Minister Creek Hiking Trail


Area Status: Open

This 10.8 kilometer (6.6 mile) trail begins at the Minister Creek Campground and forms a loop through the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area north of SR 666.

The trail is marked with gray diamonds. Watch the informational signs...this trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it climbs to the plateau within the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area. The Minister Creek Trail joins the North Country National Scenic Trail (marked with blue diamonds) along the most northerly segment. The North Country National Scenic Trail then continues and the Minister Creek Trail turns south back towards the campground.

Fishing for small native brook trout can be done in Minister Creek. Enjoy the wildlife viewing as you hike. The vegetation found in the Minister Creek Area supports wildlife typically associated with older trees and decaying vegetation.

Part of the Minister Creek Trail is located on old railroad grades used in early logging efforts. Camp overnight as you enjoy the Minister Creek Trail or make a leisurely day trip through the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area.

View/Print Trail Brochure - pdf

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Open all year.
Fees: No fee
Permit Info: No permit required
Open Season: January - December
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Allegheny National Forest. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forest. Applicable Orders for this Site:
  • Bicycles on Forest Trails
  • Occupancy Limits
Closest Towns: Marienville, PA
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Vault
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Bradford Ranger District Address: 29 Forest Service Dr., Bradford, PA 16701
Phone: 814-362-4613
Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov

General Information

Directions:

From Sheffield

  • Travel southeast on S. Main St.
  • Turn right onto Austin Hill Road.
  • Travel on Austin Hill Road for 7.1 miles..
  • Turn left onto Minister Road.
  • Travel 3.6 miles on Minister Road.
  • Minister Road turns into State Route 1001.
  • Continue on State Route 1001 for .5 miles.
  • Turn right onto PA-666 W.
  • The site is located on the right.

Alternative Route from Sheffield

  • Follow PA-666 for 12.6 miles.
  • The site is located on the right.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

River and Stream Fishing

Trail parallels Minister Creek.

For information on fishing regulations and season visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Day Hiking

This trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it climbs to the plateau within the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area. The Minister Creek Trail joins the North Country National Scenic Trail along the most northerly segment. The North Country National Scenic Trail then continues east, and the Minister Creek Trail turns south back towards the campground. Fishing for small native brookies can be done in Minister Creek. Enjoy the wildlife viewing as you hike. The vegetation found in the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area supports wildlife typically associated with older trees and decaying vegetation. A well-used dispersed recreation campsite called Triple Forks Camp, is located where the two tributaries of Minister Creek join to become one stream. Part of the Minister Creek Trail is located on old railroad grades used in early logging efforts.
Fire Information Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished.
Elevation desc Significant elevation change
Difficulty Level: Difficult

Backpacking

This trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it climbs to the plateau within the Minister Creek Undeveloped Area. The Minister Creek Trail joins the North Country National Scenic Trail along the most northerly segment. The North Country National Scenic Trail then continues east, and the Minister Creek Trail turns south back towards the campground.
Fire Information Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished.
Elevation desc Steep areas.
Difficulty Level: Difficult

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
6.6 mile loop trail

  Latitude : 
41.621389

  Longitude : 
-79.154444