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    Trail Definitions

    Difficulty Ratings

    Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
    More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
    Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

    Trail Route Type

    Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
    Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
    Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
    Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

    Mid State Trail

    0.25 mile in the park, 327 miles total  |   Easiest hiking in the park  |   Point-to-point trail   |   Orange blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking
    Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, potable water

    The 327-mile Mid State Trail offers a hiking path across the state of Pennsylvania. A small section of the Mid State Trail passes through Poe Paddy and allows hikers and backpackers an opportunity to rest as they continue on, and a direct path to the Paddy Mountain Railroad Tunnel. 

    To hike through the 250-foot long Paddy Mountain Railroad Tunnel, follow the Mid State Trail upstream along Penns Creek, then cross the pedestrian bridge to the tunnel.

    John Snyder Trail

    0.25 mile in the park, 1 mile total  |   Easiest hiking  |   Out-and-back trail   |   Yellow blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking
    Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms

    Traveling along Penns Creek, the 1-mile trail offers opportunities for diverse plant and wildlife viewing and offers a walk-able path to the Poe Paddy Tunnel.

    Penns Creek Rail Trail

    3.0 miles outside the park  |   Easiest hiking  |   Out-and-back trail   |   Orange blazes
    Recreations permitted: hiking, biking
    Trailhead amenities: none

    This easy rail-trail journeys through the Poe Paddy Tunnel, a former railroad tunnel converted for hiking and biking purposes, then continues on for 3 miles of flat, easy traveling.