Tiadaghton State Forest · Lycoming County, PA
Black Forest Trail
A 42-mile loop through the Tiadaghton State Forest known for steep climbs, vista-rich ridgelines above Slate Run and Pine Creek, and a reputation as one of Pennsylvania's most demanding backpacking routes.
- Distance
- 42mi
- Format
- Loop
- Pack
- $29.95
About this trail
The Black Forest Trail is a 42-mile loop in the northwest corner of Lycoming County near the village of Slate Run, located along Pine Creek on Route 414, 27 miles north of Jersey Shore. The trail starts and finishes in a pine plantation 0.8 mile from Slate Run Village on the state forestry road that leaves Route 414 heading west. The name "Black Forest" came from the dense, dark virgin coniferous forests that originally covered the region. The BFT is a rugged trail with many vistas as it winds up to heights overlooking Slate Run, Morris Run, Big Dam Hollow, Naval Run, and Pine Creek. There are many steep climbs, but the vistas are well worth the effort. In the spring, when the water is high, the many creeks that traverse the trail provide numerous beautiful scenes.
Source: PA DCNR Explore PA Trails dataset.
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Become a BFT steward.
Trail Sherpa has a basemap for the Black Forest Trail, but no waypoints, condition reports, or shelter notes yet. If you know this trail — favorite water source, the spring that ran dry last August, the campsite that always has mice — we'd love your help dialing in the BFT pack so the next hiker walks in prepared.
Suggested itinerary
A classic 0-day breakdown of the Black Forest Trail. Customize day-by-day in the planner.
Suggested itinerary still being curated.
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