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Over a thousand stone steps built in the early 1900's lead up the mountain to a gorgeous view.


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Map Key

2.6

Miles

4.1

KM

Lollipop

1,545' 471 m

High

598' 182 m

Low

968' 295 m

Up

968' 295 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This hike leads up over a thousand stone steps to Ledge Quarry and a gorgeous view of the town of Mapleton and the Juniata River, as well as a spectacular view of the town of Mount Union! The steps were built in the 1930's and used by miners working at the Ledge Quarry. This trail is rich with history, wildlife, and natural wonders.

Description

Parking and the trailhead are on the side of US 22, so be careful! The trail starts just to the east of the parking area. The Standing Stone Trail also uses the same route and is marked with orange blazes. At the beginning of the hike is a display describing the history of the steps.

From the trailhead, the steps head right up the mountain and are numbered every 100 steps. The first 0.5 miles is basically all steps up a very steep grade, but there are many spots to pull off and take a breather. The top step is labeled as 1037! Everyone deserves a pat on the back for seeing that stone step; this hike isn't for the faint of heart. However, once step 1037 is achieved, the hike is surprising pleasant.

Take a right onto a blue-blazed trail (Mount Union View Trail) which leads to a view of the town of Mount Union (0.3 miles). After taking in the view, turn around. Back at the intersection with Thousand Steps Trail, continue straight onto the orange-blazed Standing Stone Trail-State Game Land 112 Segment (don't turn left and head back down yet!). The trail heads to an old train shed and *surprise!* more steps. Further up is the Ledge Quarry and a gorgeous view of the town of Mapleton and the Juniata River.

The Ledge Quarry is not labeled as the end of the trail, but this is definitely an appropriate turning around point. The Standing Stone Trail heads past the Ledge Quarry and continues north through the forest. If time (and energy!) allows, continuing on the Standing Stone Trail past the Ledge Quarry for a mile or two makes for a mild and pleasant stroll through the trees; it is also a great stretch to trail run.

From the Ledge Quarry, return on the same trail back to the Thousand Steps Trail. Take a right to head back down the steps. At the bottom, give yourself a high-five and your tired legs some much needed rest! This hike is a great workout and an awesome spot to cardio train (if that's your thing). However, be careful as some steps might be slippery, and often during the winter are covered with snow and ice.

History & Background

At the beginning of the hike, a display describes the history of the steps. It explains that the steps were built in the 1930's and were the daily commute for miners as they went to work in the Ledge Quarry. The miners were removing ganister, a sandstone used in the production of silica bricks.

Contacts

Land Manager: PA Game Commisson

Shared By:

Cascade Mts

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 8 votes

#962

Overall
  4.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
88%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
0%
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#9

in Pennsylvania

#962

Overall
18 Views Last Month
2,199 Since Jan 21, 2018
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Photos

A view from the Mapleton overlook.
Oct 23, 2023 near Mount U…, PA
Stone steps leading up mountain.
Jan 21, 2018 near Mount U…, PA
View of the Ledge Quarry and train shed from the Little Incline side trail (blue blazes).
Jan 21, 2018 near Mount U…, PA
View into Mapleton near the 1000 Steps.
Nov 5, 2018 near Mount U…, PA
View from the stone strewn precipice.
Oct 23, 2023 near Mount U…, PA
I hope you like stones and steps.
Oct 23, 2023 near Mount U…, PA
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