Terrace Mountain Trail
| Terrace Mountain Trail | |
|---|---|
| Length | 29 mi (47 km) |
| Location | Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Use | Hiking |
| Hiking details | |
| Trail difficulty | Moderate to strenuous |
| Sights | Wildlife viewing, lake views, geologic formations, cultural and historical landmarks, suspension bridge |
| Hazards | Severe Weather |
| Surface | Dirt, rock, steps |
The 27-mile (43 km) Terrace Mountain Trail traverses the entire eastern side of Raystown Lake, providing an opportunity for challenging day and overnight hikes through remote and rugged terrain. You can access the trail at seven locations: Weaver Falls, Lake Raystown Resort, Tatman Run Recreation Area, Trough Creek State Park, the intersection of John Bum and Fink Roads in Rothrock State Forest, Hawn's Road cul-de-sac, and Corbin's Bridge. Overnight camping with potable water is available at Lake Raystown Resort (miles 4.5 [km 7.2] and 5.5 [km 8.9]) and Trough Creek State Park (mile 11.9 [km 19.2]); primitive camping is permitted in designated locations along the trail. The trail is marked with blue blazes and mileposts.
Beginning at the south end of the lake near Weaver Falls, the first 5.5 miles (8.9 km) of the trail follows the old Tressler logging road onto the wooded slopes of Terrace Mountain. During a steep 1-mile (1.6 km) climb, you can stop for water at Putt's Boy Scout Camp (mile 2.8 [km 4.5]). The trail continues through mature hardwood forest dominated by hickory, oak, and maple, with spectacular spring wildflowers.
At mile 7.1 (km 11.4), the trail crosses Tatman Run at one of two steep valleys along the ridge. A quarter-mile access road at mile 7.3 (km 11.7) leads to Tatman Run Access Area, with picnicking, drinking water, and beach facilities. At mile 8.1 (km 13.0), the trail passes through Rothrock State Forest, a designated wild area protected from future development.
Close to mile 12 (km 19), the trail crosses Great Trough Creek via a wooden footbridge. Cool off on a hot summer day by stepping down into the ice mine, where ice is usually present from spring through August. At mile 16.4 (km 26.4), the trail splits: The uphill trail shortcuts along the ridge, and the downhill trail hugs the lake before climbing to rejoin the other spur at mile 16.6 (km 26.7).
At mile 18 (km 29), an overnight shelter is designated for construction using lumber harvested from the surrounding woods. Wildlife use the area extensively because the topography of the land funnels them into that area. A sign of wildlife that is often found in this area is "turkey scratching," small patches of bare ground made when wild turkeys rake away the leaves and debris in the search for food. At mile 22.5 (km 36.2), if you look directly across the lake, you will see Susquehanock Campground.
The last 10 miles (16 km) of trail are under construction and difficult to travel in some areas. The trail crosses several old natural gas and petroleum pipeline areas before passing Raystown Dam and continuing above the Raystown branch of the Juniata River and ending at Corbin's Bridge, mile 27 (km 43), near the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Point Access Area.
