Contact Info
- Phone 1:
- 814-723-5150
- Phone 2:
- 814-726-2710
Description
This 10.5 kilometer (6.4 mile) trail utilizes old railroad grades, roads and existing trails to form several loops for your skiing pleasure. Of significance is the old growth forest of hemlock, beech and white pine in the Hearts Content National Scenic Area - enjoy the solitude and grandeur of these ancient trees.
Details
Additional Details:
The trailhead parking lot is located at the picnic area of the Hearts Content Recreation Area 15 miles southwest of Warren, PA. To reach Hearts Content Recreation Area, take the Warren to Tidioute road from Warren or Tidioute to the junction of the Hearts Content Road. Follow this road four miles to the Hearts Content Recreation Area. From Sheffield, take the Austin Hill (Bull Hill) Road to the Hearts Content Road. Total distance is approximately 15 miles.
This trail is for hiking, skiing and mountain biking. Motorized vehicles, ATVs and snowmobiles, are not allowed on any of the trails. Forest trails policy prohibits the use of a saddle, pack or draft animals on hiking or cross county ski trails. If you are hunting in the area, please make sure you are outside the campground boundary. All dogs must be on leashes when using the trail.
Watch the informational signs. This trail area offers challenges to the beginning skier. The more experienced skier will find these trails offer an easy afternoon. All three loops are rated as suitable for beginners.
The Hearts Content Loop offers a scenic tour through the grandiose old stands of beech, hemlock and white pine. Toms'' Run Loop offers a gradual rise in elevation as it climbs the plateau along Tom''s Run. At the headwaters of Tom''s Run, the trail crosses the plateau and joins with the Ironwood Loop. This loop offers another opportunity for beginning skiers to experience the Hearts Content Cross-Country Ski Area, park at Dunham Siding on the Hearts Content Road instead of parking at Hearts Content Recreation Area. The Ironwood Loop receives less use than the other two trails and for that reason offers a little more solitude.
Wildlife is abundant in this area; watch for turkey, deer, squirrels and birds, particularly as you leave the roadways. The Hickory Creek Wilderness is nearby...another area of the Allegheny National Forest to enjoy! We do not recommend the Hickory Creek Trail for skiing.
The nearest hospital is in Warren, fifteen miles to the north.