Brush Hollow Cross Country Ski and Hiking Trail
The Brush Hollow Trails offer three loops totaling 7.7 miles for cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain biking. The 5.6 mile Mill Creek Trail connects the Brush Hollow Trails with the Twin Lakes Trail.
Things to Know
- “You Are Here” signs are located at trail junctions and other key locations.
- The trail is groomed by volunteers.
- Portions of the trail system are located along abandoned railroad grades that were used for logging at the turn of the century.
Active Alerts
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
When you visit, please remember
- Nonmotorized use only.
- No saddle, pack or draft animals on hiking or cross-country ski trails.
- Camping is allowed next to the trail.
- This trail is groomed, please do not snowshoe in groomed tracks.
Address: 131 Smokey Lane Marienville, PA 16239
Phone: 814-927-6628
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
From Ridgeway
- Travel on Main St. to PA-948 N/Montmorenci Ave.
- Travel north on PA-948 N for 9.9 miles
- The trailhead is located on the right side of the road.
Additional Information
Operated By
Forest Service
Recreation Opportunities
Backpacking Info
Hiking Mill Creek – The trail is 5.6 miles and is marked with gray diamonds. The trail starts at the Brush Hollow Trail and ends at the Twin Lakes Trail near Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
The Twin Lakes Trail connects Twin Lakes Recreation Area with the North Country National Scenic Trail. Using this network of trails can take backpackers all across the Allegheny National Forest. The trail is best suited to hikers, although it is open to skiing and mountain biking. The Mill Creek Trail parallels Big Mill Creek, a popular trout stream.
Skiing Brush Hollow – There are 7.7 miles of trails that are marked with blue diamonds. Brush Hollow offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels. In the spring many of the trails are decorated with wildflowers. This area is also a good place to view wildlife.
- The section of trail located along Big Mill Creek is designated EASIEST and is suitable for beginners.
- The Brushy Gap and Elli Loops are designated MORE DIFFICULT. There are overlooks of the Big Mill Creek valley on the Elli Loop.
- The Challenger Loop is designated MOST DIFFICULT and is suitable for experienced skiers. There are overlooks of the Big Mill Creek valley on this loop.
Day Hikes Info
Hiking Mill Creek – The trail is 5.6 miles and is marked with gray diamonds. The trail starts at the Brush Hollow Trail and ends at the Twin Lakes Trail near Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
The Twin Lakes Trail connects Twin Lakes Recreation Area with the North Country National Scenic Trail. Using this network of trails can take backpackers all across the Allegheny National Forest. The trail is best suited to hikers, although it is open to skiing and mountain biking. The Mill Creek Trail parallels Big Mill Creek, a popular trout stream.
Skiing Brush Hollow – There are 7.7 miles of trails that are marked with blue diamonds. Brush Hollow offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels. In the spring many of the trails are decorated with wildflowers. This area is also a good place to view wildlife.
- The section of trail located along Big Mill Creek is designated EASIEST and is suitable for beginners.
- The Brushy Gap and Elli Loops are designated MORE DIFFICULT. There are overlooks of the Big Mill Creek valley on the Elli Loop.
- The Challenger Loop is designated MOST DIFFICULT and is suitable for experienced skiers. There are overlooks of the Big Mill Creek valley on this loop.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
Hiking Mill Creek – The trail is 5.6 miles and is marked with gray diamonds. The trail starts at the Brush Hollow Trail and ends at the Twin Lakes Trail near Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
The Twin Lakes Trail connects Twin Lakes Recreation Area with the North Country National Scenic Trail. Using this network of trails can take backpackers all across the Allegheny National Forest. The trail is best suited to hikers, although it is open to skiing and mountain biking. The Mill Creek Trail parallels Big Mill Creek, a popular trout stream.
Skiing Brush Hollow – There are 7.7 miles of trails that are marked with blue diamonds. Brush Hollow offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels. In the spring many of the trails are decorated with wildflowers. This area is also a good place to view wildlife.
- The section of trail located along Big Mill Creek is designated EASIEST and is suitable for beginners.
- The Brushy Gap and Elli Loops are designated MORE DIFFICULT. There are overlooks of the Big Mill Creek valley on the Elli Loop.
- The Challenger Loop is designated MOST DIFFICULT and is suitable for experienced skiers. There are overlooks of the Big Mill Creek valley on this loop.
Fishing - River/Stream Info
Fishing along the Big Mill Creek, and several tributaries that drain into the Big Mill Creek.
Biking - Mountain Info
Joint use with hikers
Hiking Mill Creek – The trail is 5.6 miles and is marked with gray diamonds. The trail starts at the Brush Hollow Trail and ends at the Twin Lakes Trail near Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
The Twin Lakes Trail connects Twin Lakes Recreation Area with the North Country National Scenic Trail. Using this network of trails can take backpackers all across the Allegheny National Forest. The trail is best suited to hikers, although it is open to skiing and mountain biking. The Mill Creek Trail parallels Big Mill Creek, a popular trout stream.
Skiing Brush Hollow – There are 7.7 miles of trails that are marked with blue diamonds. Brush Hollow offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels. In the spring many of the trails are decorated with wildflowers. This area is also a good place to view wildlife.
- The section of trail located along Big Mill Creek is designated EASIEST and is suitable for beginners.
- The Brushy Gap and Elli Loops are designated MORE DIFFICULT. There are overlooks of the Big Mill Creek valley on the Elli Loop.
- The Challenger Loop is designated MOST DIFFICULT and is suitable for experienced skiers. There are overlooks of the Big Mill Creek valley on this loop.