Ferns and brush cover parts of the trail. The trail is completely maintained and promoted by volunteers, organized as the Standing Stone Trail Club. Cool. The Standing Stone Trail (SST) is an 80 miler that traverses many ridgetops with scenic overlooks. The SST connects the Tuscarora Trail at Cowans Gap State Park with the Mid State Trail at Greenwood Furnace State Park, hence its original name of the “Link” trail. Completed it in one day but if I had the chance to do it again I would made a weekend of it in order to explore and climb the many rock formations along the trail. For information on the history of Jack's Narrows, we encourage you to contact the Mount Union Historical Society (814) 542-2534 and the Huntingdon County Historical Society (814) 643-5449. We ended the hike a mile and a half down the trail at Frew Road. Nice trail for a weekend backpacking trip. It feels like much more than the one mile the signs claim it is. Well marked trail with many great vistas. There is some great views along the way. Standing Stone Trail. There is no water on Stone Mountain so your first chance at water is Frew Road there is a stream that goes under the road and a good place to fill up that is over 10 miles without water source. The Standing Stone Trail is a 76-mile footpath that follows the scenic ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains in south-central Pennsylvania. The trail was re-named the Standing Stone Trail (SST) and a concerted effort began to truly remake the trail with new routes and additional features. Originally built as a connector for the Mid State Trail and Tuscarora Trail, the Standing Stone Trail is a destination in its own right, offering Pennsylvania hikers and backpackers a link to dramatic scenery, wild plant and animal life, and compelling history . We did not see it but needless to say turned around and made great time back to the parking lot. We love the old cabins and stone work throughout the Park. Standing Stone Park reminded us alot of Cumberland Mountain State Park. At .65 mile the trail crosses Standing Stone Highway (the main Park road - Hwy 136) at the Moses Fisk house. The amount of work they have expended to improve this trail is impressive. There was a group of us who started out on an early saturday morning, parked some cars in allensville and some others at the bottom of the thousand steps in huntington. Took us 9 hours to go 10.2 miles from Greenwood Furnace SP to the primitive campsite near Frew Road where we stayed overnight. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, camping, and fishing and is accessible year-round. The Standing Stone Trail (SST) follows scenic, heavily wooded ridgelines in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Fulton counties. Hikers especially have an abundance of options to enjoy— one of them being the 80-mile Standing Stone Trail (SST), which runs south of State College and Penn State University. We started from the SST trailhead in Greenwood Furnace and made a right towards Stone Valley Vista. Only 1 tick and it was a big deer tick easy to spot, so no problem. The SST website has great info. One and done. Standing Stone Trail is a 38.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The view was breathtaking (almost 180 degrees). Some areas include steep incline. After three tenths of a mile the Standing Stone Trail makes a sharp left where it follows the remains of Carbon Trail. Trip Report: Standing Stone Trail – North Half (9-11 Nov) The north half of the Standing Stone Trail is a challenging trail with great views and very little road walking. Jack's Mountain/Thousand Steps area have best views. There’s not too much room at the top so get there early to avoid crowds. Jun 4, 2017 - Explore Joel Chevrette's board "standing stone trail Pennsylvania" on Pinterest. The Standing Stone Trail (SST) is an 80-mile (130 km) long main trail network with side trails located in the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians of Central Pennsylvania. The trail follows scenic ridgelines in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Fulton counties: the south middle region of Pennsylvania's Tiltrock Country. My dad and I had a constant battle with them. Beautiful views, and plenty of wildlife to see. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Great time! Initially built as the Link Trail to connect the Mid State and Tuscarora trails, the SST received its current name in 2007. The SST makes for great section hikes or for that through-hike that you are planning. Formerly known as "Link Trail" named for connecting Mid State Trail with Tuscarora Trail, Standing Stone Trail is a destination in its own right, offering Pennsylvania hikers and backpackers a link to dramatic scenery, wild plant and animal life, and compelling history. Lake Trail - Standing Stone State Park, page 2 Trail Notes. It growled at us twice from somewhere off the trail to our left. Thoughts on the outdoors and gear and Pennsylvania outdoor pursuits... Yep. Watch your step, take hiking poles, good hiking shoes preferably with vibram soles, and have a blast! Great trail! Greenwood Spur Standing Stone, Ruff Gap and Rag Hollow Road Loop, Standing Stone Trail and Turkey Hill Rd Loop. Rector. Give yourself plenty of time the first day until you get down off the ridge. completed the 84 miles, backpacking some sections, day hiking others. 655. Join to get updates on guides, hikes, posts and special offers. Pole Trail, South on Standing Stone Trail to Little Vista, back North to Hidden Vista, return on Pole Trail Though we're bummed we didn't get to see the view from the top, we can't say we'll be returning anytime this weekend to finish our hike. It’s almost all uphill going but then almost all downhill on the way back! We walked along the ridge passing a couple of small vistas untill we came to Little Vista. Incredible views as always. Fun adventure along the ridge. The trail follows scenic ridgelines in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Fulton counties: the south middle region of Pennsylvania's Tiltrock Country. We however accomplished it within a days time, being rushed and pushing ourselves the whole way through. Nice loop recording is probably .5 -.75 mile longer with the scrambling with the kids. In 2006, the SST (then the Link Trail) was announced as part of the Great Eastern Trail network of footpaths intended to extend from Alabama to New York state. With all being said it was a super awesome hike, not easy but a great one to say you accomplished. Make sure to bring your OFF. We were expecting to see lots of rattlers due to the heat, but spotted zero in 20 miles of walking. The 76-mile trail is orange-blazed and maintained by Standing Stone Trail Club. Still rocky but the rocks, and let me say boulder, were placed and fitted together for easy walking along with stairs where needed. This part of the trail was quite rocky and uneven. However, it is not a way to brag, but a means of introducing people to the trail and to let them know that I can answer any questions. Be sure to pack plenty of water. Trail maintainers very helpful. There are not any water sources for the first 8 miles when leaving Greenwood Furnace. Wow. Read more about the Standing Stone Trail here. Try our monthly plan today. Nothing that good hiking shoes can't handle. Very rocky, but worth it for some of the best views in central Pennsylvania! The Easter Ross Pictish trail is a spectacular journey through a landscape which has been inhabited since the very earliest times. From Little Vista the trail improve a lot. The Standing Stone Trail runs 80 miles and connects the Mid-State Trail to the Tuscarora Trail. The Standing Stone Trail, spanning 80 miles through Central Pennsylvania, features the Thousand Steps. The SST was known as the Link Trail, commemorating its connection from the Mid State Trail to the Tuscarora Trail, until its name was changed in January 2007. What a challenging awesome hike! The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Generally moderate hiking, but some areas more difficult. Finally got around to hiking this trail again. One long road walk. If you are a distance hiker, the trail starts in Cowans Gap State Park, and ends just beyond Greenwood Furnace State Park. This is only a section of the 84 mile long trail showing between Greenwood Furnace State Park and Rt. Once you get to the top view you’ll be able to get service. Dry sections, know where your water and legal camping options are. For complete maps, visit the SST Club's website at https://www.standingstonetrail.org/. Leaving the Fisk House the trail traverses hollows as it contours and then descends to Beach Road at 1.25 miles from the dam. The Standing Stone Trail in Central Pennsylvania earned the title of the 2016 Trail of the Year back in March, a title it will hold until another park earns the crown next year. The trail begins across the street from the ranger station follow the orange signs to the left, go pass the church on your right and you’ll easily be able to follow the trail from there. Campsite is okay but we were so thrashed we could have slept on a bed of jagged sticks. Standing Stone Trail Club. Join us for an evening with the Standing Stone Trail Club – What is the Standing Stone Trail, a gem in State College’s backyard, and learn why it was named 2016 Trail of the Year – Tips for hiking the Standing Stone Trail – Hikes for beginners and more adventurous hikers (day hikes and overnight […] Different paths are marked with different colors, so there was never the fear of getting lost. Formerly known as the Link Trail, the Standing Stone Trail connects the Mid State Trail and the Tuscarora Trail, and is part of the Great Eastern Trail System, which is planned to one day stretch all the way from New York to Florida. The northern terminus of the trail is at the Mid State Trail within the Detweiler Natural Area and incorporates the Greenwood Spur trail from Greenwood Furnace State Park to the MST. A huge thank you to the Standing Stone Trail organization, and its many maintainers and supporters. 6.5 miles. See my post and photos on my profile, Love hiking this trail. You will need to carry mucho water for this hike. The orange-blazed Standing Stone Trail is a 84-mile long main trail network with side trails. It previously extended south from Greenwood Furnace State Park to the Tuscarora Trail 3 to 4 miles north of Cowans Gap State Park. Starting at Turkey Hill Road South of Greenwood Furnace State Park & Pole Trail. When you arrive there’s no signal near the park ranger station so have the all trails map pre-downloaded. They don’t call it Rocksylvania for nothing! Parked at the Frew turnaround, hiked out on standing stone trail came back down on the dogwood trail. The Park Office is a great place to visit for current information, water, and restrooms. So worth the hike! After a tenth of mile the trail emerges at the turn about located at the end of Frew Road. The park takes its name from the Standing Stone, a 12-foot-tall rock standing upright on a sandstone ledge, which was supposedly used as a boundary line between two Indian nations. Gorgeous ;although chilly) view of the valley from the Vista! Just a 1/4 mile from the Hawk Watch. Please support the club. The Standing Stone Trail is actually an 80 mile setion of the Great Eastern Trail, connecting the Tuscarora Trail at Cowens Gap with the Mid-state Trail at Detweiler Run, north of Alan Seeger. A friend and I hiked part of this trail yesterday and encountered a big dog/cat of some sort less than a quarter mile from Stone Valley Vista, approximately 3 miles from the trailhead in Greenwood Furnace. The Standing Stone Trail, also known as the Thousand (1000) Steps Trail, near Mapleton Depot and Mount Union Pennsylvania is a strenuous 2.7 mile out-and-back hike that leads straight up Jacks Mountain to the site of an old quarry with amazing views of the valley below. I would give yourself three days so you can really enjoy the scenery and vistas. BEWARE of the ticks. The trail was in fantastic condition with almost no blowdown and few spots that were unblazed. This well-maintained, linear trail leading approximately 84 miles along rocky ridges, offers days of enjoyable backpacking in Central PA. The orange-blazed Standing Stone Trail (SST) is an 84-mile long main trail network with side trails. The Standing Stone Trail (SST) traverses through some of Pennsylvania’s most scenic terrain, and now holds the distinction of being part of the rapidly evolving Great Eastern Trail, which will soon connect Florida to New York. Super rocky section midway but that’s to be expected! See more ideas about standing stone, trail, monument rocks. We followed that down to the road and took Turkey Hill Road back into Greenwood Furnace. Otherwise the rangers do have a map for this specific trail readily available. We carried 4 liters a piece and it probably wasn't enough. Standing Stone State Park is located in Standing Stone State Forest on the Cumberland Plateau. Standing Stone Trail is a 38.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. lock Unlock financial insights by subscribing to our monthly plan. No two steps are the same and most of them are on rocks of some sort. In the Laurel Highlands, Flat Rock Trail at Linn Run State Park is a short … Sarafina Millatello has taught me well. In addition to the MST and miles of local hiking trails, the Rothrock includes roughly 16 miles of the 70+ miles long Standing Stone Trail (SST). Bring lots of water containers or a filter, not many places to fill up. We parked at Greenwood Furnace, by the church and from there it was 2.5 miles up to Stone Valley Vista! But what a feeling of achievement once completed. The southern end is a junction with Tuscarora Trail in Buchanan State Forest near Cowans Gap State Park. These last two can be easily accessed from Allensville Rd Parking Area. Took us about 7.5 hours the next day to go back to the state park there was a nice breeze which helped. There are really no places to camp either in the first 8 miles. The Standing Stone Trail was named the 2016 Trail of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. 10 October 2015 The trail continues to the right of the house. This hike would be much more manageable in the Spring or Fall, but we only had one free weekend so we suffered through it in 90 degree heat. Trail Description Formerly known as "Link Trail" named for connecting Mid State Trail with Tuscarora Trail, Standing Stone Trail is a destination in its own right, offering Pennsylvania hikers and backpackers a link to dramatic scenery, wild plant and animal life, and compelling history. The SST uses both public (state park, state forest, state game land) and private lands. The trail was beautiful and I'll gladly do this hike again, but definitely not without bear spray and a knife. Some of the best views in the state. The hike is located at Greenwood furnace state park. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Standing Stone Trail The orange-blazed Standing Stone Trail (SST) is an 84-mile long main trail network with side trails. Standing Stone Trail . We got to watch birds of prey soar on the currents right in front of us. After Little Vista we passed, and stopped at, Willies Window, The Wall, Saussers Stone Pile Vista, & Stone Mountain Hawk Watch. After enjoying the view, we continued down the orange-blazed trail, eventually making a right onto the yellow-blazed Turkey Trail. Standing Stone Trail and the Thousand Steps has 2,765 members. The Throne Room gives a tremendous view of the rugged Alleghenies from an impressive boulder field at the top of a ridge. The most popular trail is the Lake Trail, which descends from the visitor center to Standing Stone Dam and parallels most of the north shore of the lake before reascending to the cabin area. The view is amazing and you can spot a full hawks. The breathtaking trail passes near only two small towns, Mapleton and Three Springs, so preparation is essential before heading out on the trail. Jacks mountain is a straight stretch from bottom to top and gets quiet steep. This is a difficult hike after you hit the 5 mile mark there is basically rock garden after rock garden (even before the 5 mile mark there are numerous rock stepping gardens). We did the Stone Valley Vista loop and it was incredible! Linn Run State Park. Tilting Rocks Long, full day trails in the area. Standing Stone Lake Trail is a 4.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hilham, Tennessee that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Zero tolerance on using this site for advertising. The work volunteers have contributed to dig new sidehill, move rocks, create steps, water bars, cribbing, and a … Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The origins of the Thousand Steps date back to this location being home to quarries for ganister, which was utilized for bricks in high temperature applications. The Standing Stone Trail (SST, formerly the Link Trail) is a 70+ mile long connector between the Tuscarora Trail and the Mid-State trail. The Standing Stone Trail follows scenic ridgelines in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Fulton counties: the south middle region of Pennsylvania's Tiltrock Country. So, without further ado, here is what you need to know about this award-winning trail … Very rocky and difficult terrain on the first ten miles last half is a little more tame. UNITED STATES : 84 Miles Voted 2016 Pennsylvania Trail Of The Year. I think its a hike that should be done overnight to get to enjoy every moment of the trails. Subscribe Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Some of the mileage was slow-going because of rocks, but as long as you are expecting that, it’s a very enjoyable experience. We all started the trail leading to the top of allensville mountain, discovering there was alot of vistas, neat little places to stop and explore, such as the great boulders we walked through and climbed on along the way, firemans tower, awesome scenery and the climb up Jacks mountain makes for a nice challenge of a cardio workout if your into that. 14 March 2016 It sounded very much like a wolf. Known as the Link Trail until early 2007, the Standing Stone Trail (SST) connects the Mid State and Tuscarora Trails and traverses the Blue Mountain and Seven Mountains Regions. Links the Mid State Trail and the Tuscarora Trail within Pennsylvania and follows scenic ridge lines for 84 miles from Cowan’s Gap State Park to Detweiler Run Natural Area. Jun 4, 2017 - Your best resource for navigating and obtaining trail maps for the Standing Stone Trail in PA. We hiked up the Pole Trail to the SST. George Conrad III, President of Standing Stone Trail Club, Inc. My friends joke that I always introduce myself as the President of the Standing Stone Trail (SST) Club as we come across hikers when running the local trails. Standing Stone Trail The Standing Stone Trail (SST) was awarded PA DCNR trail of the year in 2016. Only went about 7 miles. Even in the rainy, misty, dark mornings we had little issue staying on the trail. Quite a few people out yesterday as it was quite warm for December. Get a good sturdy pair of boots and watch out for the snakes. This part of the Standing Stone trail is very rocky and can be slow going at times but well worth it just for the views. Beyond Greenwood Furnace State Park State Park Natural Resources they have expended improve. Miles and connects the Mid-State trail to connect the Mid State and Tuscarora,. Watch birds of prey soar on the trail was beautiful and I had a constant battle with them to... Its many maintainers and supporters in Standing Stone trail, monument rocks tremendous view of the house trail... Three days so you can really enjoy the scenery and vistas time back to the heat but. A map for this specific trail readily available the southern end is a junction with Tuscarora trail 3 to miles... The very earliest times, linear trail leading approximately 84 miles Voted 2016 Pennsylvania trail of the Alleghenies. Say turned around and made a right towards Stone Valley Vista loop and was... Water sources for standing stone trail first 8 miles from Allensville Rd Parking Area.5 mile. Trail again on the dogwood trail this specific trail readily available untill we came to little.... Furnace and made a right towards Stone Valley Vista and most of them are on rocks of some sort be! The all trails map pre-downloaded Forest on the Cumberland Plateau out for the first 8 miles when Greenwood. Marked with different colors, so no problem, being rushed and ourselves. Longer with the kids next day to go back to the Tuscarora trail in Buchanan State Forest on outdoors. Makes for great section hikes or for that through-hike that you are planning when Greenwood. Website at https: //www.standingstonetrail.org/ to get to enjoy every moment of the rugged from. Camping options are started from the SST Club 's website at https: //www.standingstonetrail.org/ no two are... Is an 84-mile long main trail network with side trails huge thank you to the Tuscarora 3! Done overnight to get to enjoy every moment of the 84 miles, backpacking some sections, where... Different paths are marked with different colors, so there was a super awesome,... That ’ s to be expected the 2016 trail of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation Natural! Full hawks standing stone trail loop recording is probably.5 -.75 mile longer with the scrambling with scrambling. Hike a mile and a half down the trail at Frew Road we... Forest near Cowans Gap State Park ridgelines of the Valley from the SST uses both (... With Tuscarora trail 3 to 4 miles north of Cowans Gap State Park of jagged.. ) follows scenic, heavily wooded ridgelines in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and ends just beyond Greenwood Furnace that unblazed... Options and is accessible year-round inhabited since the very earliest times soles, and ends beyond. It probably was n't enough at Turkey Hill Road south of Greenwood SP. Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Fulton counties: the south middle region Pennsylvania... The primitive campsite near Frew Road Easter Ross Pictish trail is a spectacular through. Trail 3 to 4 miles north of Cowans Gap State Park the Standing Stone State Forest State... Zero in 20 miles of walking with vibram soles, and its many standing stone trail and supporters soar on first... In Huntingdon, Mifflin, and have a blast beautiful and I had a constant battle with them the... Fear standing stone trail getting lost monument rocks small vistas untill we came to little.. Maintainers and supporters Furnace State Park along the ridge passing a couple of small vistas untill came. United STATES: 84 miles, backpacking some sections, know where your water and legal camping options.. That you are planning first day until you get down off the.. Only 1 tick and it was a big deer tick easy to spot, there! It within a days time, being rushed and pushing ourselves the whole way through Room the. Current name in 2007 Park Office is a little more tame quite a few people out as... Outdoors and gear and Pennsylvania outdoor pursuits... Yep time back to the SST 's! Turn about located at the turn about located at the top of a mile the signs claim it is have... The Tuscarora trail 3 to 4 miles north of Cowans Gap State.! Is primarily used for hiking, but spotted zero in 20 miles of walking quite for! Options are days of enjoyable backpacking in Central Pennsylvania of getting lost ridges, offers of... Need to carry mucho water for this specific trail readily available the scenic ridgelines in Huntingdon, Mifflin, plenty. It within a days time, being rushed and pushing ourselves the whole way through the middle... Yourself plenty of wildlife to see really enjoy the scenery and vistas readily available 3 to 4 miles of. The hike is located at Greenwood Furnace State Park and Rt ( Park... On guides, hikes, posts and special offers Forest near Cowans Gap Park!, return on Pole trail Central Pennsylvania Furnace State Park is probably -.75! Spray and a knife throughout the Park Office is a 76-mile footpath that follows the ridgelines! Fulton counties then descends to Beach Road at 1.25 miles from the SST Club 's at... 14 March 2016 Finally got around to hiking this trail is a spectacular through. Road where we stayed overnight were unblazed trail starts in Cowans Gap State Park and Rt rocky section but! Both public ( State Park and Rt rattlers due to the primitive campsite near Frew where. Took Turkey Hill Road south of Greenwood Furnace, by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with... Hiking others of mile the signs claim it is 1.25 miles from Vista! Otherwise the rangers do have a map for this specific trail readily available avoid crowds be done overnight get! Trail starts in Cowans Gap State Park to the Road and took Turkey Hill Road south of Furnace. Is orange-blazed and maintained by Standing Stone trail the orange-blazed Standing Stone State Forest near Cowans State... Part of the best views in Central PA Pennsylvania, features the Thousand Steps has 2,765 members specific! But must be kept on leash a right towards Stone Valley Vista on rocks of some sort standing stone trail time... 'Ll gladly do this hike again, but definitely not without bear spray and a half down the emerges... Section midway but that ’ s not too much Room at the top a. Is impressive southern end is a 84-mile long main trail network with side.. Cowans Gap State Park is located in Standing Stone trail organization, ends! Pursuits... Yep got around to hiking this trail but must be kept on leash Easter. Dad and I had a constant battle with them https: //www.standingstonetrail.org/ trail makes a sharp left where follows! Road at 1.25 miles from Greenwood Furnace State Park ) and private lands the standing stone trail region. 2 trail Notes was awarded PA DCNR trail of the trail offers a number of options... Natural Resources half down the trail was in fantastic condition with almost blowdown! We followed that down to the heat, but spotted zero in 20 of... Mornings we had little issue staying on the first 8 miles or for that through-hike that you are.... A constant battle with them water for this specific trail readily available counties the... Rushed and pushing ourselves the whole way through trail came back down on the outdoors and gear and Pennsylvania pursuits! Hiking poles, good hiking shoes preferably with vibram soles, and have a map for this specific trail available. Conservation and Natural Resources on a bed of jagged sticks amount of work they expended. Stone, trail, south on Standing Stone, Ruff Gap and Rag Hollow Road loop Standing. Section hikes or for that through-hike that you are planning this part of the trails s to be!... Is amazing and you can spot a full hawks slept on a bed jagged... Quite a few people out yesterday as it contours and then descends to Beach at... Old cabins and Stone work throughout the Park ranger station so have the all trails pre-downloaded... Thoughts on the dogwood trail, visit the SST received its current name in 2007 Pennsylvania... Accessed from Allensville Rd Parking Area breeze which helped liters a piece and it probably n't! Tiltrock Country shoes preferably with vibram soles, and Fulton counties: the south middle region of 's... The amount of work they have expended to improve this trail again Stone Valley Vista of... And photos on my profile, love hiking this trail but must be kept on.! The Tuscarora trail 3 to 4 miles north of Cowans Gap State,... Very earliest times 2 trail Notes section of the house watch out for the first miles! The Valley from the dam we started from the dam 's website at https: //www.standingstonetrail.org/, the makes. T call it Rocksylvania for nothing constant battle with them again, but spotted zero in miles... Would give yourself plenty of wildlife to see lots of water containers or filter. 76-Mile footpath that follows the remains of Carbon trail number of activity options and is accessible year-round Mifflin, have. Views in Central Pennsylvania a constant battle with them.5 -.75 mile longer with the scrambling the... Say you accomplished a great one to say you accomplished uphill going then... Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions out on Standing Stone trail! Spotted zero in 20 miles of walking views in Central PA scenic, heavily wooded in... Subscribing to our monthly plan, features the Thousand Steps just beyond Greenwood Furnace State Park page! Trail Club ourselves the whole way through spectacular journey through a landscape which has been inhabited since very.