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Mid State Trail (Blackwell - PA 287)
This segment of the Mid State Trail (MST) begins in the scenic town of Blackwell in the Pine Creek Gorge. Follow the rail-trail north for about a mile and turn right up Stone Quarry Run for a steep 1,000 foot climb up the glen to the rim of the canyon. At the top is a grove of hemlocks and water. A Blue blazed trail to the right leads to spectacular vistas of the canyon. The MST is level through a hardwood forest and laurel. Reach another blue blazed trail to the left that leads to two excellent vistas of the canyon. The trail is rolling and begins a descent through laurel and passes a spring. Enter a grove of scenic, large white pine and make a rocky descent through laurel to a fork of Water Tank Run. Follow a grade along the contour of the glen through thick laurel to the other fork of Water Tank Run. A blue blazed trail to the left goes down to the bottom of the canyon and the rail trail, where it passes near some waterfalls. Begin a gradual ascent, passing springs through thick laurel. The run flows off the the left. Climb along some ledges and between boulders and reach Clay Mine Road, a dirt forestry road. Cross the road and descend through hardwoods and into a beautiful rock city of house sized boulders. The trail steepens through a beautiful hemlock grove and becomes rocky as it cuts through more laurel. Reach small Mossy Run and follow it steeply downstream, with many cascades and three waterfalls. The trail reaches incredible Stony Fork, a very beautiful, sizable stream with deep pools, rapids, boulders, and cascades. In many places the bedrock is sculpted and worn smooth. Follow the trail along the stream. The trail is above the fork in places and climbs high above it, over a steep bank. Return to Stony Fork at possible campsites and a beautiful waterfall and pool. Continue to follow the stream to another falls and huge swimming hole, with camping. The trail follows Stony Fork with more cascades and pool. Turn left and cross the fork (no bridge, be very careful in high water), passing a blue trail that heads downstream to a vehicle ford of Stony Fork. Cross Stony Fork Road and climb up Roland Run\'s glen. Stinging nettle is a problem here. Climb out of the top of the glen and pass a spring. The trail is rolling for 1.5 miles through a scenic pine and hemlock forest. Reach the end of the Tannery Hill Road with parking. The trail descends slightly through a deep hemlock forest and enters Slide Hollow\'s glen, where it descends more steeply. At the forks of the hollow, the MST heads left while a blue trail descends along an old grade to Morris, passing a 10 foot falls. The trail climbs the side of the glen to old ruins from the logging and mining era, and an incline plane. Follow a grade to Rattler Road with parking. Ascend past rock outcrops to another scenic pine and hemlock forest. Descend to Basswood Run and descend the glen to the forks of the glen. Cross the forks with good water in a very scenic glen and hike up along a side stream. Reach the rim of the plateau with rock outcrops and boulders, some separated by narrow crevasses, so watch your step. There are also partial views of Wilson Creek valley. An old mine area is off to your left. Climb along the rim of the plateau and pass expansive Haunted Vista at the former Anna S. Mine. Follow grades along the edge of the plateau to a dirt township road. Follow the road less than a mile down to PA 287.
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