Hiking at Shawnee State Park

16 miles of trails

Shawnee State Park Trail Map (PDF)

Trail Definitions

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

Colvin Trail

0.4 mile | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables

The loop trail beginning at Colvin Day Use Area travels through the woods and along the Shawnee Branch. To access the trail, park at the Colvin Day Use Area and use caution when crossing Route 96. Please do not hike this trail during high flood events due to its low elevation in proximity to surrounding streams and bodies of water.

Colvin Covered Bridge is located at the end of the trail and spans the Shawnee Branch, which provides a scenic view. Be alert for vehicles when walking along Mill Road and across the bridge.

Felton Trail

2.0 miles | More difficult hiking | Loop trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

This multi-use trail runs along the valley and stream located on the northeastern side of the park. A portion of this trail is wide and easy, with some uphill grade. Hikers enjoy a nice forested setting along the path.

Field Trail

2.0 miles | More difficult hiking | Connector trail | No blazes/orange diamonds
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables, benches

This multi-use trail traverses the hillsides at Shawnee State Park, beginning at the parking lot near Pavilion #2. The start of the hike has a steep grade which leads to a spectacular view of Shawnee State Park. Once at the crest, the trail widens and levels out for a period of time before crossing the park entrance road.

Field Trail connects to Felton trail at the end of its path. Use caution when crossing roads.

Forbes Trail

3.8 miles | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

Forbes Trail is a remnant of a historic road from the French and Indian war that bisected the area of the park. Forbes Trail is a very gentle trail that begins at Pigeon Hills Trail, continues at Hickory Bottom Parking Area, and goes alongside Mill Road.

The trail access and portions of the trail are along roadways. Please use caution.

Lake Shore Trail

3.4 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables, benches

Lake Shore trail is a wide, gentle trail that showcases Shawnee State Park. This multi-use gravel path is an ideal path for families. On this trail, hikers can see the historic buildings of Shawnee State Park, walk across the dam, and have good birding opportunities over the water. Lake Shore Trail connects with Forbes, Field, Shawnee, and Tiday trails.

A portion of the trail is on State Park Road. Please use caution while walking or biking along this section. Parking is available at picnic area #1, #2, or #7.

Lost Antler Trail

0.8 mile | More difficult hiking | Loop trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

Off of Loop B in the main campground, this loop trail winds through young forest on a hillside in the park. The trail has both uphill sections and level hiking. Parking is available at the extra car lot near the Loop B shower house or at the entrance of the campground near the contact station.

Pigeon Hills Trail

1.7 miles | Most difficult hiking | Connector trail | No blazes/orange diamonds
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

This multi-use trail is located on the most eastern, outer edge of the park. The grade varies throughout this trail, making it one of the more advanced trails in the park. This trail is not suitable for everyone. Pigeon Hills Trail connects with Felton, Tiday, and Forbes trails. Use Felton or Tiday trails to access Pigeon Hills Trail.

Shawnee Trail

1.5 miles | More difficult hiking | Connector trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

This trail connects Lake Shore Trail to the ballfield and picnic area #9. Shawnee Trail has a series of hills to traverse through a serene forest setting.

Tiday Trail

0.9 mile | More difficult hiking | Connector trail | No blazes/orange diamonds
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

This multi-use trail is a very easy hike with some slope that proceeds along a stream in a forested area and eventually connects to Pigeon Hills Trail.