Trailhead: | N 41° 26.35' W 77° 30.60' |
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Total Elevation: | 4382' |
Trail Length: | 9.2 miles |
Hike Time: | 5.5 hours |
Hike Type: | Loop |
Difficulty Rating: | 179 |
Near: | On PA414 north of Cammal and south of Slate Run. |
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The trailhead for the Golden Eagle Trail is located on route PA414. It can be reached, coming from the south, by taking route PA44 north at the intersection of US220 in Jersey Shore. Just past Waterville, you will take a right off of PA44 onto route PA414. Once you turn onto route PA414 set your odometer and drive for 11.2 miles. You will see a parking area on your left, directly after passing over a small bridge that spans Bonnell Run. If coming from the north, once you enter the town of Slate Run, travel for an additional 2.9 miles and you will see the parking area on your right.
This was my fourth hike on the Golden Eagle Trail. I won't go into details about the trail: you can find that on one of the other posted hikes. I will talk a bit about the hiking experience this time round.
As I stated earlier, this hike was done in early May. This year spring was a little late in coming and as such there was not a lot of greenery on the trees. That being said, the views were still breath taking. Also there is something to be said about hiking when there are no leaves on the trees. You get to see some views that are not visible will foliage present.
There was some spring flowers blooming at this time. We came across trillium along the trail, plus some other flowers that I did not know the names of. The undergrowth and brush was just starting to sprout and green up. I am sure that if we had done this hike a week or two later we would have been greeted by many different Pennsylvania wild flowers.
If you have never hiked the Golden Eagle Trail, then I can only strongly suggest that you add it to your hiking short list. The trail is a challenge, being a bit over 9 miles in length with two ascents. The steepest climb is that up to the Ravenshorn. I suggest you do this ascent first, hiking in a counter-clockwise fashion, while you still have energy and stamina. You can then take your leisurely time on the rest of the hike, enjoy the flowers, views, or whatever nature decides to throw your way.
HIKE ALERT: Part of the hike described here includes a section of bushwhacking. For approximately 2.25 miles this hike does not follow a blazed trail with a worn foot path. At the time of this hike, this section was only marked with pink flagging tied to trees. Do not attempt this hike knowing these possible difficulties. If you do attempt to hike this entire loop please make sure to bring a print out of this map, a compass, and even better, a GPS with the track of this hike loaded on it. If this flagged trail becomes a blazed, maintained trail at some point in the future, this Hike Alert and hike description will be updated to indicate such.
Trailhead: | N 41° 25.23' W 77° 29.30' |
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Total Elevation: | 3308' |
Trail Length: | 7.8 miles |
Hike Time: | 4.5 hours |
Hike Type: | Loop |
Difficulty Rating: | 144 |
Near: | On PA414 north of Cammal and south of Slate Run. |
View Large Map Download TOPO! 4.0 and GPX Files |
The trailhead for the Golden Eagle Trail is located on route PA414. It can be reached, coming from the south, by taking route PA44 north at the intersection of US220 in Jersey Shore. Just past Waterville, you will take a right off of PA44 onto route PA414. Once you turn onto route PA414 set your odometer and drive for 9.2 miles. You will see a parking area on your left. This is the Ross Run Access parking area and the trailhead for the Bob Webber Trail. If coming from the north, once you enter the town of Slate Run, travel for an additional 4.8 miles and you will see the Ross Run Access parking area on your right.
Mike and I reached the trailhead at 10:15, about 45 minutes sooner than I was expecting. It was a bit cold out since the sun had just crested the mountain and was shining into the Pine Creek Valley. We quickly donned our hiking gear and headed across route PA414 to the trailhead proper for the Bob Webber Trail.
The trail was blazed in blue. My guess is that at some time in the near future this trail will be blazed to the DCNR standards. At that time my guess is that it will be blazed red. Shortly after starting out on the hike we came across a trail register about 300 feet from the trailhead. The trail also began to climb a bit at this point.
At 0.2 miles the trail emerged into a small, grassy clearing. As the trail made a left turn within the clearing it leveled off and became easier to hike. This was only a short break as we began climbing anew after a tenth of a mile at a double-blaze as the trail made a right to climb the side of the mountain.
We were hiking what looked to be an old forest road. It was almost completely reabsorbed into the woods at this point in time, what with large trees growing in the middle of what use to be the road. We continued following this wide section of trail as it began a sweeping right turn around the north face of Pyramid Mountain about 0.7 miles into the hike. Shortly after the turn the wide trail disappeared and we were once again hiking on a single track.
At 1 mile we passed through a saddle between Pyramid Mountain to our right and the main mountain on our left. The climb became steep once again. Luckily the trail was well designed as we slabbed up the side of the mountain. We encountered a number of switchbacks as we made our way to the top. On one of these switchbacks, at approximately 1.3 miles there is a side trail that takes you to a vista called Twin Springs Rest. Mike and I checked this out and we did have a winter's view but thought we would be hard pressed to see much when the trees would be full of foliage.
Finally at a bit past 1.4 miles the trail levels off as it reached to top of the mountain. For the next quarter mile or so we had a nice level hike on a well maintained trail. At 1.75 miles we reached our destination: Wolf Run Bald Vista. The views from here were just as breathtaking as those from the Golden Eagle Trail or the Spruce Mountain Vista on the Black Forest Trail. We were able to look across the Wolf Run drainage and see where the Golden Eagle Trail was routed. We even got a different view of the Ravenshorn, seeing its profile in the distance. Mike and I spent some time here enjoying the view and snapping some pictures.
For those looking to hike the Bob Webber Trail, this is the end of the hike. You would turn around and retrace your steps back to your car at the trailhead. However, since it was still early in the day Mike and I started wondering if we could find some way to get to the Golden Eagle Trail. I thought I had heard plans of a connecting trail from the Bob Webber Trail to the Golden Eagle Trail, so Mike and I decided to do some exploring.
We hiked past the Wolf Run Bald Vista on an unmarked, but well worn trail for about 300 feet until the trail disappeared into a thicket of mountain laurel. We looked around to see if we could find a game trail that would lead us on but we didn't discover any. When we looked into the distance we saw a pink ribbon tied to a tree. We went to investigate and soon saw this pink flagging tied to multiple trees leading off into the distance. It seemed that we had discovered a new trail still in the exploratory stages as only the pink flagging marked its route.
Bushwhacking along the ridge top, Mike and I followed the pink flagging. There were a few times when we thought we lost the trail, but after a bit of searching we were able to once again pick it up. Sometimes the flagging will fall off the trees and be laying on the ground. Other times we just hiked in what we thought was the correct general direction and sooner or later we would spy additional pieces of pink ribbon.
It was about 3.3 miles into our hike, as we were following the pink flagging, that I noticed what seemed to be a worn trail. It was hard to discern at times, but it definitely looked like a trail of some sorts. And even more promising was the fact that the flagging was placed to follow this old trail. This was a relieve as the bushwhacking through the brush was getting a bit tiring. Now we had a trail with only a few obstacles such as large rocks and fallen trees that we had to deal with.
We continued following this flagged, old trail. Finally at 4 miles we emerged onto the orange-blazed Golden Eagle Trail. We were near the vista at the top of the Wolf Run drainage so we stopped here for a snack and enjoyed the view down Wolf Run. After a short break we headed west on the Golden Eagle Trail as we made our slow descent towards the head waters of Wolf Run.
For the next 2.7 miles Mike and I hiked the Golden Eagle Trail as it made its way along the banks of Wolf Run. There were a few stream crossings that we managed without any mishaps. There was ice along the stream in some places, one of which I managed to discover by accident as I slipped on the patch of ice and came close to taking a dip in the cold waters of Wolf Run.
At 6.7 miles into the hike we came to the point where the Golden Eagle Trail makes a right to climb up the mountain to the Ravenshorn Vista. We continued straight following the banks of Wolf Run. At 6.9 miles we emerged onto the rails-to-trails that run parallel to route PA414. We turned left here and followed the old railroad bed for an additional 0.9 miles of hiking until we arrived back at the trailhead and the end of this hike.
Mike and I enjoyed this hike quite a bit. It was fun discovering the new trail at the top of the mountain and bushwhacking through the mountain laurel and brush. The views from Wolf Run Bald Vista are truly amazing and well worth the steep climb on the Bob Webber Trail. I would recommend hiking the Bob Webber Trail to see these views but I would also suggest holding off on trying to hike over to the Golden Eagle Trail. Hopefully this flagged trail will become a blazed and maintained trail. That will give hikers the option for enjoying a circuit hike on the Golden Eagle and Bob Webber trails.
Trailhead: | N 41° 26.35' W 77° 30.60' |
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Total Elevation: | 4382' |
Trail Length: | 9.1 miles |
Hike Time: | 5.5 hours |
Hike Type: | Loop |
Difficulty Rating: | 179 |
Near: | On PA414 north of Cammal and south of Slate Run. |
View Large Map Download TOPO! 4.0 and GPX Files |
This year I did the hike with Jody and Jeff. The two of them were preparing to go on a week long excursion in Canada and were looking for a hike to help get them in shape. The week prior to this hike saw the area inundated with inches of water and we were a little skeptic about actually making it out for this hike. But come the weekend the rains had stopped, the temperatures were in the mid-seventies and the sun was shining. We packed up our hiking equipment and headed up to Pine Creek and the Golden Eagle Trail.
The trailhead for the Golden Eagle Trail is located on route PA414. It can be reached, coming from the south, by taking route PA44 north at the intersection of US220 in Jersey Shore. Just past Waterville, you will take a right off of PA44 onto route PA414. Once you turn onto route PA414 set your odometer and drive for 11.2 miles. You will see a parking area on your left, directly after passing over a small bridge that spans Bonnell Run. If coming from the north, once you enter the town of Slate Run, travel for an additional 2.9 miles and you will see the parking area on your right.
The start of this trail in on the northern side of PA414, across from the parking area. Before you start off on your journey, make sure you have adequate supplies. There are many sources of water (Wolf and Bonnell Run) along the trail, but remember to bring a water filtration device or iodine tablet as most streams in Pennsylvania require some degree of water purification before drinking. Jeff discovered the hard way what it is like to run out of water before completing the hike.
The Golden Eagle Trail is blazed orange its entire length. We began the hike by slowly ascending along Bonnell Run. We came upon the trail register for this hike at 0.2 miles. Another 0.2 miles beyond the register is the intersection with the main loop. From here you have the option of turning right and conquering the steepest climb of the entire hike right off, or you can continue straight up along Bonnell Run. On the previous two hikes that I had done on the trail we turned right, so this time we decided to take the gradual ascent along Bonnell Run instead.
After another 0.4 miles we reached the banks of Bonnell Run, but the trail jogs to the right, up the steep embankment. Fially at around a mile into the hike we were back down along the stream and crossed it for the first time. For the next 1.5 miles we would cross the stream about a dozen times. With the recent rains I thought we would find Bonnell Run flowing swiftly and high. But to my surprise, the stream seemed to be at normal levels and we had no trouble at all during our stream crossings.
It was mentioned that there were a bunch of blow-downs on the trail, from an early summer storm, and that the hiking of the trail was difficult at times. I can attest to the fact that there were indeed blow-downs. Quite a few, actually, especially toward the middle section of our ascent along Bonnell Run. Luckily we were only carrying lite day packs, so we were able to maneuver over or around the trees, but the number of blow-downs was slowing us down and affecting our speed in doing the hike.
Just past the last real stream crossing at about 2.5 miles into the hike, the trail began to get noticeably steeper. It became even steeper yet at 2.9 miles when the trail makes a right and climbs over a rocky section, going straight up out of the hollow. Luckily this steep section is relatively short, and after a little more than a tenth of a mile of steep climbing, the trail turns to the left and levels out.
At 3.3 miles we emerged onto a grassy access road. Jody and I paused here and had a drink while we waited for Jeff to catch up with us. After a few minutes Jeff appeared and once he had a chance to catch his breath, we turned right and began a gradual ascent on the grassy road.
At 3.5 miles we had a chance to look out across the Bonnell Run area from our first vista of the day. Just a few hundred feet past that was an intersection with another grassy road, where we once again turned to our right.
The Beulahland Vista was on our left, about 3.7 miles into our hike. The previous times I visited this vista, the sky was cloudy and overcast. There were clouds here today as well, but of the fluffy, cumulus variety, with breaks of blue sky and the sun shining through. It made the vista all that more impressive. We paused here a few minutes for pictures and to enjoy the vista before continuing our hike.
Soon the grassy road came to an end and we resumed hiking on a single track trail. We were now beginning a gradual descent along the ridge line. We were offered yet another view, at about 4.3 miles into the hike, this one looking down the Wolf Run drainage area. This vista is becoming overgrown with encroaching trees and brush. Unless it is maintained, this view will probably no longer exist in another five to six years.
Our hike for the next 2.7 miles descending along the banks of Wolf Run were rather uneventful. At the last vista we were passed by a pair of hikers, but we did not meet up with them again. There were a number of blow-downs towards the upper reaches of Wolf Run, but not as many as we had encountered along Bonnell Run. And like Bonnell Run, Wolf Run was flowing at an average height and we had no trouble crossing or hiking along its banks.
One thing that I noticed, specifically on our hike along Wolf Run, was the large number, and variety, or mushrooms. It wasn't overly warm on this day, but it was quite a bit muggy, and we had recently experienced a prolonged period of heavy rains. There were mushrooms growing everywhere, and in more varieties that I can ever recall seeing, especially on one hiking trip. I may have viewed a dozen or so different mushrooms during a season of hiking, but today we had seen over thirty different types of mushrooms all in one afternoon.
At seven miles into the hike we reached the point on the hike where the Golden Eagle Trail leaves the banks of Wolf Run and climbs up towards the Ravenhorn and the ridgeline above. There is a trail that continues down along Wolf Run, which will take you to the rail-to-trails. Jeff was feeling a bit spent, having drank all of his water, and we suggested that he follow this trail out. Turning right at the rail-to-trails, he would be able to follow it back to the trailhead and our cars. However, he said he had made it this far and wanted to complete the hike. Jody gave him a bit of his water, and we all started our ascent our of the Wolf Run valley.
The going was quite steep with a number of switchbacks, and we finally reach the rocky ridgeline 0.3 miles later. It was still steep in places along the ridgeline, but it wasn't a constant climb like the switchbacks. We had opportunities to enjoy some level sections of hiking, before we once again continued our climb.
At 7.6 miles into the hike we reached the Ravenshorn. We had seen one, small rattlesnake so far on the ridge, so we were wary when we reached the Ravenshorn. Out cautiousness paid off as we soon discovered an adult rattlesnake and about four young ones calling the Ravenshorn their home. We kept a respectable distances from the snakes while we waited for Jeff. It was quite interesting, really, sharing this rocky outcropping with the rattlesnakes. They didn't seem to mind us being there and we got to watch the little snakes curl up in imitation of their mother, as well as crawl over her and onto other sections of the Ravenshorn.
After a prolonged wait, Jeff finally appeared. He was in a pretty rough state and gladly accepted a bottle of ice cold water from Jody. We gave Jeff a good bit of time to recoup somewhat before we began the last part of the climb on the trail. We took it slow and deliberate and finally reached the end of the climb at about 7.8 miles into the hike. We were all grateful to begin the long descent back to the trailhead.
The climb down off the ridge was steep in places, but it lessened quite a bit once we hit an old forest road. The trail turned off the old road at 8.4 miles with a sharp right and we followed the edge of what use to be a field or pasture. Soon we were back in the woods, and at a little under 8.8 miles we were back at the intersection with the entrance trail. We turned left here and finished up the last 0.4 miles of the hike and arrived back at the trailhead and our cars.
The hike was around 9.1 miles in total length but it had taken us just a bit over six hours to hike. This can be partially blamed on the number of blow-downs on the trail. We also spent a fair amount of time enjoying the views as well. It wasn't a killer time for hiking the Golden Eagle Trail, but I wasn't complaining. I finished the hike with some energy remaining and really enjoyed the opportunity to be out in the woods and to once again experience the thrill of hiking on the Golden Eagle Trail.
Trailhead: | N 41° 26.35' W 77° 30.60' |
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Total Elevation: | 4382' |
Trail Length: | 9.2 miles |
Hike Time: | 5.5 hours |
Hike Type: | Loop |
Difficulty Rating: | 179 |
Near: | On PA414 north of Cammal and south of Slate Run. |
View Large Map Download TOPO! 4.0 and GPX Files |
The trailhead for the Golden Eagle Trail is located on route PA414. It can be reached, coming from the south, by taking route PA44 north at the intersection of US220 in Jersey Shore. Just past Waterville, you will take a right off of PA44 onto route PA414. Once you turn onto route PA414 set your odometer and drive for 11.2 miles. You will see a parking area on your left, directly after passing over a small bridge that spans Bonnell Run. If coming from the north, once you enter the town of Slate Run, travel for an additional 2.9 miles and you will see the parking area on your right.
The start of this trail in on the northern side of PA414, across from the parking area. Before you start off on your journey, make sure you have adequate supplies. There are many sources of water (Wolf and Bonnell Run) along the trail, but remember to bring a water filtration device or iodine tablet as most streams in Pennsylvania require some degree of water purification before drinking. Also, there is no camping permitted along the GET as it winds through State Game Lands, so make sure you have adequate daylight to complete this hike before the sun sets. The hike can typically be completed in under 5 hours.
There were three of us doing this hike. John and I last did this hike together over 3 years ago. That was the last time either of us had been on this trail. For Wendy, it had been even longer, pushing 4 years. I was looking forward to doing this hike again, now with it being a little later in the year, and with leaves on all the trees. I do believe a hike on the GET in the fall, when the leaves are changing color, is on my short list of future hikes that I'll want to do.
The Golden Eagle Trail is blazed orange its entire length. We began the hike by slowly ascending along Bonnell Run. We came upon the trail register for this hike at 0.2 miles. It is strongly recommended that you sign in when you start your hike and sign back out when you are finished. After signing in and indicating our direction of our hike, we were soon back walking the trail looking down on Bonnell Run to our left.
At 0.38 miles into the hike we came across the main loop of the trail. From here you can continue straight (slightly to your left) and follow the banks of Bonnell Run, or you can turn right and soon find yourself climbing steeply to the vistas, including the Ravenshorn, some 1000 feet above. We opted to turn right at the intersection to get the climb out of the way while we still had plenty of energy.
The climb was as I had remembered it from three years ago. Steep and strenuous, with many breaks taken during the ascent to catch my breath and grab a drink of water. Prior to the climb, and about 0.5 miles into the hike the trail emerges from the woods and follows, for a short distance, along the edge of a grassy meadow. We enjoyed this level hiking while we could as the climb began on an old grassy Jeep trail around 0.7 miles into the hike. At 0.8 miles the trail leaves this former quarry road and traverses the side of the mountain on a dug trail. Finally after another 0.5 miles we reached the top and all of us rested a minute before heading towards the Ravenshorn.
On the way to the Ravenshorn, as we began a gentle descent along the ridgetop, there is a vista to the east and looking across Wolf Run. This is located about 1.5 miles into the hike. After another tenth of a mile we came across the Ravenshorn. We stopped here to take in the breath taking views both up and down Pine Creek as well as looking up the Wolf Run hollow below.
We enjoyed the views at Ravenshorn and rested for about 15 minutes before we continued our descent along the the ridgeline. All along this section of the trail are a number of exposed sandstone rocks that tower over your heads. The hike down the ridge back breaks off to your left at about 1.9 miles into the hike. At this point you begin a steep descent on a switch back trail to Wolf Run below.
At 2.1 miles into the hike we reached the bottom of our ascent along the banks of Wolf Run. Turning right here you can follow Wolf Run 0.3 miles back to route PA414, and follow the rails-to-trails back to the parking area of the trailhead. This would be an option if you were looking for a shorter hike. We turned left, following the orange blazed GET as we began our leisurely stroll along Wolf Run. The grade here is very gradual, and though the climb was steady, it wasn't all that bad. Depending on the water levels at the time of your hike, you may get your feet wet. The trail makes many stream crossings, but all are manageable and if you are equipped with a good pair of water proof hiking boots, your feet will stay nice and dry. When making the stream crossings you need to be wary of moss covered rocks. You will also see many small waterfalls on this part of the hike.
The gradual ascent along Wolf Run made for a nice walk on a beautiful today. On this section of our hike we did come across a nice little patch of Morel mushrooms. We took a few moments to gather all we could find. Wendy was determined to have these mushrooms and she carried them carefully for the remainder of our hike. At 2.7 miles into the hike we came across piles of flagstone stacked along the stream to our left. This area use to be quarried for flagstone, and this pile is left over from those times long ago. At almost 4 miles into the hike we came across another piece of history. Just off the trail were remains of an old stove, probably from a former logging camp. The trail enters a stand of White Pines and Hemlocks as we continue our gradual ascent.
We soon left Wolf Run behind and had an opportunity to enjoy a vista looking back over where we just came. This vista, about 4.9 miles into our hike, looks out across the Wolf Run drainage area. We paused only shortly here before continuing on our hike. We were now on top of the ridge and our ascent became very gradual to non-existent as the trail made its way across the ridge top.
About 5.2 miles from the trailhead the Golden Eagle Trail turns right joining with a Game Commission Access Trail. This wide grassy trail made for pleasurable hiking where we could all hike together on a wide, level, and padded trail. Soon we came across yet another vista on the hike. This one is known as the Beulah Land Vista. At 5.5 miles, this vista looks towards the east, in the direction of Oregon Hill. In the distance you can see a large cleared area in the middle of the forest. This was once a farm and is known as Beulah Land, thus the name for this vista. We stopped here for about 15 minutes and ate a small lunch. We would have stayed longer, but the winds were blowing and it was quite chilly.
We left the Beulah Land vista behind us and continued hiking along the Game Commission Access Trail. At 5.9 miles the GET bears to the left off of the grassy road. To your right is the Hillborn Run Trail, marked by a sign. The GET is also marked with a sign to your left, but keep a keen eye open for this intersection as there are no double orange blazes marking this turn.
At 6.1 miles the trail turns to the right and begins a steep descent into the hollow to follow Bonnell Run. For John and I, this was probably the hardest part of the hike. The steep and straight descent is hard on the knees and I could feel a little tightening around my right knee once we finally reached the bottom of this steep descent.
The remainder of the hike follows Bonnell Run back to the trailhead. There are many, many stream crossings, and during times of high water, could make for an arduous and slow hike. I would strongly recommend the use of water proof boots for this section of the trail. Luckily for us the water, though running swiftly, wasn't so high that we didn't run into any major difficulties. As we were about finished with our hike we stopped back at the trail register to sign out.
After 4 hours and about 45 minutes we found ourselves back at the trailhead. The hike was a total of 9.2 miles with over 4000 feet of elevation traversed. It was nice to hike the GET again and I will make sure it isn't another 3 years before I visit it once more. At the very least I will be back up here next spring to see if we can find that patch of Morel mushrooms again. And of course, a hike on the Golden Eagle Trail is always a good excuse to stop in at the Waterville hotel afterwards for a Mountain Burger and a beer.
Trailhead: | N 41° 26.35' W 77° 30.60' |
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Total Elevation: | 4382' |
Trail Length: | 9.2 miles |
Hike Time: | 5.5 hours |
Hike Type: | Loop |
Difficulty Rating: | 179 |
Near: | On PA414 north of Cammal and south of Slate Run. |
View Large Map Download TOPO! 4.0 and GPX Files |
The trailhead for the Golden Eagle Trail is located on route PA414. It can be reached, coming from the south, by taking route PA44 north at the intersection of US220 in Jersey Shore. Just past Waterville, you will take a right off of PA44 onto route PA414. Once you turn onto route PA414 set your odometer and drive for 11.2 miles. You will see a parking area on your left, directly after passing over a small bridge (this is Bonnell Run and you will get to know this stream on a first name basis by the end of this hike). If coming from the north, once you enter the town of Slate Run, travel for an additional 2.9 miles and you will see the parking area on your right.
The start of this trail in on the northern side of PA414, across from the parking area. Before you start off on your journey, make sure you have adequate supplies. There are many sources of water (Wolf and Bonnell Run) along the trail, but make remember to bring a water filtration device as you need to be wary of most streams in and around central Pennsylvania. Also, there is no camping permitted along the GET as it winds through State Game Lands, so make sure you have adequate daylight to complete this hike before the sun sets. You begin the hike by slowly ascending along Bonnell Run. At about 0.4 miles into the hike, the loop of the trail begins, with the trail branching sharply off to your right and also continuing straight ahead. It was recommended by John, one of our fellow hikers on this hike, to take the trail to the right. We questioned him at first but soon realized after the initial climb and several vistas, that this was the best direction to hike the trail.
So off we went following John on the first climb of the day. The trail is blazed orange and well marked. The initial ascent was not all that bad. John must have had an extra bowl of Wheaties for breakfast that day, for after 10 minutes we did not see him again, aside for a quick glance of his backpack bobbing through the woods, until we reached the summit. About 0.7 miles into the hike the trail emerges from the woods and follows, for a short distance, along the edge of a grassy meadow. Enjoy the level hiking while you can because the hardest part of the hike is about to begin. For the next 0.6 miles you will be ascending to the top of the first summit, following grassy Jeep trails, as well as narrow footpaths traversing up the side of this mountain.
After much heavy breathing and sweating, along with frequent stops to quench our thirst, we arrived at the first summit. Once you reach the summit, you begin to walk down the ridge back, and about 0.25 miles along the top you will reach the Raven's Horn. The views from here our outstanding and you can see down Pine Creek as well as view your next ascent along Wolf Run.
The hike down the ridge back breaks off to your left at about 2.0 miles into the hike. At this point you begin a steep descent on a switch back trail to Wolf Run below.
With what I considered the hardest part of the hike behind us, we began our leisurely stroll along Wolf Run. The grade here was very gradual, and though the climb was steady, it wasn't all that bad. Depending on the water levels at the time of your hike, you may get your feet wet. The trail makes many stream crossings, but all are manageable and if you are equipped with a good pair of water proof hiking boots, your feet will stay nice and dry. When making the stream crossings you need to be wary of moss covered rocks. You will also see many small waterfalls on this part of the hike.
Towards the top of Wolf Run you will enter an area of large hemlocks. During our hike in April, on a day when the temperature was in the lower 70s and had been that way for the previous 5 days, we ran across the last remnants of winter. There were a number of snow drifts, some as deep as 6 inches and as long as 50 feet, nestled in among the hemlocks.
After a quick snowball battle, we soon left Wolf Run behind us and reached the top of the ridge dividing Bonnell Run and Wolf Run. As we walked across this ridge line we were treated with another nice vista. This vista at, 5.1 miles into the hike, is called the Beulahland Vista at an elevation of 2180 feet. From here you can see in the distance a large field situated in the middle of the forest. In the 1800s land in these mountains was very cheap, almost free, and available for anyone that wanted to clear it and try their hand at farming. Beulahland is the remnants of an attempt at farming in this area.
After pausing at the Beulahland Vista, Mark, John and I began the slow descent back to the trailhead. Aside for the one steep descent at the top of Bonnell Run, which caused a little pain in my "aging" knees, the hike along Bonnell Run was of the same grade as the hike up Wolf Run. Like Wolf Run, there were many crossings of Bonnell Run during our descent and several opportunities to test out the stated "waterproof" claims of your hiking boots.
After 4 hours and about 45 minutes we found ourselves back at the end of the loop. I gave a short pause and looked up the trail that we had hike only a few hours ago and thought of doing it again. However, those thoughts were quickly wiped from my mind as often happens during temporary lapses in sanity. After nine miles of hiking the GET I was ready to call it a day and rest my aching legs. Did I hear someone say "Mountain Burger and a beer at the Waterville Hotel"?