Loyalsock Trail
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The Loyalsock Trail (LT) is a 59.2 mi (95.3 km) linear hiking trail in Lycoming and Sullivan counties in north-central Pennsylvania.[1] It is roughly parallel to Loyalsock Creek and traverses rugged lands mostly in Loyalsock State Forest. The trail is maintained by the Alpine Club of Williamsport and has been known for its distinctive blazes, made from the tops of tin cans and painted a distinctive color with "LT" in the center. Many of these are still present but some have given way to painted yellow blazes with a red stripe in the center.[2] The Loyalsock Trail is also the main artery in a network of associated trails called "Red X" trails for alternate routes, plus blue-blazed spur trails to nearby roads and white-blazed side trails to various points of interest.[3]
Loyalsock Trail | |
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Length | 59.2 mi (95.3 km) |
Location | Lycoming County and Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, US |
Trailheads | West: Pennsylvania Route 87 north of Montoursville East: Meade Road near Laporte |
Use | Hiking |
Highest point | 2,140 ft (650 m) |
Lowest point | 665 ft (203 m) |
Difficulty | Strenuous |
Season | Year-round |
Hazards | Uneven and wet terrain, rattlesnakes, mosquitoes, ticks, black bears |
The Loyalsock Trail was first laid out in 1951 by Troop 10 of the Explorer Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America from Williamsport,[4] and has been expanded several times since. Much of the trail follows old logging railroad grades, and one section follows the Towanda Path used by Native Americans.[5] Due to its many mountaintop vistas, waterfalls, and deep canyons, the trail has been noted as one of the most beautiful yet rugged backpacking trails in Pennsylvania.[6]