Gerard Hiking Trail

Gerard Hiking Trail is a long loop through Oil Creek State Park that follows both sides of Oil Creek Gorge. The route is built around early oil-history sites and passes numerous small waterfalls on side streams along the way.

The main loop is blazed yellow, with connecting cross-trails blazed white so you can shorten the trip into shorter day loops. A double blaze marks sharp changes in direction on the main route.

Expect a hilly, rugged walking experience with uneven ground and frequent elevation changes as the trail repeatedly climbs out of ravines and returns toward the gorge. The mapped corridor is mostly footway travel over ground surface, with trail visibility marked as excellent.

For an overnight backpack, the only allowed camp areas are the designated hike-in shelters at Cow Run and Wolfkiel Run. Those shelter areas include tent areas plus Adirondack-style shelters (with fireplaces), restrooms, and seasonal water; camping is limited to one night per shelter site per stay and pets are allowed at the shelter and tent areas.

Trail access is practical from several points in the park, including Petroleum Centre (Park Office area) and Jersey Bridge/Drake Well parking areas. From Petroleum Centre, the trail begins directly behind the office and heads into a steep hill before settling into the longer east- and west-side loops.

Wet-weather planning matters on this route: creeks and side streams can be muddy or slick after rain, and sections can be wet even when you don’t see standing water—so inspect the ground you’ll be stepping on and adjust pace if it’s been raining.

More information: Wikipedia, Hiking at Oil Creek State Park - Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Gerard Hiking Trail - Friends of Oil Creek State Park