Bucktail Path shows nature's wonders
By Jim Zoschg Outdoor Writer

Northcentral Pennsylvania is blessed with hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands. A small portion of this remote forest land has been blazed with designated hiking trails.

At 34 miles long, the Bucktail Path is one of the most challenging trails in the region. It starts near Sizerville State Park in Potter County and travels south through the Elk State Forest towards the village of Sinnemahoning in Cameron County.

Along the way, hikers pass by cascading waterfalls, scenic overlooks, an old-growth forest, hemlock-shrouded trout streams, large beaver meadows, and beautiful wildflowers.

Bucktail Path passes through two protected "natural areas" - Johnson Run and Bucktail State Park - as well as the proposed Squaretimber Wild Area.

Hikers also traverse some of the most rugged topography in the state, experiencing an elevation change of about 1,600 feet from its highest point at the Brooks Run fire tower to the southern end of the trail at Sinnemahoning.

Hikers will likely see whitetailed deer, turkeys, ruffed grouse, and numerous songbirds. Occasionally, they may spot more secretive animals, such as bears, fishers and timber rattlesnakes.

Also, hikers could see the large mammal for which the Elk State Forest derives its name. Elk sightings are most common along the southern eight miles, where the trail passes through areas adjacent to Game Commission and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation food plots.

Bucktail Path can be covered as a two- or three-day hike, with overnight camping adjacent to the trail. Its trailheads are located at parking lots on East Cowley Run Road, just north of Sizerville State Park, and on Grove Street in Sinnemahoning. For those seeking a shorter hike, the trail crosses several dirt forestry roads that can be used as access points.

More information is available at the Pa. Bureau of Forestry's office on Sizerville Road in Emporium, or from the website: dcnr.state.pa.us. A detailed trail guide and map are available at the district office.