Overview

The Mid State Trail is Pennsylvania's longest and most remote footpath, stretching 327 miles from the Maryland border to New York through the wild heart of central Pennsylvania. This is a serious wilderness backpacking route that crosses ridge after rocky ridge through Buchanan, Rothrock, Bald Eagle, Tiadaghton, and Tioga state forests. The trail's unofficial motto—"more bears than people"—sets expectations: you'll experience true solitude on rocky ridgetops with expansive vistas, navigating boulder fields and relentless elevation changes. The southern half follows exposed ridge-and-valley terrain with dozens of spectacular overlooks, while northern sections traverse deeper forests and Pine Creek Gorge. Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 25-30 days, though the extremely rocky terrain (especially sections 2, 3, and 7) can slow your pace considerably. This trail rewards self-sufficient backpackers comfortable with primitive navigation, irregular water sources, and genuine remoteness.

Permits & Regulations

Primitive Camping: No permit required for one-night stays at dispersed campsites in state forests. If camping more than one night in the same location, obtain a free permit from the relevant state forest district office (Buchanan: 717-485-3148, Rothrock: 814-643-2340, Bald Eagle: 570-922-3344, Tiadaghton/Tioga: 570-724-2868).

Pine Creek Gorge Exception: Camping permits are always required in Pine Creek Gorge regardless of duration. Reserve through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website or call 888-PA-PARKS.

Fire Restrictions: Campfires prohibited during high/very high/extreme fire danger and March 1-May 25 unless authorized. A free permit allows campfires during spring fire season—request when contacting district offices.

Camping Restrictions: Camp at least 100 feet from water sources. No camping in state game lands, designated natural areas, vistas, trailheads, or along Penns Creek between Poe Paddy and Cherry Run. Private land sections (18-20) often closed October-January for hunting.

Group Size: Groups over 10 require a Letter of Authorization from the district office. Maximum 7-night stay at any motorized roadside campsite.

Best Season

Optimal: April through September. Spring (late April-May) offers blooming mountain laurel and rhododendron, moderate temperatures, and reliable water, though expect mud and lingering snow at higher elevations into early May. Fall (September-October) provides spectacular foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer bugs, but be aware of hunting season closures on private sections starting October.

Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with thunderstorm risk on exposed ridges. Advantage: longest daylight hours and all water sources flowing.

Winter/Early Spring (November-March): Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures make the rocky terrain treacherous. High water crossings. Some gravel access roads remain snow-covered. Portions north of Route 150 near Woolrich closed September 1-January 31. Only for experienced winter backpackers.

Hunting Season: Late November-December brings heavy hunter activity. Wear blaze orange if hiking during firearms seasons.

Water & Resupply

Water Reliability: Generally adequate but highly seasonal. The Rothrock section from Huntingdon to Pine Grove Mills has stretches with no on-trail water—carry extra capacity. Bald Eagle State Forest sections also have scarce sources. Sand springs provide crystal-clear water when flowing. The trail crosses "some of the finest trout water on the east coast," but don't count on streams during summer dry spells. Plan for 2-3 liter capacity between sources and verify current conditions with district offices.

Key Resupply Points (south to north): - Everett: Full services, grocery, restaurants. Trail passes through downtown. - Huntingdon: Grocery, outfitters, restaurants. Accessible from trail. - Boalsburg: Limited but good for water/snack stop. - Pine Grove Mills: Near State College—full resupply options. - McElhattan: Restaurant, convenience store, McDonald's (1+ mile off trail). - Waterville: Post office, tavern, general store/café. - Happy Acres (Little Pine State Park): Convenience store when open.

Mail Drops: Possible at post offices in Everett, Huntingdon, Boalsburg, McElhattan, and Waterville.

Hazards & Challenges

Terrain: Relentlessly rocky. Hikers consistently describe the MST as "VERY rocky"—knife-edge scrambling in sections 2, 3, and 7. Slippery when wet. Expect slower mileage than on smoother trails. Total elevation gain approaches 38,000 feet over 327 miles.

Timber Rattlesnakes: Common, especially in rocky areas and boulder fields in Buchanan State Forest. Most active May-September. Don't put hands/feet where you can't see. They're not aggressive but watch your step.

Black Bears: Abundant—"more bears than people." Hang food or use bear-safe storage. If encountered, make noise, appear larger, don't run. Bears usually retreat. If attacked, fight back with anything available.

River Crossings: Most are bridged, but Pine Creek crossing uses a defunct railroad bridge. Raystown Branch of Juniata River and West Branch Susquehanna River crossings use road bridges. Creek crossings can be dangerous during spring snowmelt or after heavy rain.

Exposure: Southern ridgetop sections offer little shade and significant lightning exposure during thunderstorms. Monitor weather and descend if storms threaten.

Navigation: Trail is never more than 1.2 miles from a road but feels remote. Orange blazes throughout. Cell service is minimal or absent on most sections. Carry maps and compass/GPS.

Remoteness: Medical help is far away. Carry comprehensive first aid and have an emergency communication plan.

Getting There

Southern Terminus (Maryland Border): At intersection of Black Valley Road and Gap Road near Flintstone, Maryland, north of Everett, Pennsylvania. No parking at terminus—nearest parking is 0.5 miles up the road at Solid Wood Floors and Moulding (814-458-2032), which allows hikers to park across the street.

Northern Terminus (New York Border): Intersection of Heffner Hollow Road and State Line Road. No parking or public transport available.

Access Points: Multiple road crossings provide access throughout. Pennsylvania Furnace Road in Rothrock State Forest is excellent for shuttle cars. US Route 22 crossing near Alexandria has bike trail parking.

Shuttle Services: - Northern region (Lock Haven/Wellsboro): Rick Henrich at Rock River and Trail Outfitters (570-748-1818), Pine Creek Outfitters (570-724-3003), Big Pine Outfitters (570-753-5772) - Southern region (Everett): Ask at Marteens Family Restaurant in downtown Everett for local drivers

Nearest Cities: State College (central access), Harrisburg (90 minutes south), Pittsburgh (2 hours west).

Tips

Pace Expectations: The rocks will slow you down. Plan for 10-13 miles/day rather than the 15+ you might manage on smoother trails. The Tiadaghton/MST Loop is considered one of the toughest overnight loops in the Mid-Atlantic—6,000+ feet of gain in just 23 miles.

Metric System: Unusual for US trails, the MST uses kilometers on all signs, maps, and guidebooks. The 13th edition guide (2018) is essential—proceeds support trail maintenance. Purchase from Mid State Trail Association, PO Box 885, Huntingdon, PA 16652, or hike-mst.org.

Camp Selection: Since you can camp almost anywhere (100+ feet from water, avoiding restricted areas), scout for level ground early rather than pushing to specific sites. The rocks extend to campsites.

Footwear: Sturdy boots with ankle support are worth the weight. The unending rocks punish feet and ankles.

Section Hiking: Many tackle the MST in sections over multiple years. Pennsylvania Furnace Road and other access points make this feasible. Fall sections are particularly popular for colors.

Water Strategy: Carry extra capacity (2-3 liters) in Rothrock and Bald Eagle sections. Filter from every reliable source. The clear sand springs are highlights when you find them.

Cultural Note: Hikers report encountering local characters with stories about the trail's history and Pennsylvania's canal system. Take time to chat—it enriches the experience.

Wildlife: You will likely see bears. Proper food storage isn't optional. Bobcats are also present but rarely seen.

Plan Your Trip

Select Your Route