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Bear Run Nature Reserve


Highlights:

A loop with hemlock groves, mountain laurel and river overlooks. (9 miles)
Near:Mill Run, PA
Scenery:
Distance:8.74 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1291 ft
Hike Time:4.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: This particular loop is one of the more straightforward, following the Ridge Trail up the hill, Tulip Tree Trail across the top, Laurel Run back down and the Peninsula Trail around a loop in the Youghiogheny River and back.But Bear Run has 20 miles of trails and 7 campsites giving plenty of opportunities to customize hikes of any length. I particularly recomend the Arbutus and Wintergreen trails with narrow tracks through mountain lauren and crossings of Bear Run.

Ridge Trail is a broad track that was once a logging road. Laurel Run Trail sometimes follows the track of Laurel Run itself so waterproof boots are recommended. The blazes on Laurel Run could use some touching up so keep your head up or you might wander off the trail.

Trailhead: From the PA Turnpike Donegal exit, turn left on Rt.31. Follow Rt.31 east for 2 miles and turn right on Rt.381. Follow 381 for 15.5 miles. Watch for the sign and farm house on the left.

Trail maps are available at the parking area. There is also a reservation board for camping. Simply fill out the card and place in in the slot for the available campsite. (Lat:39.90619 Lon:-79.45986)

Trail Guides for Bear Run Nature Reserve:
50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania
by Tom Thwaites (Backcountry Guides)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy 412-288-2777
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Geiselman, who has posted  95 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Niels on 5/16/2006
A really enjoyable hike, even though it was raining most of the time. The last part of the hike (Peninsula) is tougher than the rest, but also the most beautiful. Unfortunaly the viewpoint doesn't offer much of a view: the river can be seen in the distance, but otherwise the view is blocked by young trees.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Fayette County Hiking, Fayette County Trails, Fayette County Hikes

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