Hiking Options (1 of 4)

Given the current stay at home restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor family recreation is as important as ever for physical and mental health.  Due to the increased number of users heading to our parks and forests, some of the more well known trailheads such as Galbraith Gap, Shingletown Gap, and Musser Gap are being over crowded which limits the ability to practice good social/physical distancing.  To that end, we would like to highlight a few alternatives that you may not be familiar with or considered for your next outing.  The first of four alternatives is below.

​Bear Gap Road 

• Low-density recreation option conducive to social distancing guidance
  
• Parking lot located along Bear Gap Road off Laurel Run Road coming from Tussey Mountain or off Greenlee Road coming from Whipple Dam State Park
  
• Provides access to a six-mile loop consisting of state forest road, shared-use trail, drivable trail, and gated administrative road. Includes both single and double-track trail with stable tread. Overall loop difficulty is difficult for steep descent and strenuous climb.
  
• Six-mile loop (approximately): Bear Gap Road to Greenlee Road to Croyle Run Trail to Beidleheimer Road to Gettis Ridge Road to Bear Gap Road
  
• Relatively steep descent down Croyle Run Trail with some switchbacks. There are some wetter sections at the bottom. Followed by a long, slow climb up Gettis Ridge Road. Almost 1000 feet in elevation change.