River at the northern terminus of the trail. This area is a great place for a day hike and also offers views of the Conemaugh Gorge.

Source: Laurel Highlands Trail – PAHikes

This trail is named after Congressman John P. Saylor, who represented Pennsylvania from 1949 to 1973. He was a conservationist with a deep concern for the environment. While in Congress, Saylor sponsored the National Scenic Trails Act and supported national wilderness preservation.$7.95Add to CartJohn P. Saylor Trail Guidebook and Mapby Scott Adams The John P. Saylor Trail is relatively flat with gradual climbs in elevation. The trail is a double loop configuration with the northern loop being about 12 miles in length and the southern loop being about 5 miles in length. The entire trail is a little over 17 miles long and can be hiked in a single day, but more typically done in two days.

There is a shelter erected approximately 8.5 miles into the hike, located on the southern loop.In the spring the trail is very wet with many springs and streams leading to marshy areas. On parts of the trail there is well preserved evidence of the former railroad grades over the swamp areas. The trail crosses Clear Shade Creek by a narrow suspension bridge into the Clear Shade wild area. You also pass through a former logging camp and will see the remnants of a splash dam.

Source: John P. Saylor Trail – PAHikes