The Standing Stone Trail offers 84 miles of rugged ridge-and-valley hiking through south-central Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains. Stretching from Cowans Gap State Park north to its junction with the Mid State Trail near Alan Seeger Natural Area, this challenging point-to-point route rewards backpackers with expansive mountain vistas, old-growth forest groves, and the iconic Thousand Steps—a hand-built stone staircase climbing 850 feet in half a mile. The trail traverses Buchanan and Rothrock State Forests, four State Game Lands, and crosses the Juniata River at Jack's Narrows, the deepest water gap in Pennsylvania.
This is a trail for experienced backpackers comfortable with navigation, dry camping, and carrying heavy water loads. Expect rocky, irregular terrain with 10,000+ feet of cumulative elevation gain, extended ridgeline walks with limited water access, and challenging descents. Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 4-6 days. The SST connects two of Pennsylvania's premier long-distance trails—the Tuscarora Trail at the southern terminus and the Mid State Trail at the northern end—making it an excellent link in a longer Pennsylvania hiking odyssey.
No permit is required for day hiking or most overnight camping along the Standing Stone Trail. However, specific regulations apply depending on land ownership:
Rothrock State Forest: Backpackers may camp for one night without a permit. For stays longer than one night, or for groups of 10+ people, contact the Rothrock State Forest District Office at 814-643-2340 to obtain a Letter of Authorization (allow 2-3 weeks). Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of forest roads, within 25 feet of trails, within 100 feet of streams or water bodies, and in designated Natural Areas.
Greenwood Furnace State Park: Overnight camping requires registration with the park. Contact the park office for current procedures.
State Game Lands (SGL #81, #99, #71, #112): Camping is generally prohibited on Pennsylvania Game Lands. However, the Standing Stone Trail may qualify under the "through hiker" exception (as defined for the Appalachian Trail)—hikers walking point-to-point without returning to their starting point. If camping on game lands, stay within 200 feet of the trail, limit stays to one night per location, and maintain at least 500 feet from springs, streams, or public access areas. Large groups should contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission in advance.
Private Land: Small parcels of private land exist along Cove Mountain's ridgetop. Hiking is prohibited here during Pennsylvania's firearms deer season.
Hunting Season: Blaze orange is mandatory during hunting seasons. Pennsylvania requires 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on your head, chest, and back combined (or an orange hat and vest) on all public lands from November 15 to December 15. Firearms deer season generally runs October through January, with November being the peak month. Plan accordingly or avoid fall/winter hiking if uncomfortable sharing the woods with hunters.
Campfires: Fires are prohibited on Pennsylvania State Forest lands from March 1 through May 25 and anytime the forest-fire danger is high, very high, or extreme. When permitted, use only established fire rings at designated campsites. Check current burn bans at pa.gov/dcnr before your trip.
April through October offers the most reliable hiking conditions, with May and September being optimal for weather, foliage, and lower hunting pressure.
Spring (April-May): Wildflowers bloom across the forest floor, rhododendrons leaf out, and water sources run most reliably. Expect temperatures from 40-68°F, but bring rain gear—spring showers are frequent. This is the best season for dependable water availability, critical on a trail known for long dry stretches. Note that campfires are prohibited until May 26.
Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures (70-85°F) make for comfortable hiking, but some water sources may dry up, particularly on ridgetops. Thunderstorms are common in July and August—avoid exposed ridge sections during afternoon storms. Higher humidity can make climbs more strenuous.
Fall (September-October): Fall foliage peaks in early October, offering spectacular views from the Throne Room and other vistas. Cooler temperatures (50-70°F) make for excellent hiking, and water sources see a modest rebound from late summer lows. However, firearms deer season begins in October. Blaze orange is required, and you'll share the trail with hunters. Some hikers embrace this as part of the Pennsylvania backcountry experience; others avoid the trail entirely during hunting season.
Winter (November-March): Snow and ice make the rocky terrain treacherous. Temperatures drop to 20-40°F, and water sources freeze or become unreliable. The Thousand Steps become particularly dangerous when icy due to irregular stone heights (3-24 inch rises). Experienced winter backpackers can enjoy solitude, but crampons or microspikes are essential, and the trail sees minimal maintenance in winter. Blaze orange remains required through mid-December.
Water management is the Standing Stone Trail's defining logistical challenge. The trail follows dry ridgelines for extended stretches before descending to valleys with reliable streams. Plan for 8-10 mile dry sections and carry capacity for 3-4 liters between sources.
Water Source Strategy: Northbound hikers report the longest water carry occurs before Greenwood Furnace State Park—approximately 8-10 miles over a ridgeline with no reliable sources. After leaving Frew Road, the next dependable water is at the park's pavilion faucet. Other notable dry stretches exist between Cowans Gap and Three Springs, where ridgetop camping requires carrying all water from valley streams. Alan Seeger Natural Area offers Detweiler Run, a reliable spring-fed creek. Jack's Mountain campsite features Smoke Ums Spring. Always verify current water reports—Pennsylvania's seasonal variability means summer sources dry up while spring sources flood.
Seasonal Reliability: Spring (April-May) is wettest, with nearly all marked sources flowing. By late summer (August-September), ridgetop seeps dry up, and only valley streams remain reliable. Avoid streams near farmland due to agricultural runoff, particularly in the road-walking sections near Three Springs.
Resupply Towns:
Three Springs (Mile 24.7): The trail walks through town along PA Route 994. Limited options—expect a small convenience store or gas station rather than a full grocery. This is primarily for snacks, fuel canisters, and emergency supplies rather than a full resupply.
Mapleton (Mile 46.1): The trail crosses the Juniata River here on the PA Route 655 bridge. Similar to Three Springs, Mapleton is a small town with basic services. Don't expect a supermarket.
Mail Drops: There are no established hiker-friendly mail drop locations. If you need a full resupply, plan to hitch from Three Springs or Mapleton to larger towns (Huntingdon is 15 miles from Mapleton), or cache supplies at trailheads beforehand. Most thru-hikers carry 5-6 days of food from the start and supplement in trail towns as needed.
Rocky, Irregular Terrain: The trail's greatest physical challenge is its relentless rockiness. Talus fields, boulder scrambles, and uneven stone steps (especially the Thousand Steps) punish feet and ankles. The Thousand Steps feature rises from 3 to 24 inches with treads from 6 to 18 inches—built by railroad workers in 1936 from irregular native stone. With a full pack, this half-mile climb gains 850 feet at a 68° angle, demanding careful foot placement and strong knees. Trekking poles are highly recommended.
Exposed Ridgelines: Long stretches atop Stone Mountain, Jacks Mountain, and Cove Mountain offer sweeping views but expose hikers to weather. Lightning is a serious risk during summer thunderstorms—monitor forecasts and descend from ridges if storms approach. High winds in spring and fall can make ridge camping uncomfortable; seek sheltered sites in saddles or just below the ridgeline.
Limited Camping Options: Campsites are spaced 10-15 miles apart in some sections, and flat ground is scarce on rocky ridgetops. Popular sites include Rocky Ridge, Jack's Mountain (near Smoke Ums Spring), and areas near Greenwood Furnace State Park. Be prepared for dry camping and plan your daily mileage around site availability.
Navigation: The trail is marked with orange blazes, generally well-maintained, but some sections can be unblazed after blowdown or in confusing boulder fields. Carry updated maps (available from standingstonetrail.org) and a GPS device. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent along most ridges.
Wildlife: Black bears inhabit the state forests. Use bear bags or hang food properly—there are no bear canisters required or boxes provided. Rattlesnakes are present but rarely encountered; watch your footing in talus areas and around sunny rock outcrops. Ticks are common in spring and summer—check yourself daily and carry tweezers for removal.
River Crossing: The Juniata River crossing at Mapleton uses a road bridge (PA Route 655)—no ford required. However, smaller creek crossings occur throughout the trail. After heavy rain, Detweiler Run and other valley streams can swell and become challenging to ford. Early spring snowmelt can make crossings dangerous; if water is fast and knee-deep, wait for levels to drop.
Road Walking: Approximately 5-6 miles of the trail south of Three Springs follow paved roads through farmland. This section lacks shade, can be hot in summer, and requires sharing narrow shoulders with vehicle traffic. Visibility gear (bright clothing, reflective elements) is wise.
Southern Terminus (Cowans Gap State Park): Located at 6235 Aughwick Road, Fort Loudon, PA 17224 (GPS: 39.99478, -77.9249). From US 30, take PA 75 north at Fort Loudon to Richmond Furnace and follow signs to the park. Free parking is available at the visitor center parking lot—notify park staff that you're thru-hiking so your vehicle isn't ticketed or towed during your multi-day trip. Contact: 717-485-3948 or cowansgapsp@pa.gov.
Northern Terminus (Alan Seeger Natural Area/Mid State Trail Junction): Located in Rothrock State Forest, approximately 9 miles south of Boalsburg off PA 305. The trailhead near Alan Seeger has a parking area, but it's less formal than Cowans Gap. Free parking, but same caveat—leave a note on your dashboard indicating thru-hike dates to avoid towing concerns.
Nearest Airports:
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): 70 miles from Cowans Gap, 90 miles from the northern terminus. Rental cars available. Most convenient option for commercial flights.
University Park Airport (SCE) near State College: 50 miles from the northern terminus, 110 miles from Cowans Gap. Smaller airport with limited flight options but closer to the northern trailhead.
Shuttle Services: No commercial shuttle services operate between trailheads. Most hikers use a two-car shuttle, leaving one vehicle at Greenwood Furnace State Park (near the northern terminus) and driving the second to Cowans Gap (about 90 miles, 2 hours). Alternatively, arrange a friend drop-off or attempt hitchhiking from trail towns, though rural Pennsylvania can be slow for hitches.
Public Transportation: None. The trail passes through remote rural areas with no bus or train service to trailheads.
Road Conditions: All trailhead access roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles year-round. No high-clearance vehicles required.
Hike Northbound: Most thru-hikers go south-to-north (NOBO), starting at Cowans Gap. This allows you to tackle the road-walking section south of Three Springs early in your hike when legs are fresh, and you'll hit the dramatic Thousand Steps and Hall of the Mountain King/Throne Room vistas around the halfway point for a morale boost. Northbound also means finishing at the serene old-growth groves of Alan Seeger Natural Area—a more rewarding finale than the southern farmland.
Carry Extra Water Capacity: Experienced SST hikers recommend 3-4 liter capacity minimum. The ridgetop walking is beautiful but dry, and descending 500 feet to a valley stream only to climb back up is time-consuming and exhausting. Tank up at every source.
Cache Water at Road Crossings: If you have shuttle support, consider caching gallon jugs at road crossings (Frew Road, PA Route 655 near Mapleton). This reduces pack weight during dry sections.
Timing for the Thousand Steps: Northbound hikers should plan to reach the bottom of the Thousand Steps (parking area off US Route 22 near Mapleton) in the morning. Climbing with a full pack in afternoon heat is brutal. Descending southbound in the morning is equally important—the irregular stone steps are treacherous, and tired legs in afternoon light lead to ankle rolls.
Campsite Strategy: Don't push mileage too hard. The rocky terrain slows your pace compared to smoother trails, and arriving at a planned campsite after dark on ridgetop boulders is miserable. Plan conservative daily mileage (12-15 miles) and have backup sites identified in case your first choice is occupied or unsuitable.
Explore Side Trails: The Hall of the Mountain King (Mile 36.3) and Throne Room (just beyond) are short side trails to talus-slope vistas—worth the 5-minute detour for sweeping ridge views. Alan Seeger Natural Area's loop trail showcases 500-year-old hemlocks and white pines, some of the few old-growth trees remaining in Pennsylvania. Take the 0.8-mile loop to marvel at the giants.
Check Hunting Regulations: If hiking October-January, call the Pennsylvania Game Commission (717-787-4250) to confirm current hunting season dates. Wearing blaze orange isn't just legally required—it's a survival necessity. A simple orange vest and hat suffices.
Avoid Holiday Weekends: Memorial Day and July 4th weekends see heavy day-hiker traffic on the Thousand Steps and popular viewpoints. Campsites near trailheads fill up. Mid-week spring or September offers the best solitude.
Footwear Matters: The rocky terrain destroys lightweight trail runners. Consider mid-cut hiking boots with stiff soles and ankle support. Bring blister treatment supplies—the Thousand Steps' irregular rises will find every hot spot on your feet.
Pick your trailheads, choose campsites, and build a day-by-day itinerary. Hikeset tracks your gear, meals, and group so nothing gets left behind.
Start PlanningFree account. No credit card needed.
Hikeset Beta
