02/28/10

Trip Review

The STS is another good hike in PA. This trail system is exactly that, it is a vast trail system that covers a huge amount of land, traversing up and down mountains, runs, wild areas and logging roads. This trail contains a wide variety of forest, wildlife and other points of interest. This trail also has many stories behind its runs and other locations.

Start your trip in Cross Fork, turn left on Rt.144, at m49.86 turn right head up the hollow. Reach a vista at m51.03, continue north, merge with the Elk Horn Trail turning west reaching Hammersley Fork and up the other Fork of the Hammersley, passing "the Pool" at m54.72. Continue up the fork for about 3 miles. Head NW and cross McConnell Rd. at 59.85. Swing around the mountain and up in a northeasterly direction along the East Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek. Cross the creek, heading north, then NW reaching Stony Fork., swing east, then north crossing Wild Boy Rd at m69.93 and Ridge Rd. at m70.80. Follow it north to the Prouty Area. Turn left at the Sarah Jane sign to return to your vehicle at the state park or continue right onto the STS.

The first three miles of this adventure involves switch backing up and over the first mountain traveling down to a cabin and hanging a left on an old grassy road. From here you will head east and then south for a ways entering Spook Hollow at m30.96. You will follow Big Spring Branch for about a mile. Along this section you will pass some interesting manmade and naturally made areas. Next you will continue your journey south slowly climbing the mountain, passing pretty flowers and entering a gated deer fence and exiting this fence at m34.20. You will turn right onto Fork Hill Rd. at m35.53, changing direction and heading west for about 7 miles, passing campsites, runs, gas lines, etc... Watch out for Morgan Hollow its very steep! When you reach the Scoval Branch campsite at m42.50, you now change direction and head south down Scoval Branch passing an active beaver area (his craftsmanship is quite remarkable!) Next you will turn NW at m44.41 and continue your journey passing, a wooden hut, crossing roads, runs and taking out at Cross Fork, PA.

Directions

Trip 1 - From Rt.220, take Rt.44 N, Jersey Shore exit for about 45 miles to the intersection of Oleona. From here bear left onto Rt.144 S for about 9 miles, until you reach the small town of Cross Fork. This is also the take-out point for trip 2.

Trip 2 - From Rt.220, take Rt.44 N, Pine Creek exit for about 45 miles to the intersection of Oleona. From here bear left onto Rt.144 S to Ole Bull State Park (5 miles) on your right.

Photos

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