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Take the No-name Trail
Take the No-name Trail Note: Since this article was published DCNR has named this trail 'Penn Lookout Trail', and I assume that also means the un-named overlook is 'Penn Lookout". Secluded overlooks are hard to find these days. Overlooks are plentiful but secluded overlooks are much more elusive. Centre County continues to attract residents and tourists, which increases the number of people exploring our public lands. It used to be easier to find overlooks where I could be reasonably sure no one would join me, even along popular trails. But now those same overlooks can be downright crowded on a sunny afternoon. At the risk of making a secluded overlook less secluded, I have one that makes a great hike or bike ride. I think it used to have a lookout tower that has since been removed. Today, the road is more of a trail, and it dead ends at a circular patch where the mountainside drops away and all you have to do is absorb the view. The wind gently whispers and the trees sway. It's simply a nice place to be, to sit and relax, perchance to dream a bit. You may see a hawk ride the thermals or hear its prey scurry for cover. The place has no name. The trail has no name. The overlook has no name. The trail shows up on several maps, but it remains a nondescript dashed line that comes to an abrupt end. I leave it to you to give it an identity, a name that means something only to you, thereby retaining its secretive characteristic. Hopefully your time there will be spent alone, but alas, once in print others will find it too. That's OK, for this place needs some caretakers. It could use some helping hands and strong backs to move a few broken trees along the trail. In places the bushes are encroaching as the forest reclaims the old road. Beware the hornet's nest, about as big as a watermelon, and close to the trail. The view will always be there, and people will always enjoy it. To find this no-name trail you need to be on top of Thickhead Mountain in Rothrock State Forest. The trail starts at the intersection of Thickhead Mountain Road and Detweiler Run Road. The shortest approach is from Thickhead Mountain Road, using the access from Treaster Kettle Road. The road is barricaded by some large rocks where you can park. This is at 1,800 feet elevation and the overlook is 600 feet higher. Follow the road as it climbs up the mountainside. It is about two miles to the overlook and you'll find another nice vista along the way. Hike past the radio tower and down to the gate on Detweiler Run Road. This is where the no-name trail begins, you'll find it on the right. It's a half mile to the overlook from this intersection. You can also approach from Detweiler Run Road or the Penn Roosevelt area. Both will be longer hikes or bike rides. Directions From Tussey Mountain Ski Area, head to Bear Meadows. Treaster Kettle Road is on the left just before Bear Meadows Natural Area. Follow it for 3.2 miles; turn right on Thickhead Mountain Road. Follow to the end, park and hike to overlook. |
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