Get to know part of Pennsylvania’s only fully state-maintained long distance trail and stay at an Adirondack-style shelter on this challenging 3-day, 31-mile shuttle hike. Start in Ohiopyle State Park with a 530-foot climb to stirring views of the Youghioheny River. This is the longest climb of the first day, but the rolling hills continue throughout the hike. Reach the shelter via a blue-blazed access trail not long after the 6-mile marker. On day 2, start a 12.2-mile trek along the trail’s steepest segment, climbing 1,100 feet to a plateau, then follow a boulder-strewn trail to another shelter near PA 653. On day 3, hike an easy 3.5 miles to another lookout, then continue 8.2 miles to your car. Consider adding a fourth day by hiking 5.5 miles to the Grindle Ridge shelters on day 3, then the remaining 6.3 miles to the parking lot on PA 31 the next morning.–Hike submitted by Donna L. Ruff, author of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Pittsburgh (Menasha Ridge Press)

Waypoints

Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

Location: 39.8690529, -79.493187

Ohiopyle State Park