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Trail Alerts As changes, modifications, or relocations of the Loyalsock Trail occur, they will be announced on this page. Check back so you know where and when these changes will take place. Effects of the Major Flooding of early September, 2011 Due to the serious flooding of September 7 to 10, many roads and bridges in Lycoming and Sullivan Counties sustained severe damage. Some roads used to access the Loyalsock Trail were closed for extended periods. Current closures of roads maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation can be found at this PennDOT site or by calling (570) 368-8686. The status of state forest roads in the Loyalsock State Forest may be found at this site or by calling (570) 946-4049. The dam at Sones Pond was breached. Unfortunately, Sones Pond will not be the scenic feature that it had previously been for LT hikers. Rerouting of A Short Section of the LT - Sept. 2011 Flooding from heavy rains due to Hurricane Irene in late August, 2011 has forced closure of the bridge on Rock Run Road over the Loyalsock Creek. The bridge was struck by several large trees during the flooding and can no longer handle vehicular travel. The bridge is reportedly safe for hikers to cross. There is significant damage to the roadways in the area. Access to the Sones Pond area will be via Loyalsock Road off of R. 154 west of Worlds End State Park or via Rock Run Road from Route 87. There is no estimate of when the bridge will be repaired or replaced. Rerouting of A Short Section of the LT The Loyalsock Trail has been rerouted from Mile 13.08 to Mile 14.82 (there is no change in the length of the trail). The new route follows what had been White Trail # 2, provides good campsites and water along Hessler Branch, and passes through the Miller Fields, an old farm now managed for wildlife habitat. Blue Trail # 3 has been renamed as the Long Ridge Trail and lengthened to provide a lead-in trail from the site of the now removed Long Ridge Fire Tower. See map. Additional changes have been made to trails associated with the Loyalsock Trail. Due to lack of use, the following trails have been abandoned: RX-1, RX-3, and Blue #2. RX-4 and RX-5 have been replaced with the Rode Falls Ladder Bypass Trail. White Trail #1 is now marked with blue blazes and renamed the Laurel Ridge Trail. RX-8 has been replaced with a blue blazed trail leading to Dutchman Falls Other trails have been renamed but remain on the same route:
from the Alpine Club.
"Coloring for LT Trail Blazes"
Open Fires are Not Permitted in the Haystacks Area at Anytime "Porcupines, Dogs and Wasps" Porcupines have chewed brake and fuel lines, radiator hoses, wiring harnesses, valve stems and plastic molding in the High Knob area. DCNR will install signs at the High Knob Overlook to warn of the danger, and has requested assistance from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. While it might be enjoyable to hike with man's best friend, hikers with dogs should be aware of the fact that there are a number of porcupines along the Loyalsock Trail. During the hot, dry summer months, wasps occasionally make their nests along the trail. Dogs that are allowed to run free might disturb these nests, resulting in a painful experience for both hikers and dogs. "Loyalsock State Forest Public Use Map" This map can be a valuable tool for those planning hikes on the Loyalsock Trail. It shows all the state, local and forestry roads, including the entire Loyalsock Trail. To receive a copy, view online or send to: Loyalsock State
Forest "The RX-8 Link Trail Has Been Changed To RX-6" This 6.98 mile trail was measured and a detailed trail description is included here. "Briars and Brambles" Over the past 25 years the forests through which the Loyalsock Trail passes have been repeatedly defoliated by gypsy moth and elm spanworm caterpillars. As a result, many trees have died; the Sun striking the forest floor has promoted the growth of extensive patches of thorny blackberry canes. Although efforts have been made to keep the trail cleared, they still present a problem. The worst areas are Split Rock, High Knob, and the section between Sones Pond and the Iron Bridge. |
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