Located in the Tiadaghton State Forest, the Black Forest Trail and it’s many side trails reside in Lycoming and Potter counties. The Black Forest Trail is a loop of a little over 43 miles with the trailhead proper being just north of Slate Run, PA. The Black Forest Trail gets its name from the dense hemlocks that once grew here, keeping the forest floor in an everlasting darkness. The trail is challenging with many steep ascents and descents. However, the vistas make it worth the effort.$12.45Add to Cart Black Forest Trail Guide and Mapby Chuck DillonThe highest point on the trail is 2,145 feet which is reached twice: once on Chestnut Ridge and second at the top of Callahan Run. The lowest elevation is at the crossing of Slate Run at 760 feet. Starting at the trailhead and hiking in a clockwise fashion, there are 8 ascents of over 500 feet, with the longest ascent being the initial climb away from Slate Run. The steepest section of the trail is the descent from Hemlock Mountain to Naval Run. The eastern half of the trail is much more rugged than the western half. This trail should not be your first backpacking trip.The Black Forest Trail is routed in a way that you don’t have to hike the entire trail. There are many places where the trail crosses forest roads so that a shuttle hike can be arranged. You can also hike numerous loops using some of the side trails as well as road hiking. On this backpacking trail you will find the views breath taking, numerous camping sites, plenty of water, and beautiful woods full of wildlife.

Source: Black Forest Trail – PAHikes

The Baker Trail was established in 1950 and named for the late Pittsburgh attorney, Horace Forbes Baker. The Baker Trail is a 132-mile hiking and backpacking trail that passes through Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson, Clarion and Forest counties. The trail follows forest paths, old jeep trails and dirt roads through woods, farmlands, along rivers and creeks. The northern section of the Baker Trail merges with the North Country Trail. It is one of the 18 state-designated hiking trails. Currently, there are nine campsites with open front “Adirondack” shelters located on side trails. Besides the shelters, there are primitive campsites along the trail where tents can be used.

Source: Baker Trail – PAHikes

Allegheny Front Trail, or the AFT as it is commonly called, is a relatively new addition to the trails of Pennsylvania. The trail encircles Black Moshannon State Park and offers a number of vistas as well as excursions down off of the Allegheny Plateau along some very scenic mountain streams. Being nearly 42 miles in length, it is a nice trail for backpacking that could be done in as little as three days but more typically done in four or five $12.95 Add to Cart Guide to the Allegheny Front Trail by Ben Cramer A 7-mile cross-connector passes through the park, while most of the orange-blazed trail is outside the park’s boundaries. The northeastern portion intersects with several blue-blaze cross-country ski trails, known as the Rock Run trails. The trail crosses many roads, both paved and dirt, with ample parking at most crossings. Choose your trailhead and start your adventure. If 42 miles isn’t something you can manage, there are many smaller hikes possible, utilizing many of the side trails and forest roads. The terrain, though challenging in places, lends itself to novice hikers and this trail is a great way for those new to backpacking to get their feet wet.

Source: Allegheny Front Trail – PAHikes

September 9, 2017 9 a.m .Johnstown, PA The 5k out-and-back course will be along the original section of the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail in Johnstown that extends from Riverside to Moxham. Participants will follow the scenic section of the trail along the Stonycreek River and will pass by the Trail Art Murals near the old trolley bridge in Moxham.

Kids under the age of 8 years old can participate in the Kids’ Trail Trot at 8:45 a.m. at the 5k start/finish line.

All proceeds from the Jim Mayer Trail Family Fun Run will benefit the Friends of the Trails program, which exists to enhance and expand the Cambria County Trails.

Source: Trail Events – Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority