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Mid-State Trail: Big Flat to Little Flat
Mid-State Trail: Big Flat to Little Flat
The Little Flat lookout tower sits on the northern end of Greenlee Mountain. Its geographical counterpart, Big Flat, is three miles south. The Mid-State Trail connects the two areas by following the ridge. Several stunning vistas make it well worth the effort, especially with the fall colors changing daily. The best way to do this hike is with two cars. Leave one in the Rothrock parking area and drive the other to the top of North Bear Meadows Road. The Mid-State Trail is posted at the intersection of North Bear Meadows and Gettis Ridge Road. Notice the orange blazes that mark the Mid-State Trail. You'll be following these unless you explore a connecting trail (in which case they would be blue). This hike covers 4.5 miles of rocky trail. It will all be flat or downhill hiking to return to the Rothrock parking area using the Mid-State Trail and the Spruce Gap Trail. You should bring water, a light lunch and some friends. A camera and binoculars may prove useful. Along the way you will see a sign to Keith Spring. Follow it and take a drink of crystal clear water from the pipe at the road. Yes, it's considered safe. I've seen people in cars fill jugs like its their own private bottling company -- although I must admit I've never seen those people again. Return to the Mid-State Trail and you'll soon reach a large rocky outcropping. This area is called Indian Wells. The view is spectacular as you gaze across Bear Meadows Natural Area from an elevation of more than 2,000 feet. The white rocks are Tuscarora sandstone embedded with quartz crystals. These are found on most ridgetops in Seven Mountains. They are the remnant roots of a mountain range that researchers believe towered 40,000 feet high, perhaps the highest in the world. The Tuscarora is from the Silurian Epoch, formed 400 million years ago, before any plants evolved on land. Take a break here and enjoy the view. Try to comprehend the age of these rocks, which predate biological life as we understand it. This rock field is as close to a definition of "forever" that we can touch and feel. The name Indian Wells refers to several depressions created in the rock field large enough for people to sit in. I doubt Indians had anything to do with them; it looks more like the work of urban teen-agers. Remember this place the next time there is an eclipse or meteor shower. It is among the best places to stargaze, generously removed from the light pollution of town and campus. The rest of the hike follows the Mid-State Trail and has several excellent views across the valley. It reaches the lookout tower at Little Flat which is always worth climbing for a view. From the tower, you'll backtrack on the Mid-State Trail a few hundred yards and take the first left on Spruce Gap Trail. This trail wanders off the ridge and becomes a straight descent to the Lonberger Path. Turn left and you'll meet Laurel Run Road. At the dirt road, it continues past the yellow gate and meets Bear Meadows Road. You'll reach the parking area in a few minutes. Directions Take U.S. Route 322 East to Tussey Mountain ski area. Leave the first car at the parking area immediately after entering State Forest land. Continue on Bear Meadows Road to North Bear Meadows Road (right). Follow this to the top of the ridge where it meets Gettis Ridge Road. Park here and look for the Mid-State Trail signpost. |
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