Explore a 15-mile Hiking and Running Loop Around Slate Run, PA

Many years ago local trail legend Bob Webber would lead a rambling hike near Algerine Wild Area and Slate Run, PA. Bob would lead visitors along official and unofficial trails throughout the forest. You see, for decades Bob was the person responsible for building and maintaining most of the trails in this forest. One of these trails, which helps to create a loop hike from Slate Run, PA, had long been forgotten, but a local trail running group, PA Trail Dogs, found this trail again and worked closely with DCNR officials to reopen this gem in 2019 as part of the Slate Run 25k, which uses multiple hiking trails to create an ideal loop for those looking for a challenge. Follow along below for a 15 mile option, which is very similar to the event course used by the Slate Run 25k. This loop is an ideal adventure for hikers, backpackers, and trail runners alike.

Algerine Wild Area

Begin on the westside of Pine Creek in the area known as Slate Run. There is day-use parking behind Hotel Manor, and some more spots about one-half mile further along Slate Run Road. Most of the hike is on the orange blazed Black Forest Trail. You can begin your hike where Black Forest Trail crosses through the parking lot behind Hotel Manor. Find the stunning footbridge, pictured above, and use it to cross over Slate Run. Enter Algerine Wild Area immediately after crossing Slate Run and follow the orange blazed trail.

A long and difficult climb begins almost immediately. Be sure to have water on this hike; other than one fairly reliable spring,most of the plateau within this Wild Area is dry. The climb begins with several steep switchbacks, but the trail soon finds an old  road to follow uphill. 

Quarries and Vistas

As with most climbs in the Pine Creek Valley, the steep terrain is worth the effort. Old rock quarries exist about halfway up this climb and offer an excellent excuse to take a breather and enjoy the views.

Several vistas and viewpoints exist on both sides of this loop hike around Slate Run. Do beware, during the summer months, snakes also love these sunny, rocky outcroppings, so be sure to inspect where you step and sit along this hike!

Continue to follow the orange blazed Black Forest Trail on top of this plateau for a few miles as it meanders through the hardwood forest to occasionally pop out at vistas overlooking the famous Slate Run.

Lunch Or Dinner in Little Morris

After you pass two rather obvious Lizard Spots, Black Forest Trail descends along Red Run, pictured above, towards a confluence with Slate Run in Little Morris. Those looking for a great overnight option will find a few backpacking campsites between the trail and Red Run before reaching Little Morris. Car campers can reserve a number of primitive spots near Little Morris and 7-Mile Camp.

Others still will use the area nearest the waterfalls pictured above as a resting place to enjoy lunch. 

Finding An Old Trail

Now come back to Bob Webber and a trail that he used for years to avoid road walking along Francis Road. This trail was found again, and opened by DCNR and PA Trail Dogs. It is well blazed and easy to follow. Use your Pine Creek Lizard Map to spot the exact location of the beginning of this trail near Little Morris. 

The trail begins as an old road, but does include exciting narrow single track sections along a steep cliff above Slate Run. It leaves Slate Run after a while to climb along another tributary, crossing it multiple times, before connecting with Slate Run Road and Old Supply Trail.

Old Supply Trail To Black Forest Trail

Cross Slate Run Road and follow the signs to Old Supply Trail. Note: Slate Run Road is an excellent bail-out option back to your vehicle in Slate Run. This trail provides a gentle climb, which is always welcome in this part of the state, alongside a small mountain stream. Enjoy this section of forest, but do wear long pants in summer as the wood nettle can be quite irksome.

There are a few small primitive campsites along Old Supply Trail for those planning on spending the evening in the woods. Old Supply Trail eventually meets with Black Forest Trail and another campsite opportunity. Turn left on Black Forest Trail back towards Slate Run. This section of trail generally follows alongside or through the small mountain stream of the hollow. The climb can be tough, but a beautiful, small mountain pond is the reward at the top.

The Big Descent 

Enjoy the pond, then the view a bit further along the trail, then really begin to go downhill fast shortly after the view. Black Forest Trail abruptly leaves the plateau and immediately descends quickly and very steeply towards Slate Run. Enjoy the excellent views along this spiny ridgeline leading to the valley below!

Walking Along Slate Run 

The steep descent literally spits you out on Slate Run Road. Switchbacks here were updated by Keystone Trails Association. Check for cars along Slate Run Road before crossing the road bridge and stepping over the guardrail on the opposite side for another steep descent. This descent is brief though, and ends at an old grade along Slate Run. Follow Black Forest Trail and this grade the whole way back to Slate Run and your car. Do note, the trail along Slate Run is well above the creek itself, and often the creek is inaccessible due to steep slopes. 

Be Sure To Wear Blaze Orange During Hunting Season!

And Make Your Own Adventure In Pine Creek!