View Full Version : Allegheny Front Trail
Just thought I'd file a quick report for anyone interested in this trail, just a bit west of State College, PA. The trail basically circles Black Moshannon State Park. I was on the AFT this past weekend and did an overnight section from the parking lot on Beaver Road to Cassanova Road. Really, really nice trail, and a relatively young trail, too. I saw no one else on this trail during our trip except my companions. The first part of the trail was through a marsh, and with recent wet weather, we really appreciated the boardwalks, some of which were quite new. We still did a lot of puddle slogging, however. The hike along 6-mile Run was really amazing. Absolutely gorgeous, plenty of water through the creek, trillium in bloom, mountain laurel groves... just beautiful. Plenty of water.
Last May we tried this trail for the first time and didn't do our research. We left the Beaver Road parking lot and hiked "counter-clockwise" on the 40-mile loop, climbing towards Ralph's vistas. Much harder, rockier, more uphill, and less water. If I were doing the entire loop, I'd go clockwise and save the front and the views for the end of the trip.
Overall, it was a great trip, and I can't get this trail out of my head. I want to get back there real soon.
The Solemates
05-21-2008, 23:51
thinking of doing this trail over thanksgiving. actually, its one of several possibilities. any photos?
oso loco
05-22-2008, 00:33
Just thought I'd file a quick report for anyone interested in this trail, just a bit west of State College, PA. The trail basically circles Black Moshannon State Park.
Last May we tried this trail for the first time and didn't do our research. We left the Beaver Road parking lot and hiked "counter-clockwise" on the 40-mile loop, climbing towards Ralph's vistas. Much harder, rockier, more uphill, and less water. If I were doing the entire loop, I'd go clockwise and save the front and the views for the end of the trip.
Overall, it was a great trip, and I can't get this trail out of my head. I want to get back there real soon.
I'm happy someone (anyone) is out there using the trail - we spent more than a few weekends over a six year period helping to build that trail. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work, and worth every bit of it. Then we hiked the AFT as one of our training trips for the CDT - it was appropriate.
BTW - the words should be "Ralph's Majestic Vista". It was a joke that stuck - and Ralph hated it. The first time he knew about it was the day the trail was dedicated and all the politicians and DCNR people were there to see the "Ralph's Majestic Vista" sign that had been put up at the vista the day before. After that he didn't dare take it down. :D
It's a really neat trail. We'll probably hike it again when we get back to the East Coast in the Fall. Gotta see what's happened to all our hard work.
LOL, yep, I know about the amusing vista names. I just consolidated the three. Let's see, there is Ralph's Majestic Vista, Ralph's Pretty Good Vista, and what was the last??? I can't remember.
The trail is really fantastic. It seems to be gaining in popularity, so your hard work is paying off. We had some friends in Black Moshannon campground while we were hiking. They were there for turkey hunting, but we caught up with them on Sunday. They told us that they had a nice conversation with a trail maintainer while they were camping. Apparently, the entire trail has to be re-blazed. I believe the orange blazes are going to be replaced with a different color... at least that's what our friends told us. This is all hearsay, but it does sound like there is a big re-blazing project going on this summer.
Overall, the trail is well maintained and well-blazed. I'm looking forward to going out there and doing the entire trail in one shot. It's really beautiful country.
thinking of doing this trail over thanksgiving. actually, its one of several possibilities. any photos?
I forgot my camera. :( One of my hiking companions brought his, however. When he sends me his pics, I'll post them (with permission).
Creek Dancer
11-10-2008, 13:08
I am planning on doing this trail in a couple of weeks. Is it safe to park overnight where the trail crosses 503 on the eastern side? Or should we park inside the park and shuttle one car to the trailhead? Any other ideas?
I've been trying to find a 3-day weekend without rain for the several weeks now to do The Old Loggers Path. Keep in mind that rifle deer season in Pennsylvania begins the Monday after Thanksgiving. Thats probably not the best time to plan a hike.
I haven't had any problems parking there. Ditto the comment about hunting season from STEVEM
Creek Dancer
11-10-2008, 20:35
Thanks SteveM and Lellers. We will be off the trail before rifle season starts.
Creek Dancer,
Be sure to post a report following your trip. I'm hoping to do the entire loop sometime next year.
Creek Dancer
11-11-2008, 10:57
Ok, I will post a trip report. Looking forward to this trip.