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Hiking at Leonard Harrison State Park

4.6 miles of trails

The trails lead to many beautiful vistas and waterfalls, but traverse very rugged terrain, pass close to many steep cliffs, and may have slippery surfaces.

Trails are subject to seasonal closure due to snow and ice, usually from December through April.

The following guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience while at the park:

  • Always wear sturdy boots. Wearing sneakers, sandals, water shoes, and “street shoes” can lead to serious accidents in this park.
  • Be prepared. Have proper clothing and equipment (compass, map, matches, water, food, flashlight, etc.) available in case of an emergency. This is especially important when traveling remote trails or when hiking during non-summer seasons.
  • Give yourself plenty of time for your hike. The weather changes quickly in the park. Plan to be off the trails well before dark.
  • Let someone know where you are hiking and when you should return.
  • Stay on the trails. Leaving the trail causes damage to unique natural resources, promotes erosion, and can be dangerous. Stay behind the railings and fences. Avoid the temptation to get on rock overhangs for a better view.
  • Don’t take shortcuts from one trail section to another. Taking shortcuts down switchbacks is dangerous and causes trail damage.

Leonard Harrison 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.

Overlook Trail

0.6 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms

The Overlook Trail at Leonard Harrison offers scenic views of the Pine Creek Gorge as well as historic structures from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era. Hikers will see the CCC monument, pavilion and a stone trash incinerator used by the workers while developing the park. This is a loop trail with an overlook to view the Pine Creek Gorge.

Pine Creek Rail Trail

1 mile in the park, 62 miles total  |  Easiest hiking  |  Point-to-point trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking, biking, equestrian riding, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, benches

Passing through the park along the floor of the canyon, the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail is ideal for families and individuals for an easy path. While hikers may access this trail via the Turkey Path from Leonard Harrison, cyclists and other users must use one of many other accesses. The closest bicycle access is Darling Run, nine miles north of the park.

Turkey Path Trail

1 mile  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Point-to-point trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, benches

The Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison offers scenic views of the Pine Creek Gorge as well as waterfalls.

Hikers should wear suitable foot wear and be prepared for an 800 foot decent to the bottom of the canyon as well as the return hike to the top for a total of a 2-mile hike. This is a down and back trail and there are no rides out from the bottom.

Caution! Hikers on the Turkey Path Trail should be in good physical condition, wear sturdy boots, and use caution due to slippery/wet conditions and steep trail sections.