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 Reporter |
Summary: Prior to 1975, this area was heavily forested. Since being aquired by the Connonwealth, the 3,070 acre tract of land has been protected and second and third growth forest has reclaimed the Roaring Run watershed. This particular hike begins up on the ridge and starts along the McKenna Trail, a easily followed, red-blazed trail suitable for cross-country skiing. The trail then drops down the hill to Hedrow Road and a parking area near the Hedrow Cemetary, a spring and a monument marking the site of a tragic sleigh accident before the turn of the century. Behind the parking area, the trail continues down to Roaring Run itself. This hike has only 2 stream crossings. (The Roaring Run Trail has 28 crossings). Up the hil, the loop completes by picking up the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Trailhead: Form the Donegal exit of the PA Turnpike US76) take Rt 31 east past Jones Mills. As you near the crest of the hill there will be a sign on the right that says "Trailhead Parking." Turn right onto Firetower road and park at the lot on the right. There are no facilities at this location. An alternate parking location is another half mile up Fire Tower Road. (N40 3.573 W79 16.399) There is a water pump at this parking area and access to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. (Lat:40.0666 Lon:-79.27205) Trail Guides for Roaring Run-McKenna Trail: 50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania by Tom Thwaites (Backcountry Guides) The Laurel Highlands - A Hiking Guide by Bruce Sundquist (Sierra Club Allegheny Group) A Hikers Guide to the Laurel Highlands Trail by Sierra Club PA Chapter (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Bureau of Forestry District #4 724-238-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Geiselman, who has posted 96 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Westmoreland County Hiking, Westmoreland County Trails, Westmoreland County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
