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 Near World's End

This reroute info has already been updated in the new 21st Edition of the LT Guide and Maps.  If you are not using that 21st Edition. you need to be aware of the following reroute info.

PennDot has determined they don’t want the LT crossing Route 154 at a blind crossing.  That LT crossing had been at Mile 45.94, a few hundred feet before meeting the World's End State Park Visitors Center.  The Trail will now detour toward the beach and snack stand. The new route is longer, but far more scenic. The hiker will now get a good tour of the park.

This reroute has been added to our new 21st Edition of our trail guide, but now that the park has finally made changes to the route, we are also mentioning it here and on the Facebook page.
The LT no longer passes WESP Visitors Center or meets with the Link Trail.  About 100 feet of road separates the two Trails and we hope to post some signage on both sides of this short road walk.

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. (The new 21st Edition of LT Guides and MAP 1 documents and shows this updated Trail change.).  As always recommended, follow the Red-lettered, Yellow LT Blazes, 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 only OLDER Editions the LT Guide and Map 1, use the following link: Guide Supplement - Reroute Allegheny Front.  Again, if you are using he newest 21st Edition, you do NOT need this Supplement.

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

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.