The Bucktail Path is one of Pennsylvania's most remote and challenging backpacking trails, traversing 34 miles through the wild heart of Elk State Forest from Sizerville State Park to Brooks Run Road near Sinnemahoning State Park. This is not a trail for beginners—expect isolation, minimal maintenance, steep climbs totaling nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain, dozens of unbridged stream crossings, and sparse water sources. The trail offers stunning ridge-walking with views over deep valleys, old-growth hemlock and white pine in the Johnson Run Natural Area, and the lush, beaver-inhabited McNuff Branch valley. Hikers seeking solitude will find it here; the Bucktail Path is one of Pennsylvania's least-hiked major trails. Most backpackers complete it northbound over 2-3 days, though strong hikers can finish in two.
A major 2024 reroute eliminated several miles of pipeline corridor and gravel road walking at the southern end, improving the wilderness character but adding challenging terrain. Expect long pants for stinging nettles (especially the final 1.5 miles northbound), reliable navigation skills, and the self-sufficiency to handle isolation miles from any road.
Backpack camping is permitted throughout Elk State Forest without a permit for stays of one night or less at any location. If you plan to camp at the same site for more than one night, contact the Elk State Forest District Office at 814-486-3353 to request a primitive camping permit.
Groups larger than 10 people must obtain a Letter of Authorization from the district office, which can take 2-3 weeks to process—plan ahead.
Campfires are prohibited from March 1 through May 25 without written authorization from the District Forester. Fires are also banned anytime fire danger is rated high, very high, or extreme. Self-contained camp stoves are always permitted. Contact the Elk State Forest District Office (258 Sizerville Road, Emporium, PA 15834; 814-486-3353) for campfire authorization during the restricted period.
Bear canisters are not required, but proper food storage is critical. Hang food away from camp or store it securely—black bears are common in Elk State Forest.
Late spring through fall (May through October) offers the best conditions, with late May through June ideal for mountain laurel blooms that carpet the trail in white and pink flowers. Fall (September-October) brings spectacular foliage and lower humidity, plus the chance to hear elk bugling in nearby areas.
Avoid winter and early spring (November-April) when snowfall is heavy and stream crossings become dangerous. Snow typically doesn't clear until late April or early May at higher elevations. Summer (July-August) can be hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common and reduced water flow in smaller creeks. Ticks are abundant May through July—treat clothing with permethrin and check thoroughly each evening.
March 1-May 25 is fire season with campfire restrictions in effect, requiring special authorization for any open flames.
Water availability is a critical planning concern. The first half of the trail (roughly miles 0-18 from the south) has more reliable water, particularly the McNuff Branch valley (miles 9.7-13.7) with its multiple stream crossings and tributaries. This isolated valley offers the trail's best camping with beaver ponds, meadows, and hemlock groves. However, the final 16 miles northbound have sparse water sources that can dwindle to trickles in summer.
Carry 3+ liters of capacity and filter everything—beaver activity along McNuff Branch increases giardia risk. Some creeks are intermittent; always fill up when you find flowing water.
No resupply exists mid-trail. Emporium (6 miles from the northern trailhead at Sizerville) has Emporium Food Market with full grocery services, deli, and bakery (814-486-0515). Lock Haven, at the southern end of the Bucktail State Park Natural Area corridor, offers additional grocery options but is not convenient to the trail.
This is a point-to-point trail requiring a shuttle. No commercial shuttle services operate specifically for this trail—plan to use two vehicles or arrange private transportation between Sizerville and Brooks Run Road (approximately 25 miles by road).
The Bucktail Path's isolation is its primary hazard. Cell service is nonexistent for much of the trail. Sections run 10+ miles from the nearest road, making self-rescue the only option for injuries.
Stream crossings are numerous—dozens of unbridged fords of McNuff Branch and other tributaries. These are generally straightforward rock-hops in normal conditions but can become treacherous during high water from snowmelt (April-May) or heavy rain. Scout carefully and wait if necessary.
Black bears are common throughout Elk State Forest. Follow proper food storage protocols—never keep food in your tent, hang bags at least 12 feet high and 6 feet from trunks, or use bear bags hung between trees. Make noise while hiking, especially near McNuff Branch where thick vegetation limits visibility.
Rattlesnakes are present, particularly on rocky ridgetops and open areas. Watch where you place hands and feet. One 2022 trip report specifically mentioned "dodging lunging rattlesnakes."
Stinging nettles choke the trail in sections, especially the northern 1.5 miles near Sizerville. Long pants, long sleeves, and gloves for pushing through vegetation are essential. Trekking poles help.
Navigation can be challenging despite generally good orange blazing. The trail is minimally maintained with brushy sections offering little tread. Bring a map and GPS track. The trail crosses multiple forest roads—pay close attention to blazes at these intersections.
Northern Trailhead (Sizerville): From Emporium, drive north 6 miles on PA Route 155 to Sizerville State Park. Continue east on East Cowley Run Road to a grassy parking area with a large trail sign. This is a small lot with basic parking—no fees, no facilities beyond what's available in Sizerville State Park (restrooms, water, picnic areas).
Southern Trailhead (Brooks Run Road): From the intersection of PA Routes 120 and 872 near Sinnemahoning State Park, follow Brooks Run Road to the trailhead. This is the new 2024 terminus—older maps and reports reference a different ending at Grove Street in Sinnemahoning village.
Both trailheads are accessible by standard passenger vehicle on paved roads (Sizerville) or maintained gravel (Brooks Run Road). No high-clearance vehicle required.
Airports: The nearest commercial airports are State College (PSU) at 75 miles, Harrisburg at 120 miles, or Pittsburgh at 140 miles. Budget 2-2.5 hours driving time from any of these.
Parking at both trailheads is free and unattended. Leave nothing visible in vehicles.
Start northbound from Brooks Run Road to Sizerville. This direction saves the most scenic sections (Johnson Run Natural Area, McNuff Branch valley) for the middle miles and ends near Emporium for easier shuttle pickup.
Plan your camps carefully. The McNuff Branch valley (miles 9.7-13.7 from the north) offers the best combination of reliable water, established camping areas, and scenic surroundings. Camp spots are limited elsewhere—start looking by 5-6 PM if you're not sure of the next good site.
The 2024 reroute is significantly more challenging than older trip reports suggest. Expect "major hills" and rugged terrain in the southern section that wasn't present on the previous route.
Bring long pants, long sleeves, and gloves regardless of season. Vegetation overgrowth, especially stinging nettles, makes shorts miserable. Treat clothing with permethrin for tick protection.
Carry extra navigation battery or paper maps. The trail is well-blazed but minimally maintained with faint tread in sections. GPS is recommended for less experienced navigators.
Don't expect to see other hikers. Recent reports confirm this remains one of Pennsylvania's least-traveled trails. Enjoy the solitude but pack for self-sufficiency.
Johnson Run Natural Area (roughly miles 14-16 from the south) features old-growth eastern hemlock and white pine up to 4 feet in diameter. This section includes narrow ridgeline walking with views west and east over deep canyons—arguably the trail's scenic highlight.
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