+ 9
Tussey Mountain -> Bear Meadows Loop
Trail Running Route
Hard
14.52 mi
1,944 ft
A spin on the classic Tussey Mountain Loop that includes John Wert Path and Bear Meadows, one of the largest freshwater bogs in the east coast.
This long run through Rothrock is one of the best ways to explore the Tussey Mountain, Bear Meadows, and part of the Mid-State Trail in one standing. You'll enjoy beautiful views, plenty of wildflowers and fungi, and a large bog with a diverse selection of wildlife. The distance and elevation alone would rank it moderately challenging, but the rocky singletrack makes running more difficult - so it's rated as such. After all, Pennsylvania has earned the nickname *Rocksylvania* by those hiking the 2,200-mile long Appalachian Trail.
Best run counter-clockwise, you'll begin with a steady climb up Dylan's Path to Tussey Mountain Trail. Devastated by a wildfire in 2006, the ridge now offers several long views, making it one of the more visited trails in the forest. After a steady descent and climb along Shingle Path, you'll run along the infamously rocky John Wert Trail as it leads into one of the largest freshwater bogs in the east coast, Bear Meadows. The final leg of the run returns along the Mid-State Trail, known for its epic mountaintop views and notoriously rocky paths along the ridge.
This loop begins at the Galbraith Gap near the Tussey Mountain Ski Area. A large trailhead can host upwards of 20 cars, and vault toilets are available. Overnight camping is also available to further into the forest if you're looking for somewhere to stay. Water is available several times through the run if you have a filter or treatment system, and spring or fall offer the most favorable weather. Written by Brendon Voelker
This long run through Rothrock is one of the best ways to explore the Tussey Mountain, Bear Meadows, and part of the Mid-State Trail in one standing. You'll enjoy beautiful views, plenty of wildflowers and fungi, and a large bog with a diverse selection of wildlife. The distance and elevation alone would rank it moderately challenging, but the rocky singletrack makes running more difficult - so it's rated as such. After all, Pennsylvania has earned the nickname *Rocksylvania* by those hiking the 2,200-mile long Appalachian Trail.
Best run counter-clockwise, you'll begin with a steady climb up Dylan's Path to Tussey Mountain Trail. Devastated by a wildfire in 2006, the ridge now offers several long views, making it one of the more visited trails in the forest. After a steady descent and climb along Shingle Path, you'll run along the infamously rocky John Wert Trail as it leads into one of the largest freshwater bogs in the east coast, Bear Meadows. The final leg of the run returns along the Mid-State Trail, known for its epic mountaintop views and notoriously rocky paths along the ridge.
This loop begins at the Galbraith Gap near the Tussey Mountain Ski Area. A large trailhead can host upwards of 20 cars, and vault toilets are available. Overnight camping is also available to further into the forest if you're looking for somewhere to stay. Water is available several times through the run if you have a filter or treatment system, and spring or fall offer the most favorable weather. Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Meadows Rd Climb | 0.94 mi | 154 ft | 3.1% |
| Mountainside Trail Climb | 1.73 mi | 449 ft | 4.9% |
| Bear Meadows Rd to Beer Tap | 2.16 mi | 886 ft | 7.8% |
| Bear Meadows Road Climb | 0.47 mi | 135 ft | 5.3% |
| camp trail climb | 0.84 mi | 292 ft | 6.3% |
| Mountainside Trail Climb | 0.69 mi | 262 ft | 7.1% |
| Shingle Climb | 0.32 mi | 299 ft | 17.1% |
| Wert gas to BM | 2.07 mi | 154 ft | 1.4% |
| Fleetfoot-Kettle (MST) | 0.61 mi | 26 ft | 0.7% |
| Spuce Gap DOWWWN | 0.68 mi | -814 ft | -22.4% |
| Chute DOWWN | 0.17 mi | -135 ft | -14.7% |