You Must Hike This Award Winning Trail In Pennsylvania Before You Die

Sprawled across more than 200,000 acres in Pennsylvania, our 121 state parks promise the kind of experiences we remember for a lifetime. While every park features beautiful hiking trails that allow us to channel our inner explorers, this award-winning trail in Pennsylvania stands above the rest, at least in 2016.

The Standing Stone Trail in Central Pennsylvania earned the title of the 2016 Trail of the Year back in March, a title it will hold until another park earns the crown next year. So, without further ado, here is what you need to know about this award-winning trail in Pennsylvania that you must hike before you die:

Flickr/David Fulmer

The award-winning Standing Stone Trail stretches across some 80 miles of unspeakable beauty, winding through three counties in south central Pennsylvania: Fulton, Huntingdon, and Mifflin. Explorers start the trail either at Cowans Gap State Park or Rothrock State Forest.

Flickr/David Fulmer

Hiking the entire Standing Stone Trail requires endurance and a plan. You'll only encounter two small towns – Mapleton and Three Springs – on the trail and neither have hotels, motels, or anywhere to rest your head. You also won't find restaurants or grocery stores.

Advertisement

Flickr/David Fulmer

That means you'll need an alternative plan. You can find a camping spot or you can head to a nearby town and settle down for a comfortable night in a hotel or a motel in State College, McConnellsburg, or Huntingdon.

Advertisement

Flickr/David Fulmer

If you opt not to camp along the trail, you'll have 28 access points at which to get back on the trail each morning. (See the link to The Standing Stone Trail in the introduction for more information on the access points.)

Facebook/Standing Stone Trail

The Stepping Stone Trail isn't one you can hike unprepared. Carry sufficient bottled water with you to avoid dehydration and enough snacks and nourishment to keep you energized.

Related Stories

14 Magnificent Trails You Have To Hike In Pennsylvania Before You Die

This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Pennsylvania

You’ve Never Experienced Anything Like This Epic Railroad Hike In Pennsylvania

Standing Stone Trail

Finding water along the trail isn't exactly easy and the water in streams and springs has not been tested by the state to determine if it is safe to drink. A ceramic water filter or treatment chemicals are a necessity. In fact, water sources are spread far apart at between eight and ten miles from each other.

Facebook/Standing Stone Trail

The Stepping Stone Trail promises a variety of landscapes that will keep you spellbound. In fact, it winds through Rocky Ridge Natural Area, Buchanan State Forest, Rothrock State Forest, and four different state game lands.

Facebook/Standing Stone Trail

Along the 80-mile hiking trail, you'll pass a plethora of historical sites, including Vanderbilt's Folly railroad grade, an estimated 70 charcoal flats, and Monument Rock.

Advertisement

Standing Stone Trail

One of the grandest challenges you'll face on the Stepping Stone Trail are the 1,000 steps. Once used by quarry workers to get to work each morning and to leave each evening, the 1,000 steps go up 800 feet. Do you think you could climb those steps every day then go on to work long hours in a quarry?

Standing Stone Trail

Be sure to carry a camera or your smartphone with you because you'll discover numerous vistas that offer unparalleled views and ideal resting spots.

The Standing Stone Trail promises an award-winning experience that will take you on a tour through history and past untouched scenery you just don’t find every day. Already trekked the Standing Stone Trail and looking for another challenge? Try these 10 hiking trails in Pennsylvania that will lead you somewhere unforgettable.