Old Squaw Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek

The trail may be accessed in the south at the Scott Park parking lot near the intersection of Squaw Run Road and aptly named Squaw Run Road East. Or you may park at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve located at the north terminus.

Starting from the south terminus, the trail weaves through a small wooded area with the road to the left and Squaw Run to the right. In less than a half mile, the trail peeks out of the woods at a small cinder pull off before taking a hard right and crossing Squaw Run via large stepping stones. From here, hikers will make a short steep climb up the hillside and hike a section of trail at the foot of Shady Side Academy. There are numerous trails in this section crisscrossing the main trail. The best advice is to stay to the left. You're on the correct path if you are hiking just above the roadway. You may also want to looks at the Hiking Project mobile app if you want to be absolutely sure.

You'll exit the woods and hike through a parking lot leading to a dog park with a wooden gate. Dogs are off leash, and hikers should take caution when opening the gate to enter and exit. There are several paths you can take, all of which lead to the back of the park. Shortly after all the paths converge, you'll see a trail marker (concrete or wooden posts with a green circle and white arrow pointing the direction) directing you up a steep climb. While traveling south to north, the trail is always heading uphill; this is by far the biggest climb and toughest section. There is an equally long descent on the other end.

When you exit the woods again, you'll see a small concrete block shed and another trail sign (this time brown with yellow print). You'll cross over Squaw Run once again, using large stepping stones. Then hikers will cross the roadway and begin the last section of trail, most of which is doubletrack.

This last section starts out slow, but less than mid-way through the climb begins to Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Fortunately, the ascent is at a low grade.

Hikers can extend their hike by entering Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, which has glut of singletrack trails.