MST - Section 1

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• Mid State Trail (MST)

From a roadwalk at the state line, the MST climbs a farm lane which eventually becomes singletrack. Follow this up to the end of Tussey Mountain into Martin Hill Wild Area. The singletrack continues on CCC-constructed Burnt Mills (past a seasonal spring/possible campsite) and Dickens trails, past Big Pond (fairly reliable water and campsite) to emerge on a doubletrack gated XC ski trail to Beans Cove Rd.

Cross the paved road to the 20+ car parking area. Here, the singletrack Carl Cessna Trail enters in a pleasant pine plantation. You'll then pass a 1960's burn that might be Pennsylvania chaparral, a campsite, and then a spring at the head of Wildcat Run. Beware, you'll see all of this before you hit the steeper climb to Martin Hill MST summit.

Martin Hill hosts the famous three-state view from a powerline cut near its top. Seasonal parking exists near the radio towers at the 829-meter high point.

From the towers, descend the north face on switchbacks (view northerly to Blue Knob) that enter Sweet Root Natural Area (no camping) and descend to Sweet Root Run (a side trail to the east that descends along the run through virgin timber to Sweet Root Picnic Area). The trail is smoother and wider over the summit. It then descends into Rainsburg Gap, narrowing on Garlick Trail to a pretty side stream.

From there, you'll emerge on PA 326 at a 1 or 2 car parking spot.