Susquehannock Trail

Susquehannock Trail System (STS) is an 85-mile loop backpacking hike in Pennsylvania’s Potter and Clinton counties, built by linking older footpaths, logging roads, and abandoned railroad grades. Expect a hard, rugged long-distance experience with big cumulative climbing and lots of remote walking through forested hills and valleys.

The route is marked with consistent orange paint blazes (rectangular 2" x 6"). It’s designed to be followed as a long loop with a network feel: the STS is supplemented by cross-connector trails and some shared travel with the Donut Hole Trail, plus connectors to the Black Forest Trail.

Terrain is shaped by the Allegheny Plateau and its drainages—frequent dips off the top followed by steep rebounds. Along the loop you’ll also encounter stream crossings and sections that follow old grades and other corridor-style alignments rather than continuous ridge-top walking.

A common approach starts at the Northern Gateway near the Susquehannock State Forest headquarters on U.S. Route 6; a shorter “access” walk leads to the main loop. Many hikers run the loop clockwise to match the way the route is traditionally described and to keep the mileage markers aligned with the itinerary.

Remote country means you’ll be moving between sparse trailhead infrastructure and having to plan for overnight use. The loop is mostly in Susquehannock State Forest, with numerous established campsites and an extensive shelter network along the route, while some stretches pass through State Parks and private land where primitive camping isn’t allowed.

Classic on-trail logistics include carrying water and treating it—creeks and streams are commonly encountered, but conditions can make crossings serious in wet weather. In higher rainfall periods, treat swollen crossings as a turn-back/avoid situation rather than something to improvise on line-by-line.

For risk planning, the route’s common hazards are uneven, often wet terrain plus seasonal biting insects and wildlife. That means budgeting for mosquitoes and ticks in warm months, and taking bear-safety basics for food storage because bears are present in the area.

Permits aren’t required for hiking or dispersed camping on the trail system. The most practical preparation is to scout key water-crossing spots and check current conditions close to your start, especially during and after heavy rain when stream levels can change quickly.

More information: Wikipedia, Susquehannock Trail System Backpacking Guide, Hiking in Susquehannock State Forest