Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail
11.5 mi
Distance
6 hrs 43 min
Time
terrain
465 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is an easy pan-handle trail in Allegheny National Forest. Many hikers make a two-day trip out of it, but more experienced hikers will find it an easy day hike.
This trail goes by Hearts Content Campground.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Hiked in on Monday afternoon, September 9th 2019. It had rained a few days earlier but the trail was mostly dry except for a few mud holes. Trail is well marked with yellow or orange spray paint blazes. There are plenty of nice camp spots on the southern half of the trail near the creeks. If you're going to take your time and make a two day trip out of this hike, which I recommend, be aware there's nowhere to refill your water on the northern half of the trail. Lots of varied hardwood, pine and hemlock forests. The climbs are mostly long and gradual. It seems like they do a pretty good job keeping the trail clear. You'll see plenty of fallen timber across the trail where they've cut through to make it passable. There was only one place where a freshly fallen tree blocked our path and it wasn't too difficult to get around. I'm not sure how popular the this trail is at other times of the year, but on a Monday night & Tuesday morning in September we had the place to ourselves! Just a really beautiful patch of unspoiled Pennsylvania wilderness. Highly recommended.
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