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.

Alert: Link Trail Detour

Effective Monday September 19, and with a planned ending date of sometime in May 2023, the Red-X Link Trail will be unable to cross Rte. 154, at its current crossing location.  This detour will be due to the closure of Rte. 154, between the turn into World's End State Park's (WESP) lower parking lot (by the concession stand and just north of the Rte. 154 bridge crossing the Loyalsock Creek) and up to where Rte. 154 meets World's End Road.  The closure is due to major reconstruction of Rte. 154 within that segment.

Instead, the Link Trail will follow the Loyalsock Trail (LT), from the WESP Visitor's Center at LT Mile 45.96 and head (after crossing Rte.154) up to LT Mile 44.63.  From there, Link will pick up where it currently is marked at Link Mile 0.60.  This detour will add about 0.73 miles of additional hiking, if you are hiking the entire Link Trail or the LT-Link Loop.  There will be signs posted at the affected waypoints, so please be alert to that signage when hiking the Link Trail in that area.

Please check this website alert, the Loyalsock Trail Facebook Group, or WESP website for any changes or updates.  The WESP website link should contain more detailed information about how to access the Park from varied directions and also info on how Camping and other activities within the Park will be affected during this closure.  You may also contact WESP at 570.924.3287 or [email protected]

Thanks for your attentiveness and patience during this project.

Summer 2023 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 3, between 5:00am and Midnight, the LT will welcome the Worlds End Ultra Trail Runs.  These consists 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 10, 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: 2023 Smith Knob Scramble
  3. On Saturday September 23 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 24, the Old Logger's Path welcomes the Sharp Top 25/50K.  Following is info via the Races' Facebook link: Sharp Top 25/50K Info

Reporting Storm or Other Trail Damage or Issues

Please report any Storm Damage here

Gas Well and Pipeline Activity on Allegheny Front

PGE gas is currently in the process of creating space for a gas pipeline and road on the Bryan Hay Trail (Road) which shares space with the Loyalsock Trail on mile 3.38 - 3.60.  The LT in that area is currently a muddy mess and the trees that formerly held our LT markers are gone.  The Alpine Club has placed new LT markers on both sides of the trail to aid hikers continuing on the Trail.  When we have a better idea of what they are doing, we will put in a permanent reroute that will keep us away from the new gas road.

If you plan to hike in this area, please follow the existing route (in spite of the mud).

You may encounter an open 3 foot deep ditch.

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

Be safe and enjoy your hike.

The Alpine Club of Williamsport

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.