Bucktail Path

The Bucktail Path is located in the Elk State Forest, in north-central Pennsylvania, 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The trail is approximately 34 miles (55 km) long. The trail starts at Sizerville State Park and ends in the village of Sinnemahoning.

The Bucktail Path is not recommended for beginners, because much of the trail is very far from civilization, and there are several steep climbs and dozens of wet stream crossings. Some of the crossings require wading, though except in periods of unusually high runoff, you can easily manage the wider crossings with waterproof boots or hardened stream slippers.

The trail is orange-blazed. Highlights are mountain vistas, varied terrain, former railroad grades and the Johnson Run Natural Area. The Johnson Run Natural Area is a 200-acre (81 ha) area of old-growth hemlock and hardwoods.

The trail is ideal to observe the flora and fauna of North Central PA. The trail passes through hard wood forests with understory that includes mountain laurel, flowering dogwoods, and various species of ferns. Wild Turkey and Black Bear can be observed as the habitat traversed is primary for these species. Summer hikes allow for the ideal location for bird watchers seeking woodpeckers and warblers. Beaver meadows provide opportunity to observe both beavers and marsh seeking wildlife.

Day hiking is possible traversing either out and back, or by drop off between forestry roads.

In cooperation with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, sections of this trail are maintained, in part, by volunteers from the Keystone Trails Association.