Tuscarora Trail Sections 1-3


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Section 1: Sterretts Gap

Appalachian Trail to Waggoners Gap, 12 miles.

PATC Map J, Guide to the North Half of the Tuscarora Trail

Max Elevation: 1620 ft.  Min Elevation: 930 ft.

Highlights: Trail Register and Longs Gap overlooks, Audubon Hawk Watch, historical marker at Sterretts Gap.

Access: No direct access to northern terminus at AT, trail must be approached from either SB/NB on AT or WB on Darlington Trail.

 

Waggoners Gap: Parking at Audubon Hawk Watch (40.279, -77.276).

Advisory: Narrow shoulder along PA-34 in Sterretts Gap (speed limit 45 MPH); extremely rocky tread through F.J. Reineman Wildlife Sanctuary north of Audubon Hawk Watch. In  F.J. Reineman Wildlife Sanctuary, hikers must stay on trail, camping/fires are prohibited and pets must be kept on leash. No camping in State Game Lands (SGLs) #170 and #230. Exercise caution in SGLs during hunting season.

Camping: Darlington Shelter (0.2 mi NB on AT @ 40.302, -77.087)

Links:  PA State Game Lands

mountain view from a rocky summit
summit view of forest and farm fields

Section 2: Flat Rock

Waggoners Gap to Col. Denning State Park, 13.2 miles

PATC Map J, Guide to the North Half of the Tuscarora Trail

Max Elevation: 1965 ft.  Min Elevation: 750 ft.

Highlights: Flat Rock overlook.

Access: The trail can be accessed by road from both the northern and southern termini of section 2:

 

Waggoners Gap: Parking at Audubon Hawk Watch (40.279, -77.276).

Col. Denning State Park: PA-233 at Elk Hill Road (40.274, -77.427)

Additional trail connections in Col. Denning State Park include:

Flat Rock Trail, Woodburn Trail, Warner Trail.

Advisory: Extremely rocky tread through F.J. Reineman Wildlife Sanctuary south of Audubon Hawk Watch. In  F.J. Reineman Wildlife Sanctuary, hikers must stay on trail, camping/fires are prohibited and pets must be kept on leash. 

Camping:  Charlie Irvin Shelter (40.273,-77.291), Wagon Wheel Shelter,(40.267,-77.414), Col. Denning State Park.

LinksCol. Denning State Park

Section 3: Blue Mountain

Col. Denning State Park to Cowpens Road , 8.1 miles.

PATC Map J, Guide to the North Half of the Tuscarora Trail

Max Elevation: 2090 ft.  Min Elevation: 759 ft

Highlights: 

Access: The trail can be accessed by road from both the northern and southern termini of section 3:

 

Col. Denning SP: Parking at PA-233 at Elk Hill Road (40.274, -77.427).

Tuscarora State Forest: Parking at Cowpens Road (40.219, -77.543).

Additional trail connections in the Tuscarora State Forest include: Bill Miller Trail, Phoenix Trail.

Advisory:  Exercise caution in Tuscarora State Forest during hunting season.

Camping:  Col. Denning SP. Primitive camping is allowed throughout the Tuscarora State Forest. Camping is limited to one night without a permit.

Links: Tuscarora State ForestCol. Denning State Park

tuscarora forest overlooking fields in winter
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