Rockton Mountain Trails

Network of hiking trails in Pennsylvania, United States
Rockton Mountain Trails
The trailhead for the Rockton Mountain Trails system
Length17.1 mi (27.5 km)
LocationClearfield County, Pennsylvania, US
UseHiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking
Elevation changeModerate
DifficultyModerate
SeasonYear-round; hiking and biking discouraged during winter months
HazardsUneven and rocky terrain, rattlesnakes, mosquitoes, ticks, black bears

The Rockton Mountain Trails are an approximately 17.1-mile (27.5 km) network of connected hiking trails in central Pennsylvania, in Moshannon State Forest.[1] The total trail distance includes several different linear trails that can be used to form one-way and loop hikes of various lengths. The trail system is also often used for cross-country skiing, with some segments available for mountain biking as well.[2]

Description

The Rockton Mountain Trails were constructed starting in 1993, with a volunteer named Ben Irwin leading the efforts. Trails were built to reach scenic areas along Panther Run, Horn Shanty Stream, and Coupler Run.[2] The area was selected for its heavy snowfall in order to attract cross-country skiers during the winter, though other users are welcomed during non-winter months.[2] The trailhead is found on US Route 322, about three miles west of its northern interchange with Pennsylvania Route 153, or about four miles east of the village of Rockton.[3]

References

  1. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Rockton Mountain Trails: Moshannon State Forest, 2000.
  2. ^ a b c Seeley, Ralph (2014). Foot Trails of the Moshannon and Southern Elk State Forests. Spring Mills, PA: Scott Adams Enterprises. p. 100. ISBN 9780985193973.
  3. ^ Cramer, Ben, ed. (2008). Pennsylvania Hiking Trails (13th ed.). Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. p. 147-148. ISBN 9780811734776.