submitted article
The Loyalsock State Forest will host two hikes to celebrate PA Hiking Week.
The first hike will be held at the Loyalsock Trail, starting at its northern terminus on Mead Road, just off Route 220 north of Laporte in Sullivan County.
This roughly four-mile hike will feature Dutchman’s Falls, the Haystack Rapids (top), and the historic W&NB Railroad Grade (above). There will be opportunities to discuss forest related topics and history of the area. While the hike is relatively short, there are a few difficult stretches.
Hikers should meet at the trailhead at 10: am on Saturday, May 27 and should bring water and a snack or lunch.
A map and brochure of the area is available at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002941.pdf
The second hike will be led at the popular Jacoby Falls Trail. The trailhead is found at the Cotner Farm Parking Area along Wallis Run Road in Lycoming County.
Hikers should meet at the trailhead at 9:30 am on Sunday, June 4 and should bring water and maybe a snack.
This hike will be about three miles, and highlights will include wildflowers and the tranquil 29-foot Jacoby Falls.
There will be opportunities to discuss history of the Wallis Run area and different forest related topics. While the hike is relatively flat and easy, there are rocky sections of the trail with rough footing, and there is some recent flood damage to the area.
Due to flood damage Wallis Run Road. participants will likely have to use a detour. Calling or emailing ahead is encouraged. Information on the road repairs which lists the roads used in the detour can be found at http://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-3/Pages/details.aspx?newsid=862
A mapquest of the official detour from Montoursville can be found at http://mapq.st/2p0ICgx
A map and brochure of the trail is available at
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002942.pdf
For more information, email fd20@pa.gov or call 570-946-4094, ext. 210.