 |
|
|
Trails of Pine Swamp Road
Trails of Pine Swamp Road Last week I wrote about Pine Swamp Road, which is a little known dirt road that connects popular Laurel Run Road with Rt. 26. It acts as a northern bypass around Whipple Dam State Park and provides passage through a small valley separating Tussey Mountain and Rudy Ridge. There are many hiking opportunities along this road. You can choose from the Mid-State Trail, Musser Trail, Box Spring Trail, Pine Swamp Trail and part of the Ironstone Trail. If you want to walk off that holiday meal, check out the Ironstone Trail. It is a great choice for families because it is easy and short. During this two mile hike you'll encounter thick pine forests, clear streams, open areas with nice views and return along a dirt road. To find Pine Swamp Road begin at Whipple Dam State Park off Rt. 26. Drive past Whipple Dam (do not cross the water) and the paved roads will meet the dirt road: this is Laurel Run Road. Continue into Rothrock State Forest and Pine Swamp Road is on the left in four miles. Look for the wooden bridge over the stream and reset your odometer as you cross it. (0.0 miles) We'll use the odometer as a reference to find the other trails. Pine Swamp Road climbs up through Hubler Gap as the Shingletown Branch of Laurel Run flows alongside. (1.0) In one mile you'll reach Musser Trail, which is marked with blue blazes, on the right. There is a small shoulder area on the roadside to park. Musser Trail immediately drops to the stream and then begins a steady one mile climb to the ridgetop where it meets the Mid-State Trail. It is in good condition but has some steep parts at the top. An easier hike can be made by turning left on the dirt logging road, then left again on Pine Swamp Road returning to the car. (1.5) This brings you to the gas line clearing which offers a view of the ridge. The Musser Trail reaches the ridgetop a few yards from this clearing. You can do some exploring along the base of the clearing but there is no defined trail up it. (1.6) This closed road is used for logging trucks. It crosses the Musser Trail and is the road used for the easier hike I suggested. (2.2) Pine Swamp Trail is marked with a 4x4 post on the left. It is very easy to miss. This trail leads to the ridgetop and descends to Laurel Run Road. It is not a blazed trail but remains popular with hunters because it allows remote access to Rudy Ridge. (3.3) Box Spring Trail is marked with a very inviting sign. The trail is easy to follow to the ridgetop where it suddenly dissolves. Be careful or you will lose the trail entirley. If you want some off-trail adventure explore the ridgetop and descend the hillside at random. You will return to Pine Swamp Road eventually. (3.5) A small parking area on the left is your clue to discover Pine Swamp, also known as Beaver Pond, which is on the right. A trail follows the top of the old levee to the stream bed. During low water the rocks provide an easy crossing. The Mid-State Trail follows an old road about 50 yards above the marsh on high ground. The Mid-State Trail (MST) drops from Jo Hays Vista at Rt. 26 on Tussey Mountain, parallels Pine Swamp Road for two miles and climbs back to the ridge. It is clearly marked with orange blazes. You can easily walk along the flat section and explore the woods near Beaver Pond. If you follow the MST to the right (east) an old road in half a mile will return you to Pine swamp Road. Common sense should keep you from getting lost around the swamp area. A serious hike can be had by following the MST to the ridge and returning on Musser Trail. Expect five hours for this rugged seven mile hike. If you follow the MST to the left (west) it soon splits. The MST heads uphill to Jo Hays Vista. The Ironstone Trail is marked with blue blazes. This is a delightful two mile hike that takes less than an hour. Follow the blue blazes and they will meet Pine Swamp Road; turn left and return to your car. This is my favorite holiday hike because it is simple, easy and good for all ages. The Ironstone Trail continues to Stone Valley and Shavers Creek Nature Center, but that's another story. (4.6) Intersection with Rt. 26. Turn right to return to State College. A warning to those who are unaware of hunting seasons: deer season opens Monday and lasts 17 days (Nov. 30 through Dec. 16). Please wear safety orange if you choose to hike or bicycle during this period. Sundays are safest as no hunting is allowed.
|
|
