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Indian Steps to the West
Indian Steps to the West By Michael Hermann; Lizard Tracks, Centre Daily Times, November 12, 1998 Last week I wrote about the unique rock staircase on Crownover Trail known as Indian Steps. I received many calls and e-mails from folks who enjoyed that outing, as well as offering more information about the name. Royal Klien (SP) of Pine Grove Mills cleared up the question regarding who built the steps. Royal is 97 years young and he knows darn well they weren’t built by Indians. He said they were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930’s to repair the original log skid trail. Log skid trails are chutes that were used to pull timber off the mountainsides. The timber gouged a depression into the slope that makes a handy trail today. Royal knows of the true American Indian trail that uses switchbacks up the slope of Tussey Mountain but we’ll keep that location a secret. This time of year is particularly good for stunning vistas because the leaves have fallen from the trees. The Mid-State Trail stays around 2000 feet elevation which is the closest thing we have to a birds-eye view while standing on solid ground. In some places you can see Lake Perez and the Stone Valley Recreation Area. This view is glimpsed through the low saddle in Leading Ridge. It is several hundred feet lower than Tussey Mountain which you are hiking on. Tussey’s dominant height provides amazing views across valleys and ridges on both sides. Begin the hike by parking along Harry’s Valley Road, near the base of Crownover Trail, and hike up to the ridgetop. You’ll follow the Indian Steps along the way. Perhaps I should refer to them as the CCC Steps now that the mystery is solved. At the summit take the Mid-State Trail west (left). You’ll meet a dirt road in about 1.5 miles. This is Pennsylvania Furnace Road and it meets Harry’s Valley Road. Follow the road south (left) and you’ll soon be rewarded with a wide open view of the landscape towards Huntingdon. The road is cut into the steep side of Tussey Mountain and provides fantastic southern vistas. At the first switchback you’ll continue straight into the woods. This was Pump Station Road before it was closed to vehicles and no longer maintained. Today it makes a wonderful footpath or bicycling trail. The gentle downhill grade of Pump Station Road leads to Harry’s Valley Road. At the intersection with Harry’s Valley Road you’ll bear left and are within one half mile of your car. The total adventure is around four miles and takes three hours at a gentle pace. This hike is profiled in more detail in Jean Aron’s book, The Short Hiker. It is also evident on the Purple Lizard Recreational Map. A word of caution to hikers: hunting season is open and you would be wise to wear some bright orange clothing. Be careful with loose dogs and children. Sundays are always the safest choice for casual walks because no hunting is allowed. State College is surrounded by vast amounts of public use lands which offer limitless adventure and recreation. Many local maps and guidebooks can open these opportunities for you. Please remember your actions affect all user groups. Pick up trash others leave behind. Practice random acts of kindness. The forest is for everyone to enjoy in their own way. Be smart, be safe and leave no trace. When you go: From State College follow West College Ave (Rt. 26) to Pine Grove Mills and continue over the mountain. Harry's Valley Road is the first dirt road on the right as you descend Rt. 26. Be careful: it's at the first sharp turn and it's a dangerous intersection. Follow Harry's Valley Road for 1.9 miles and look for the wooden signpost on the right that says Crownover Trail. The signpost is an upright 4x4 post: not a large painted sign. It can be easy to miss so watch your odometer. You can park a short distance past it on the left. Michael Hermann is the founder of Purple Lizard Maps and has been exploring Centre County since 1979. |
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