Bridge over Swift Run on the Hemlocks Trail.

I had to cut this trail short and head back to the truck because of severe thunderstorms beginning to move through the area.  However I thought I’d upload the pictures I have of this trail.

This trail starts in the Snyder-Middleswarth Picnic Area where you start on the Swift Run Trail.  The trail runs parallel to Swift Run in almost a straight line through the Tall Timbers Natural Area.  Tall Timbers N.A., designated a National Natural Landmark, consists of 250 Acres of old-growth eastern hemlocks, white pines, pitch pines and assorted hardwood trees some of which are over 150′ in height.  At the intersection of Swift Run Trail and Tower Trail you turn left onto Tower Trail and follow it up the side of Thick Mountain where you come to a small clearing where you’ll find the foundations of a fire watch tower and cabin.  The trail then heads east on Thick Mountain Trail back towards the picnic area.

Driving Directions

Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 40° 48′ 35.061″ N, 77° 16′ 55.993″ W

Trail Length: 3.5 Miles

Trail Type: Loop

Difficulty:  Moderate

Required Equipment – Sturdy hiking boots, water, trekking poles

Facilities: Picnic tables, a picnic pavilion, a couple of charcoal grill and two pit toilets at the Snyder-Middleswarth Picnic Area.

Nearby Trails:

• Thick Mountain Trail
• High Top Trail
• East Kettle ATV Trail
• Henstep Valley ATV Trail

Nearby Attractions:

• Poe Paddy State Park
• R.B. Winter State Park
• New Lancaster Valley Vista
• Rock Springs Picnic Area