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Little Shingletown Road Trail
Little Shingletown Road Trail A few old roads in Rothrock State Forest have been closed for so long we consider them trails. In map making, we commonly add the word trail to a former road name to imply its new usage. When an old railroad becomes a trail, we call it a rail-trail. Since I don't know what to call these former roads that are now trails, I'll introduce a new term -- road-trails. Unlike traditional hiking trails, which are narrow and rocky, these old roads are refreshingly wide open and smooth. They are easy to walk on and very accessible from your car. Don't confuse this road-trail featured in today's column with the popular (Big) Shingletown Gap area. Although sharing a place name reference, this road-trail lies on the southern side of Tussey Mountain located more than a mile from Shingletown Gap itself. This is Little Shingletown. Little Shingletown Road-Trail was the old route from Shingletown Gap to Hubler Gap. Today it is closed to automobile traffic but open for hiking, biking, horses and snowmobiles. The road is generously wide with a smooth path that winds across a hard pack surface. Hikers will enjoy the open spaces and easy walking, while cross country skiers seek its gentle grade. Mountain bikers call this type of trail "singletrack" and they love its fast, smooth texture. All will bask in the ridgetop views as Little Shingletown Road Trail offers one of the best overlooks in Rothrock. The fantastic view is located near the summit close to Laurel Run Road. It is a quick and easy walk from the car -- an easy five minutes for the kids, a little bit longer for the rest of us. To find it, park near the yellow gate at the top of Laurel Run Road. There is no sign saying Little Shingletown Road Trail, but the Mid-State Trail uses part of it. Follow the orange blazes of the Mid-State uphill for a few hundred yards, but do not follow them into the forest -- stay on the road-trail. The road-trail crests the hill and is literally cut into the hillside as it curves around the mountain. The forest opens up and you can see for miles across textbook ridge and valley topography. The well-used fire ring proves the popularity of this special place, but the trash is a side effect of easy accessibility and ignorance. I can see the attraction to stop and have a smoke and a beer (assuming one has the foresight to bring these items along) while soaking in the view - but why must they (you?) leave the butts and bottles behind? A common cultural artifact, it appears. Many people choose to end their adventure here, but the road-trail continues for over three miles. It descends a thousand feet into Hubler Gap where it meets Pine Swamp Road. Turn left on Pine Swamp Road and you'll soon intersect with Laurel Run Road. A left on Laurel Run will return to U.S. Route 322. Little Shingletown Road Trail lends itself to long bike and ski opportunities because Laurel Run Road provides a return loop. This is entertaining if you have some mechanical assistance, like skis or bikes, but it's not a very rewarding hike. The better hiking approach is to explore the road-trail and turn around when you think it's time. I suggest a 90-minute adventure: a 40-minute walk in and 50 minutes back. Chances are the walk back, being uphill, will take longer. Ninety minutes is a good amount of exercise, and you should be able to stay warm without too much effort. You can explore the bottom section of the road-trail by parking on Pine Swamp Road and walking up Little Shingletown Road Trail. State College is surrounded by vast amounts of public use lands which offer limitless adventure and recreation. Please remember your actions affect all user groups. Pick up the trash others leave behind and practice random acts of kindness. The forest is for everyone to enjoy in their own way. Be smart, be safe and leave no trace. Directions From State College take U.S. Route 322 south to Tussey Mountain Ski Area. Follow Bear Meadows Road into Rothrock State Forest. The first right is Laurel Run Road. Follow this to the top of the mountain. A yellow gate on the right marks Little Shingletown Road Trail, which is also part of the Mid-State Trail at this point. (There is no sign designating Little Shingletown Road Trail.) |
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