Bucktail Path
The long-distance Bucktail Path is an isolated and demanding trail, maintained by Elk State Forest with occasional visits by the KTA trail care team. Do not expect to see anyone else when you hike. The trail is a rewarding experience for seasoned hikers seeking a challenge, because it offers extra loneliness and solitude, even for wild Pennsylvania. 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.
There are three easy road approaches to the Bucktail Path. The southern terminus is at Sinnemahoning, .7 mile west of the intersection of PA 120 and 872. At Grove Street, a sign denotes the trail; follow the street to the small parking lot just before the entrance to a private estate. You can reach the middle section of the trail via the unpaved but easily traversed Hunts Run Road, out of Cameron on PA 120 northwest of Driftwood. The northern terminus is near Sizerville State Park on East Cowley Run Road, .1 mile east of the last maintenance building as you pass through the park; the trailhead is at a grassy parking area next to a large sign denoting the area’s flora and fauna. Also from the southern terminus at Sinnemahoning, the intrepid backpacker can connect with the Donut Hole Trail by walking about a mile east on PA 120 to the village of Jericho; and the Quehanna Trail (via the Old Sinnemahoning Road Trail) by walking over the river bridge to a side street in the village of Wyside.
Permits may be required to camp in the state forest. For more information, contact:
Elk State Forest
258 Sizerville Rd.
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486- 3353
Camping and other amenities are available at Sizerville State Park. For information, contact:
Sizerville State Park
199 E. Cowley Run Rd.
Emporium, PA 15834-9608
(814) 486-5605
The Bucktail Path trail guide and map can be purchased in KTA's Bookstore.
Other resources:
►DCNR Elk State Forest Information
►DCNR Sizerville State Park Information
There are three easy road approaches to the Bucktail Path. The southern terminus is at Sinnemahoning, .7 mile west of the intersection of PA 120 and 872. At Grove Street, a sign denotes the trail; follow the street to the small parking lot just before the entrance to a private estate. You can reach the middle section of the trail via the unpaved but easily traversed Hunts Run Road, out of Cameron on PA 120 northwest of Driftwood. The northern terminus is near Sizerville State Park on East Cowley Run Road, .1 mile east of the last maintenance building as you pass through the park; the trailhead is at a grassy parking area next to a large sign denoting the area’s flora and fauna. Also from the southern terminus at Sinnemahoning, the intrepid backpacker can connect with the Donut Hole Trail by walking about a mile east on PA 120 to the village of Jericho; and the Quehanna Trail (via the Old Sinnemahoning Road Trail) by walking over the river bridge to a side street in the village of Wyside.
Permits may be required to camp in the state forest. For more information, contact:
Elk State Forest
258 Sizerville Rd.
Emporium, PA 15834
(814) 486- 3353
Camping and other amenities are available at Sizerville State Park. For information, contact:
Sizerville State Park
199 E. Cowley Run Rd.
Emporium, PA 15834-9608
(814) 486-5605
The Bucktail Path trail guide and map can be purchased in KTA's Bookstore.
Other resources:
►DCNR Elk State Forest Information
►DCNR Sizerville State Park Information