At A Glance
At 323 miles, the Mid State Trail is considered Pennsylvania’s longest and wildest footpath. It is a wooded wonderland for the backpacking enthusiast, but can also be explored in sections for weekend getaways or day hikes. Voted the “Pennsylvania Trail of the Year” in 2019, it is a local favorite and waiting for you to explore. Access from the Susquehanna Greenway is located between Lock Haven and Jersey Shore.
Description
Photo by James Ditty
As a whole, the Mid State Trail spans long-distance across Central Pennsylvania, from the New York border, where it connects with the Finger Lakes Trail, to the Mason-Dixon line in Maryland, where it meets the Green Ridge Hiking trail. The trail and its side trails mainly pass through public lands like state forests, game lands, and state parks. It is also considered a part of the Great Eastern Trail, a long distance trail network that spans from New York to Alabama.
A portion of the Mid State Trail runs through the Susquehanna Greenway, specifically sections 13 and 14. These sections traverse the West Branch area at McElhattan and Crestmont. Section 13 spans 12.3 miles, while section 14 covers 14 miles.
At the A-98 and Chatman Run Mill Road in Crestmont, the two sections meet. From there, Section 13 heads across the river south to McElhattan and continues towards Rauchtown, nearing Nippenose Mountain, where it transitions to the next section of the trail system. Section 14 crosses Pine Creek to Ramsey, heading north where it connects with the next section of the trail system. Notably, section 14 overlays with the Pine Creek Rail Trail, diverging from it in Ramsey. For more in-depth navigation of the trail, check it out here.
The trail is clearly marked with orange blazes.
Mid State Trail Association
Parking & Trail Access
To Start from Crestmont: There is a gravel pull-off from Woodward Avenue Rt-150. There is a sign marking the trailhead. Alternatively, you can start in Woolrich. There is a gravel pull-off near the intersection of Dutch Hollow Road and Double Creek Drive.
To Start from McElhattan: Access off of Pine-Loganton Road.
