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Little Drummer Historical Pathway
The Little Drummer Historical Pathway, is a short 1-mile loop and a 2.1-mile loop through a managed wildlife area.
There are 26 informative signs to help you enjoy exploring a variety of wildlife habitats. Hiking you will see a mix of forest conditions including hardwood trees, spruce and larch, woody shrubs and young forest, Cole Run pond, wetlands and streams, and a diversity of openings and edges. The sign-posts you pass include an assortment of animals, plants or habitat features you are likely to encounter.
At a Glance
| Fees: | No fee |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | No permit required. |
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Light |
| 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:
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| Closest Towns: | Ridgway, Pa |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Marienville Ranger District Address: 131 Smokey Lane Marienville, PA 16239 Phone: 1-814-927-6628 Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov |
General Information
Directions:From Ridgeway
- Travel on Main St. to Halton-Spring Creek Road/T307
- Travel on Halton-Spring Creek Road/T307 for 8.4 miles.
- The trailhead is located on the right.
Activities
Day Hiking
The short loop of the Little Drummer Historical Pathway leads to Cole Run Pond and then returns to the parking lot. The longer loop goes all the way around Cole Run Pond, and you can return on one of the legs of the smaller loop. Plan an hour's walk if you do the short loop. Plan 3-4 hours if you do the long loop. Wear rubber-bottomed boots if you hike the long loop.| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished. |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Viewing Wildlife
The pathway is located within the Owls Nest Ecosystem Management Demonstration Area of the Allegheny National Forest. You will hike through one of the areas on the Forest managed for a roadless environment, but at the same time you will learn of the importance of the historical means of transportation in the development of this area around the turn of the century. The area is also a Watchable Wildlife Area.
The pathway was named for the breeding grouse (called "drummers") living in this area and for the extensive number of historic railroads, pipelines, and camps located there.
The interior portion (away from the road) of the area is managed to provide habitat for wildlife species associated with early successional stages of forest habitat, such as ruffed grouse, woodcock, common yellowthroats, chestnut-sided warblers, and young turkey. Through this management we also expect to produce high quality wood fiber.
The portion of the area near the road is managed to provide habitat for wildlife species associated with mature hardwood forests, such as turkey, bear, and cavity-nesting birds and mammals. Through this management we also expect to enhance scenic quality and provide recreation opportunities.
The habitat management you will learn about as you hike the Little Drummer Historical Pathway was funded by the Ruffed Grouse Society and the National Wild Turkey Federation through their fund-raising banquets.
The trailhead and pathway improvements were funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. The brochure was funded by the Eastern National Forest Interpretive Association.
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Interpretive Areas
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Hiking/skiing/snowshoeing the trail: The short loop of the Little Drummer Historical Pathway leads to Cole Run Pond and then returns to the parking lot. The longer loop goes all the way around Cole Run Pond, and you can return on one of the legs of the smaller loop. Plan an hour's walk if you do the short loop. Plan 3-4 hours if you do the long loop.
| Warming Shelters | No |
| Base Conditions | Not a groomed trail |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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