Old Loggers Path, PA

[cliff]

I'm not used to attempting records, but since after two minutes of Google searching I can't find any known record on the Old Loggers Path in Loyalsock State Forest, I figured I should post here to pronounce my attempt at finishing it (and thus setting the record).
Since the weather looks good for tomorrow (Nov. 26), I'll be heading out early to give it a go. My goal is ~ 5 hours, but since I've never been on the trail before, I'm not sure what I'll finish in.
For those of you not familiar, the Old Loggers Path is a 27.1-mile trail in North Central PA.
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/hiking/stateforesttrails/oldloggerspath/index.htm

Eventual goal is to run the 42-mile Allegheny Front Trail in Moshannon State Forest. My longest run so far was the Fire on the Mountain 50K earlier this month.

[cliff]

Mission failed.

I ran about 20 miles in four hours before getting a ride back with some hunters to my car.

The main problem was starting out too late, an IT band problem, and needing to get back by a certain time. A bridge closed added a 45-minute detour to my drive, putting me too far behind schedule.

Note to area runners: the Old Loggers Path is an awesome place for a trail run. Most, if not all of it is runnable, if a little muddy. But plenty of water, some nice views, and the loop trail with a dividing forest road makes for a nice early out if you need one. This should be runnable in four- to seven-hour range for capable runners.

One further note: If you go, you should know the bridge out of Ralston off Route 14 is gone. To get to Masten and the trailhead from Williamsport, drive through Ellenton on state Route 1014, then take Ellenton Ridge Road in. You only have to deal with ~1 mile or so of a semi-crappy road to get to Masten. Note that the bridge connecting Masten with the other side of the river is also out...the only way to cross it is by foot.

I'd be happy to post more info about the trail if anyone is interested. Just reply to this post and any questions you have.

[Access]

Cliff, are you saying there is a bridge out from Rt. 14 and onto Pleasant Stream Rd? Am thinking about running out there this weekend.

[mwwarren01]

Cliff,

Looks like you were set to put up a really good time. I did a run today self supported and logged 7:19. Hope to go back a do it a little faster but looks like you were on track to do under 6! Awesome.

8_1_2015 6_48_20 AM_history.gpx (555.34 KB)

[Scott P]

Ran OLP yesterday in 6h55m. Left Masten trailhead at 9:01, headed CW. Returned 15:56. Rainy for much of the morning and early afternoon; many wet patches on trail that required navigating around. Clouds finally burned off when I was driving home. Saw one other hiker.

The Gantz guidebook has the trail measured at closer to 27.8 mi.

[claytonbouchard]

November 25th 2017 My faithful dog Zuri and i ran the old loggers path ccw. It took us 5:58:16 at easy/steady pace. This could be done much faster. We took 2 PB&j samdwiches (1 for Zuri) 4 espresso gu (2 peanutbutter gu for Zuri). I took 2 17oz soft flasks with a water coke mix. Zuri drank from streams. I ran out of water about 4 miles from the end. Fun loop and Zuri gave it a 2 paws up rating!

Check out my run on Strava: www.strava.com/activities/1291402873/shareable_images/map_based?hl=en-US&v=1513268686