Hike the Hemlock Mountain Loop

Brown Township, Pennsylvania

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

6.48 miles

Elevation Gain

1200 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Shawn Grenninger

Get a taste of one of Pennsylvania's best backpacking trails, the Black Forest Trail. The Hemlock Mountain loop leads you past scenic cascades and small waterfalls and ascends to the summit for spectacular views.

The trail starts where Naval Run Road ends. Follow the the blue blazes into Naval Run. After crossing Naval Run continue right up an old logging skid trail along the run. The trail will intersect with the Black Forest Trail at Naval Run Falls.

The trail will follow the orange blazes of Black Forest Trail for the next 3.9 miles. The BFT will leave the skid trail at Naval Run and switchback to the summit of Hemlock Mountain. A campsite is at the vista overlooking Pine Creek and across to the area of the Golden Eagle Trail.

The trail then descends into the right fork of Callahan Run. There will be multiple crossings as you descend through the run, just past a small waterfall, there will be campsites at the fork of Callahan Runs.

The route will now leave the Black Forest Trail and continue unmarked down Callahan Run. This is an unmaintained bail out to the BFT and may require some bushwhacking. This section is likely to get your feet wet and continues for .77 miles until just before Pine Creek where you will meet the blue blazes of Big Pine Trail and can follow back to the Naval Run Parking area.

This loop can be done as a day hike or a backpacking trip with several camping options in Naval and Callahan Runs as well as the vista on Hemlock Mountain.

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Features

Photography
Camping
Chillin
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic
Waterfalls

Hike the Hemlock Mountain Loop Reviews

My group started at Naval Run (we got a travel map from the guide I would highly recommend that). We had a wonderful time going from view to view. It was a tough climb, especially for us beginners, but there are views for every type of climber and they are very worthwhile. We had a great time.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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