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EVENT #2: May 8-11, 2025
WHITE MOUNTAIN RIDGE & REEDS GAP SPUR TRAILS |
 Map depicting Reeds Gap Spur Trail and White Mountain Ridge Trail (from Mid State Trail Association)
KTA trail crews reopened Long Path Trail and other trails along the Reeds Gap Spur in the fall of 2017. |
What we have planned
Additional project details provided below |
--LOGISTICS--
IF YOU'RE COMING JUST FOR THE DAY / ARRIVING IN THE MORNING:
>If you are coming for the day only, please park at LOT D (encircled in purple on map above) and walk in to find us at Campsites 1-6 (encircled in red on map above) . Please arrive by 7:30 AM.
>PLEASE NOTE: Longwell Draft Road off Weikert Run Road is signed as a "Drivable Trail". The road is open but not maintained; typically used by Jeep enthusiasts. I would NOT recommend driving on this road.
>Follow KTA signs through the park
>Map/directions to park camping area (coordinates 40.721920, -77.470310): maps.app.goo.gl/xTHWmk7KsRmauCZW6
>Reeds Gap is located in Mifflin County, about 16 minutes east of the US 322 Reedsville exit.
>If you are coming for the day only, please park at LOT D (encircled in purple on map above) and walk in to find us at Campsites 1-6 (encircled in red on map above) . Please arrive by 7:30 AM.
>PLEASE NOTE: Longwell Draft Road off Weikert Run Road is signed as a "Drivable Trail". The road is open but not maintained; typically used by Jeep enthusiasts. I would NOT recommend driving on this road.
>Follow KTA signs through the park
>Map/directions to park camping area (coordinates 40.721920, -77.470310): maps.app.goo.gl/xTHWmk7KsRmauCZW6
>Reeds Gap is located in Mifflin County, about 16 minutes east of the US 322 Reedsville exit.
IF YOU'RE STAYING OVERNIGHT:
OPTION 1:
Rustic Tent Sites 1-6 at Reeds Gap SP (more photos below) |
Amenities:
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OPTION 2:
Car campers (sleep in vehicle) (Ideally, park in extra car parking Lot D) |
You bring:
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OPTION 3:
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own lodging in the park (tents only) or nearby.
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own lodging in the park (tents only) or nearby.
Important notes:
Cell phone coverage: TBD (likely poor. According to coverage maps, Verizon looks good, AT&T nearby, and T-Mobile no coverage at the park. Trail coverage will be spotty at best.)
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Tony typically cooks a scrumptious dinner on Friday nights. Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
If you’d like, you can join us for dinner out on Saturday evening- KTA will cover costs for dinner, except alcoholic beverages.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
Cell phone coverage: TBD (likely poor. According to coverage maps, Verizon looks good, AT&T nearby, and T-Mobile no coverage at the park. Trail coverage will be spotty at best.)
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Tony typically cooks a scrumptious dinner on Friday nights. Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
If you’d like, you can join us for dinner out on Saturday evening- KTA will cover costs for dinner, except alcoholic beverages.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
--Trail Work Details--
Work days:
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
Reeds Gap Spur Trail (22.8 km/13.84 miles; linear):
From Mid State Trail guidebook: The Reeds Gap Spur begins at Reeds Gap State Park and ends at a junction with Mid State Trail in Poe Paddy State Park. Reeds Gap State Park is located in New Lancaster Valley east of Milroy and US 322. Poe Paddy State Park is located at the junction of Big Poe and Swift Run roads with Poe Paddy Drive in Bald Eagle State Forest. This is a long pants and heavy boot trail that goes across the grain of the ridge and valley region with a vertical rise of over 940 meters in the south to north direction. There is a fair amount of water along this trail but it is not evenly distributed. Primitive camping sites are available at Little Weikert Run and in Bear Gap (NOT at the picnic area). The Reeds Gap Spur was opened in 1985 and is shown on an online map “Reeds Gap Spur and White Mountain Ridge Trail” available through the Avenza Map Store and on the MST website www.hike-mst.org. Blaze colors vary, check the detailed description carefully.
General Description: From Reeds Gap State Park the spur climbs through the gap of the same name on its way to the top of Thick Mountain. It follows Thick Mountain east and then descends into Treaster Valley by way of Bear Gap Trail. Turning east it follows Treaster Run before climbing Treaster Mountain. Continuing north it climbs over Strongs Mountain, descends to Weikert Run. and then ascends White Mountain along the wild area boundary. Next it descends to a crossing of Swift Run and follows Swift Run Road to Poe Paddy State Park.
White Mountain Ridge Trail (6.4 miles; linear):
The WMRT is a remote, rugged, rocky, linear trail that heads east from its intersection with Long Path (RGST) toward Weikert. There is a nice 4-ish mile loop using Devils Elbow Trail and Weikert Run Road that features Chimney Rocks view. The eastern end gets a lot of use from campers from nearby Wesley Forest Camp.
Reeds Gap State Park:
Reeds Gap State Park is 220 acres of wilderness in the New Lancaster Valley of Mifflin County. Large hemlocks and white pines cast cool shadows over Honey Creek, which flows through the park (text from DCNR website).
Notes:
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
- Reeds Gap Spur Trail: leaders will be scouting in the week leading up to the event to assess current conditions. We imagine this trail will need brushing, lopping, and possibly blazing.
- Blazing: Bald Eagle State Forest is reclassifying White Mountain Ridge and Devils Elbow Trails as "hiking only". This necessitates a change to yellow blazes from red. We will attempt to accomplish this - xxxxx miles total.
- On the Devils Elbow Trail south of Weikert Run Road, there is a footbridge that needs some deck boards replaced, as well as a brand new bridge to build. This will involve small but mighty crews.
- Other various trail work on the RGST, WMRT, or DET as defined by further scouting.
- We carpool to trail locations; please let me know if you are not comfortable riding with others or driving on gravel forestry roads. From the campground, drive times should be in the 35-45 minute range.
Reeds Gap Spur Trail (22.8 km/13.84 miles; linear):
From Mid State Trail guidebook: The Reeds Gap Spur begins at Reeds Gap State Park and ends at a junction with Mid State Trail in Poe Paddy State Park. Reeds Gap State Park is located in New Lancaster Valley east of Milroy and US 322. Poe Paddy State Park is located at the junction of Big Poe and Swift Run roads with Poe Paddy Drive in Bald Eagle State Forest. This is a long pants and heavy boot trail that goes across the grain of the ridge and valley region with a vertical rise of over 940 meters in the south to north direction. There is a fair amount of water along this trail but it is not evenly distributed. Primitive camping sites are available at Little Weikert Run and in Bear Gap (NOT at the picnic area). The Reeds Gap Spur was opened in 1985 and is shown on an online map “Reeds Gap Spur and White Mountain Ridge Trail” available through the Avenza Map Store and on the MST website www.hike-mst.org. Blaze colors vary, check the detailed description carefully.
General Description: From Reeds Gap State Park the spur climbs through the gap of the same name on its way to the top of Thick Mountain. It follows Thick Mountain east and then descends into Treaster Valley by way of Bear Gap Trail. Turning east it follows Treaster Run before climbing Treaster Mountain. Continuing north it climbs over Strongs Mountain, descends to Weikert Run. and then ascends White Mountain along the wild area boundary. Next it descends to a crossing of Swift Run and follows Swift Run Road to Poe Paddy State Park.
White Mountain Ridge Trail (6.4 miles; linear):
The WMRT is a remote, rugged, rocky, linear trail that heads east from its intersection with Long Path (RGST) toward Weikert. There is a nice 4-ish mile loop using Devils Elbow Trail and Weikert Run Road that features Chimney Rocks view. The eastern end gets a lot of use from campers from nearby Wesley Forest Camp.
Reeds Gap State Park:
Reeds Gap State Park is 220 acres of wilderness in the New Lancaster Valley of Mifflin County. Large hemlocks and white pines cast cool shadows over Honey Creek, which flows through the park (text from DCNR website).
Notes:
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
SIGN UP FOR 2025 TRAIL CARE #2 - WMRT/RGST, May 8-11, HERE:
Registration has closed for this event; please check out another event.
Registration has closed for this event; please check out another event.
--PHOTO GALLERY--
