Two day and three Pennsylvania State Parks
Feb 8, 2016 13:22:58 GMT -5
Post by hoosier on Feb 8, 2016 13:22:58 GMT -5
This past weekend I had plans that had me in Wheeling WV Saturday night. So I figured it would be a perfect time to stop by some of Pennsylvania State parks I have not visited in years.
Saturday February 6, 2016: Trough Creek SP & Blue Knob SP
On the way west I swung by Trough Creek State Park for my first hike of the day: Did a loop hike consisting of the Laurel Run Trail, Left onto the Boulder Trail. Right onto the Balanced Rock Trail after crossing the Great Trough Creek on the bouncy suspension bridge. Backtracked a bit on the Abbott Run Trail then continued on the Abbott Run Trail, Ledges Trail, and Copperas Rock trail. Followed by a short road walk back to the Laurel Run Trail parking area. Have to laugh. The trail description for the Laurel Run trail says the creek is crossed numerous times on rustic bridges. But there are no longer any bridges on the trail. Icy rocks made for some fun stream crossing. Had to use micro-spikes on the Balanced Rock Trail as it was very icy. Great scenery and beautiful short hike.
After the hike I continued west. Stopping off at Blue Knob State Park. Drove to a parking area just below the summit and did a short loop hike using the Mountain View Trail to the green blazed Lookout Loop. Was a snow pack of around four to five inches of hard packed snow, which was easily bare booted. Drove up to the summit to check out the views from the top of the second highest point in Pennsylvania, and the top of the Blue Knob Ski area chair lift.
Sunday February 7, 2016: Ohiopyle SP
On my way back east Sunday. Swung a bit south and out of my way to visit Ohioplye State Park. Parked at the Cucumber Falls Parking area. Hiked down to Cucumber Falls which was flowing nicely then did an out and back lollipop loop using the Meadow Run Trail. Last time I hiked the Meadow Run Trail, was during the summertime years ago. And the water levels were very low. But not this time. Some tricky footing in areas due to icy conditions. After finishing the first hike. I drove over to the Youghiogheny falls parking area. Checked out the falls for a bit. And then hiked the Ferncliff Trail loop.
Trough Creek State Park
Blue Knob State Park
Ohiopyle State Park
Saturday February 6, 2016: Trough Creek SP & Blue Knob SP
On the way west I swung by Trough Creek State Park for my first hike of the day: Did a loop hike consisting of the Laurel Run Trail, Left onto the Boulder Trail. Right onto the Balanced Rock Trail after crossing the Great Trough Creek on the bouncy suspension bridge. Backtracked a bit on the Abbott Run Trail then continued on the Abbott Run Trail, Ledges Trail, and Copperas Rock trail. Followed by a short road walk back to the Laurel Run Trail parking area. Have to laugh. The trail description for the Laurel Run trail says the creek is crossed numerous times on rustic bridges. But there are no longer any bridges on the trail. Icy rocks made for some fun stream crossing. Had to use micro-spikes on the Balanced Rock Trail as it was very icy. Great scenery and beautiful short hike.
After the hike I continued west. Stopping off at Blue Knob State Park. Drove to a parking area just below the summit and did a short loop hike using the Mountain View Trail to the green blazed Lookout Loop. Was a snow pack of around four to five inches of hard packed snow, which was easily bare booted. Drove up to the summit to check out the views from the top of the second highest point in Pennsylvania, and the top of the Blue Knob Ski area chair lift.
Sunday February 7, 2016: Ohiopyle SP
On my way back east Sunday. Swung a bit south and out of my way to visit Ohioplye State Park. Parked at the Cucumber Falls Parking area. Hiked down to Cucumber Falls which was flowing nicely then did an out and back lollipop loop using the Meadow Run Trail. Last time I hiked the Meadow Run Trail, was during the summertime years ago. And the water levels were very low. But not this time. Some tricky footing in areas due to icy conditions. After finishing the first hike. I drove over to the Youghiogheny falls parking area. Checked out the falls for a bit. And then hiked the Ferncliff Trail loop.
Trough Creek State Park
Blue Knob State Park
Ohiopyle State Park
