Slateford Loop Trail

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Roam along the Slateford Loop Trail ready to experience beautiful farmlands and dense, colorful Pennsylvanian hardwood forests.

Starting at the Arrow Island Trail South Parking Area off National Park Dr., travel north along the Arrow Island Spur and turn left at the junction with the Arrow Island Trail. Follow the Arrow Island trail (heading west) for a short while until it reaches a T intersection with the Slateford Loop Trail.

At this point, visitors can hike whichever direction they choose, taking note that this trail is a series of two loops joined by a central connector. Those wishing for a shorter excursion can remain on the eastern loop, while those wishing for more time in the woods can hike both loops.

While on trail, keep your eyes peeled for the remains of a bygone slate quarry and a historic farm which both exist today as weathered, brown structures. The trail is somewhat rolling, but not overly strenuous.

If you're taking the larger of the two loops, note that you may have to navigate a small portion of the southern extent on a little-used portion of National Park Drive.

Second-growth hardwood forests flush with white oak, red maple, and shagbark hickory.