Nice beginner trail. It was perfect for my girlfriend who had never hiked before. We saw only two other couples during our hike and on of those was just as we arrived at the trail head. We hiked the north loop and saw two rattle snakes, a three legged turtle, and a couple of deer. We hiked the area in mid July and had little problem finding water at the creeks indicated at on the map. You should always treat/filter you water, especially at the smaller slower running creeks. We saw little wildlife, only catching sight of a couple of deer, almost tripping over a three legged turtle, and almost stepping on two rattlesnakes (OK, I almost stepped on one, but the other was right next to the trail). Even Squirrels and chipmunks were nowhere to be seen. By the third day we exhausted and decided o stay at the state park campsites, which are conveniently located at the center of the trails. They were inexpensive (about $23 for a non-electric site), clean, and had good shower facilities and a wide beach with volley ball and swimming. We canoed at the lake as well. Overall a very nice weekend and a great place for a cheap vacation.

After two section hikes, completed a circuit hike 4/16-4/18. Used the new guide and map (10/08) by Chuck Dillion of Pine Creek Outfitters. Great vistas, bio-diversity, water falls, scenic streams and camping. Has pretty much everything some PA hikes have only one or two of. Difficult, but well worth the effort. I do have some hints for those thinking of doing this trail. Practice every ultra light technique you know of. The pounds can really be felt on the frequent ascents/descents. I found hiking poles to be indispensable aids on this trail. The high water routes are there for a reason, use them if it has been wet. Skip the leisurely lunch and take shorter and more frequent stops. This will allow you to enjoy the many vistas. Plan on 4 days to really appreciate the trail. Highly Recommended.

Just did this trail last week (whole loop in 3 days). Lots of views although sometimes broken. Nice campsites. Some problem with stinging nettles in gorges, especially Burns Run area. Also, almost stepped on a rattlesnake in that same area. A nice hike, just need to take it slow on some of the relatively steep descents. Very few people (I only saw one other person the entire time).

Hiked on 3.22.09. Excellent trail, one of the better that i've hiked in PA, if not the best. It took us just over 5 hours, but we stopped for quite a few pictures of the scenery along the way--i'm thinking we could have done it in four had we not cared to stop and look around, but what's the point then? We did hike it 'backwards', going up toward Raven's Horn first and then decending to Wolf Run, and then out Bonnell, as we were advised by some GET vets. Take a lunch and have a rest at the Beulahland Vista. I plan to get back there when the foliage is at peak. Enjoy.