John P. Saylor Trail: hiking in Gallitzin State Forest

Two loops, one trailhead

According to the DCNR map (Bureau of Forestry), John P. Saylor Trail has a large loop of 12 mi (19.3 km) and a small loop of 5 mi (8.0 km). Both are marked with orange blazes and distance posts. The DCNR page describes an 18 mi (29 km) trail that is relatively flat with gradual climbs.

Wikipedia gives 17.5 mi (28.2 km) for the full figure-eight route. It adds that the large loop is hiked clockwise from the parking lot and that the small loop cannot be reached directly by car.

What you pass along the way

According to the DCNR, the trail follows former railroad grades over swampy areas in places, passes through a former logging camp and crosses Clear Shade Creek on a narrow suspension bridge that leads into the Clear Shade Wild Area. Wikipedia places Wolf Rocks 10.7 mi from the start on the large loop and gives an elevation range of 660 m (2,180 ft) to 790 m (2,580 ft).

Before you go

• Trailhead: Babcock Picnic Area, on the DCNR map, with trail parking. According to Wikipedia, the main trailhead is the Babcock Picnic Area parking lot, off Route 56. The map says to contact the park or forest office about overnight parking.
• Dogs: in a Pennsylvania state forest, a dog is allowed if it is attended and under a person's control, does not disturb or intimidate others and does not damage property or resources. In a state forest picnic area, a leash is required (6 ft, or 1.8 m, at most).
• Blazes: orange blazes and distance posts (DCNR map). Bring the DCNR map with you.
• Season: Wikipedia says the trail is open year round. The DCNR does not state a season on its trail page.
• Hazards: Wikipedia lists severe weather, poison ivy and ticks.