The Donut Hole Trail (DHT) is a long-distance backpacking trail, traversing 81 miles in the Sproul State Forest, paralleling the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. It is one of the most remote and challenging of the state’s backpacking trails and is for seasoned hikers only, with numerous steep climbs and unbridged stream crossings. Bridges were recently constructed or replaced over Cooks Run, Drury Run, Seven Mile Run, and Paddy Run. Extensive relocations have been made in the Bull Run, Seven Mile, and Merrimam Hollow areas, eliminating many stream crossings. The biggest remaining challenge of the orange-blazed DHT is a deep-water ford of the very wide Kettle Creek that should not be attempted during high water. A yellow-blazed side trail provides a lengthy detour around this crossing.

Source: Donut Hole Trail – PAHikes

The Chuck Keiper Trail is named after Charles F. Keiper who was a dedicated conservationist and wildlife law enforcement officer. The trail, located in the Sproul State Forest, is 52 miles in length and is organized into an eastern and western loop. The western loop is slightly longer than the eastern loop with the western loop being hiked in three days and the eastern in two days.The trail makes many stream crossings without bridges and is best hiked at times of low water. The trail also traverses the Two Rock Run Fire area. There is no shade along this area of the hike so take plenty of water in the summer and try to hike this section in the early morning or late evening. The trail is a very strenuous hike as there are many ascents and descents without the use of switchbacks.

Source: Chuck Keiper Trail – PAHikes

The Bucktail Path is located in north central Pennsylvania, mainly within the boundaries of Elk State Forest. The trail is approximately 34 miles in length and marked with orange blazes. The trail is a point-to-point trail with the northern trail head located at Sizerville State Park and the southern trail head located in the town of Sinnemahoning. The trail passes through the Johnson Run Natural Area as well as the Squaretimber Wild Area.

Source: Bucktail Path – PAHikes

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