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Black Moshannon Allegheny Front Trail
Black Moshannon Allegheny Front Trail The Allegheny Front Trail, or AFT for short, in Black Moshannon State Forest wanders along an impressive 40-mile loop. The Black Moshannon State Forest map published by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shows most of the AFT's route. Assuming you don't want to tackle all 40 miles at once, there are several AFT trailhead locations to choose from. DCNR uses a red symbol to denote a vista, or overlook, on its maps. I was studying the AFT's route and one section had several "vista" symbols along a three-mile section. The trail seemed very inviting, so I decided to head out and see what these vistas were like. I drove to Underwood Road which connects the Julian Pike and state Route 504 in Black Moshannon State Forest. The parking area is well marked with a signpost, declaring the AFT, which is blazed in orange. On this crisp, winter afternoon several inches of snow blanketed the ground. Within 15 minutes of easy walking, I was on a rock outcropping that defines the ridgetop. The area was breathtaking, with large boulders covered with dark green lichens poking through a blanket of fresh snow. Five minutes later, I reached the first vista and sat down on a simple log bench to orient myself. It took a few seconds to sink in and I blinked in disbelief. From this vantage point, I could see Mount Nittany. Beyond that, on Tussey Mountain, the distinct slopes of the ski area were reflected in the bright sunshine. I knew this section of the AFT reaches elevations of 2,400 feet, which puts it among the highest trails in the state. But I was not expecting the sightline to be so far reaching nor the elevation to provide such a high perspective. I could clearly see over Bald Eagle Mountain (1,800 feet) to Tussey Mountain. So far my hike had taken 20 minutes along an excellent, well-marked trail. This is a perfect section for families to explore and let the kids scramble around on the rocks. After the first vista, the trail changes to more of a remote footpath. This is a work in progress and trail volunteers have been smoothing out the rougher sections as time permits. The trail explores the plateau's edge and dips in and out of hollows as it skirts the hillside. In places the footing is sketchy and the rocks are loose. The trail became vague and I relied on the orange blazes for guidance. This is not a hindrance, but I mention it because it may prove challenging for some hikers. I suspect the going would be easier without the few inches of snow, which hid the trail corridor and made some parts a bit treacherous. The other vistas came at regular intervals and all were equally impressive. At every overlook, I could see pieces of the State College area and, in some, the sunlight clearly reflected off the rooftops of Lemont. When people explore different places, they form mental maps of the area. For years, I had gazed at the Allegheny Plateau from vistas on Mount Nittany and Tussey Mountain. Now I realized I was hiking on the same ridge I had been looking at for so long. For me, this is a satisfying revelation. I've always liked to look up at a mountain and say "I've been there; I've walked that ridge; I've explored that gap." Otherwise, I'm wondering how to get to the ridge or gap in question. This section of the AFT, walking on the southern leading edge of the Allegheny Plateau, completed a section of my mental map of Centre County. After about three miles, the trail meets Route 504 and another trailhead parking lot. It would be an easy trail to explore by leaving a car at both ends, but this time I was alone, so I returned the way I came. Backtracking on the trail is equally enjoyable because it seems like a new route. Simply walking the other direction offers new perspectives on the forest. A local guidebook by Jean Aron, "The Short Hiker: Small Green Circles," explains the AFT in more detail. The Keystone Trails Association (KTA) coordinates the trail maintenance effort along the AFT and it can always use more help. There are 13 designated sections between two and six miles in length. Roughly 60 people volunteer from all over Pennsylvania to maintain the AFT and they coordinate weekend and weeklong maintenance sessions. For information about KTA see its Web site at www.kta-hike.org DIRECTIONS Take the Julian Pike (Intersection of Julian and U.S. Route 220) toward Black Moshannon State Park. Underwood Road is a dirt road on the right located 4.5 miles from U.S. Route 220. It is not marked along the pike - you'll only see the sign after you have turned onto it. Go 1.3 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the left. If you are dropping a car at the state Route 504 parking lot, simply continue on Underwood to Route 504, turn right on Route 504 and the trailhead is one half mile on the left.
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