Hiking at Simon B. Elliott State Park

3 miles of trails

Hiking trails take visitors to various places on the mountaintop, including trails in Moshannon State Forest.

Backpack hikers can get on the Quehanna Trail by way of the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company Trail. The Quehanna Trail System offers more than 75 miles of hiking and backpacking. 

Hikers can go for up to seven overnights without retracing steps by using the northern and southern loops and connecting trails. This trail also connects on to the Susquehannock Trail System north of the community of Sinnemahoning.

Simon B. Elliott State Park Trail Map (PDF)

Old Horse Trail

2.4 miles in the park, 2.7 miles total  |   More difficult hiking   |   Loop trail   |   Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, picnic tables

Old Horse Trail can be hiked as a loop utilizing part of Crystal Springs Road and is a moderate 2.7-mile hike. It winds through a mainly wooded area, and along and across Stony Run. Part of the trail travels through Moshannon State Forest before returning to park property. 

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.