Trail Alerts

As changes, modifications, relocations or other alerts to the Loyalsock Trail occur, they will be announced on this page.  Check back so you know where and when these changes occur.

Trail Reroute on Allegheny Front

Due to ongoing Gas Well excavation activity on the Allegheny Front, the LT has been rerouted not far after the vista at Mile 3.03 and near the beginning of the Pete's Hollow descent at Mile 3.83.  This reroute is permanent, and it will slightly change the total Trail mileage, including the Mile Markers.  The Map image and link below show the new route. (Future LT Guides and MAP 1 will document and show this updated Trail change.).  As always recommended, follow the Red-lettered, Yellow LT Blazes and not the original LT Guide text, during this reroute.

The solid orange line, in the image below from LT Guide Map 1, approximates the new route.  To view and/or print a supplement to pp. 11-12 of the LT Guide and Map 1, use the following link: Guide Supplement - Reroute Allegheny Front

Solid Line is reroute:

Gas Well and Pipeline Activity on Allegheny Front

In addition to the above-mentioned Trail reroute, due to Gas Well activity, a few other waypoints should be noted as having some potential hiking disruption:

  1. At roughly Mile 1.3, the LT crosses a wide clearing that is for water pipes coming up from the Loyalsock Creek.
  2. At roughly Mile 1.8, the LT, which is going uphilll on Bryan Hay Trail, crosses a new gas road where Forest had previously existed.  Gas traffic can possibly pass through here.
  3. At roughly Mile 3.41, the LT crosses the above-mentioned gas road again, this time going downhill.  Also, be aware of gas traffic.  This area has also been a trouble spot for Hikers, because of ditches. Eventually, pipes will be all buried, and traffic should become Hikers' main alert.

You may encounter mud and some Trail disturbance, while the Trail and Forest recover.

Remember, trucks and equipment always have the right of way!

Be safe and enjoy your hike.

The Alpine Club of Williamsport

Summer 2024 Trail Runs Alert

This Summer will feature 3 Trail Runs on the Loyalsock Trail and one on the Old Logger's Path (OLP).  For your safety and the safety of all Trail Runners, all hikers need to be aware of the dates of those Runs and the general segments of the LT which will be affected on the respective dates.  Trail runners are required to be aware of and to respect the presence of all hikers, and hikers are recommended to allow right-of-way to trail runners. Note the following:

  1. On Saturday June 1, between 5:00am and Midnight, the LT will welcome the Worlds End Ultra Trail Runs.  These consist of 50K and 100K Trail Runs, which begin and end at Worlds End State Park.  The Runs traverse through many of that area's hiking trails, logging roads, horse trails, etc. and the Trail Runs intersect with some segments of the Loyalsock Trail between Mile 22.08 (Brunnerdale Road) and Mile 53.32 (the Iron Bridge), additionally including the entire Red-X Link Trail.  For more detail, review the following course maps: 50K Map  100K Map
  2. On Saturday June 8, between 9:00am and approximately 11:00am, the LT welcomes the Smith Knob Scramble.  This is a short 8-mile Run, which starts at Camp Conley and intersects segments of the LT between Mile 6.24 and Mile 9.10, additionally including the entire Red-X Smith Knob Bypass Trail.  For more detail, note the following link, with the course map: 2024 Smith Knob Scramble
  3. On Saturday September 28 between 10:00am and 3:00pm, the LT welcomes the Worlds End Fall Classic.  This is a Half Marathon Race which explores various Trails within the Worlds End State Park and it intersects segments of the LT between Mile 42.77 and Mile 47.24, including parts of the Red-X Link Trail.  For more detail, note the following course map: Worlds End Classic Map. 
  4. On Saturday, June 29, the Old Logger's Path welcomes the Sharp Top 25/50K.  Following is info via the Race's Facebook link: Sharp Top 25/50K Info

Reporting Storm or Other Trail Damage or Issues

Please report any Storm Damage here

Drone Rules/Regulations in Forest

Please note the following links to Pennsylvania DCNR Rules and Regulations regarding operating Drones within PA State Forests and State Parks.  In summary, Drone Operation is only allowed with limitations in the 6 State Parks listed in the first link below.  The Policy for that limited operation is listed in the second link PDF file.

Drone Operation Rules/Regulations for PA State Parks & Forests

 

Drone_Policy

Ticks

Be prepared for ticks.  Before hiking, be sure that you are aware of what precautions you can take to minimize your chances of being bitten by a tick.  The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are two places to start looking for information.  Carry a tick removal tool with you.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes may be found anywhere along the LT.  Rattlesnakes are normally quite docile and shy when left undisturbed and will only strike in self defense when harassed or startled.  Wear sturdy shoes or boots and loose fitting pants.  Scan the area in front of you and be aware of where you are placing your feet; be especially cautious when placing your hands or feet atop or among rocks and crevices.  If you do encounter a rattlesnake, enjoy the memorable experience, keep a safe distance from it and leave it alone—most rattlesnake bites result from the snake being harassed or picked up.

Porcupines, Dogs and Wasps

Porcupines have chewed brake and fuel lines, radiator hoses, wiring harnesses, valve stems and plastic molding in the High Knob area.

While it might be enjoyable to hike with man's best friend, hikers with dogs should be aware that there are a number of porcupines along the Loyalsock Trail.

During the hot, dry summer months, wasps occasionally make their nests along the trail.  Dogs that are allowed to run free might disturb these nests, resulting in a painful experience for both hikers and dogs.

Briers and Brambles

Over the past few decades, the forests through which the Loyalsock Trail passes have been repeatedly defoliated by gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, and elm spanworm caterpillars.  As a result, many trees have died; the sun striking the forest floor has promoted the growth of extensive patches of thorny blackberry canes.  Although efforts have been made to keep the trail cleared, they still present a problem.

The worst areas are Split Rock, High Knob, and the section between Sones Pond and the Iron Bridge.