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The Loyalsock Trail is a linear 59.2-mile footpath located near Williamsport, Pennsylvania. That trail can be a bit much for some backpackers because of its length. Thankfully there is another option hikers have - the Loyalsock/Link Loop. It takes a section of the Loyalsock Trail and uses a link trail to form a small loop that makes for an easy overnighter.

The loop is only 17 miles long and offers a variety of scenery. There are amazing views such as Canyon Vista, dense hemlock forests with moss, incredible campsites along the serene Sones Pond, and much more. In this backpacking guide, I will help you plan for your trip so you can get the most enjoyment out of it.

Trail Facts

Length: 17 Miles
Duration: 2 Days
Elevation Gain: 2,693 Feet
Peak Elevation: 2,043 Feet
Best Season to Hike: Spring to Fall
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Bear Canisters: Not Required
Permits: Not Required
Dogs: Allowed

Highlights

Spectacular Overlooks
Sones Pond
Dense Hemlock Forests
Loyalsock Creek
Waterfalls

Maps & Information

Loyalsock State Forest Purple Lizard topographical map: To navigate yourself around the state forest I suggest using the waterproof map from Purple Lizard. It provides detailed information, such as elevation profiles, points of interest, and water sources.

Backpacking Pennsylvania: 37 Great Hikes: This guidebook is a great resource for familiarizing yourself with all the different backpacking trails in PA. It provides information on the terrain, degree of difficulty, maps, and features you’ll enjoy along the trail.

AllTrails: For backpackers who prefer digital maps to navigate with, the AllTrails app is great. It uses your mobile phone’s GPS to track your position on the route. You’ll find the Loyalsock Link Loop there, along with over 400,000 other trails. The app provides you with elevation profiles, mileage, campsites, water sources, and points of interest.

Try alltrails for a week for free

Parking & Trailheads

Parking can be found at the Worlds End State Park Visitors Center, which is off of RT. 154 on Cabin Bridge Road in the Forksville area. You’ll find that there’s plenty of parking there, even in peak season. Also, bathrooms are available there if needed.

Before you set off for your hike make sure to register your car inside the visitor center.

The trailheads to the Loyalsock/Link Loop can be a little tricky to find. If you're doing the loop in a counter-clockwise direction, you’ll want the trailhead that’s located directly behind the visitor center marked Link Trail.

If you’re hiking this loop in a clockwise direction, you’ll have to turn right onto Cabin Bridge Road from the Visitor Center parking lot. After a couple of hundred feet, you’ll cross the Loyalsock Creek by a bridge. Then immediately afterward, you’ll turn left into a parking area and you should see a trailhead sign labeled High Rocks Trail. This trail is also shared by the Loyalsock Trail.

See the interactive map below for the exact parking and trailhead locations.

Terrain

When hiking the Loyalsock/Link Loop you can expect mostly moderate terrain. You’ll notice minor elevation changes with occasional steep climbs in certain areas. When the terrain does become steep it only lasts for a short period of time.

The worst climb you’ll find on this loop has an elevation gain of 850 feet, but most of the time the climbs are much less than that.

Also, there are three areas on the trail where you’ll have to take your time and navigate around boulders. In these instances, trekking poles are a real help to keep your balance and keep safe.

I recommend the Leki Makalu Lite Cork Trekking Poles because they have comfortable hand grips and a durable design.

Dangers

Overall the Loyalsock/Link Loop is a very safe trail to backpack and I recommend it for most beginner backpackers.

However, there’s one thing to be aware of in the Link Trail section. When hiking through the hemlock forests it can be difficult to clearly see the trail at times because there’s no visible worn footpath.

In these areas make sure to constantly look ahead for the next trail marker, or you could lose the trail and get lost very easily.

Bugs

In early spring bugs can be a real problem in this area. However, as summer comes along the bugs tend to taper off and are mostly concentrated around water sources.

Ticks are probably the main concern in this region since Pennsylvania is the tick capital of North America. However, with that being said as long as you take the proper precautions you should be fine.

To protect yourself from both ticks and mosquitoes use a combination of Permethrin spray on your clothing and Picaridin spray on any exposed skin.

Water Sources

On the Loyalsock/Link Loop, water sources are never far away. You’re either hiking close to Loyalsock Creek, passing by a remote pond, or eventually coming to a babbling brook. This makes filling up your water bottles very easy most of the time.

However, some of the small streams can dry out if it hasn’t rained in a while. So, make sure to carry a little extra water in case your planned fill-up spot is dried up and you have to hike to the next one.

I have all the water sources marked on the interactive map below to help you come up with a strategic water plan.

Don't forget to filter your water. Protozoa and bacteria are a concern. I recommend the Sawyer Squeeze Filter. It's lightweight, affordable, and has a fast flow rate.

Camping Spots

When hiking you'll find many preexisting campsites along the trail. Some of the best camping can be found on the shores of Sones Pond at mile 9.49. (Pictured below) Other notable camping spots are along Loyalsock Creek at mile 6.53 and at Alpine Falls at mile 12.54.

All the mileage stated here is only accurate if you’re doing the loop counter-clockwise.

The Loyalsock State Forest doesn’t have many restrictions regarding primitive camping. No permits are required in order to camp as long as you plan to stay only one night at each campsite. Here are all the state forest regulations.

Fires are prohibited from March 1 to May 25 or if the forest service has determined there’s a forest fire danger.
You must camp at least 25 feet from the trail
All camping should be 100 feet from a water source

All the campsites found throughout this trail are marked on the interactive make below to help with your trip planning.

Which Direction to Hike?

Hiking the Loyalsock/Link Loop in a counterclockwise direction is preferred since the climbs will be more gradual. However, this will mean the descents will be steep and harder on your knees. This will especially be true when hiking down from Rock Run Vista.

I would also consider changing the direction you do this loop based on weather. Canyon Vista is by far the best overlook on this trail and you’ll want to have clear skies on that day. If you hike counter-clockwise you’ll reach the view on the first day. If you go clockwise you’ll reach it on the second day.

Possible Trip Itinerary

2 Day Trip (counterclockwise)

Day 1: (9.49 miles)

Start at the Link Trail trailhead right behind the Worlds End Visitor Center (Check map below for exact location)
Hike for 7.49 miles on the Link Trail (marked with yellow disks with a red x) and eventually come to Rock Run Road
Turn left onto Rock Run Road and start following the Loyalsock Trail for 2 miles (marked with red or yellow disks with “LT” painted on them. Also, sometimes the trail has yellow blazes with a red stripe)
Arrive at the beautiful Sones Pond where you’ll camp for the night

Day 2: (7.6 miles)

Leave Sones Pond and hike for 7.6 miles on the Loyalsock trail
Arrive at a stone parking lot just down from the Worlds End Visitor Center
Turn right onto the Cabin Bridge Road and walk a couple of hundred feet and you’ll arrive at Visitor Center’s parking lot where you started

Trail Guides

Loyalsock/Link Loop Backpacking Guide