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Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail
Wander beneath the oak trees on the 33.69 mile long Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail. Explore small groves of hemlock along the streams. Slopes along the reservoir and the eight small streams in the area are steep. Rock ledges and large boulders can be found on the steeper hillsides.
The trail begins at 2,245 feet on the flat ridge-top at Tracy Ridge Recreation Area, takes visitors through the Allegheny National Recreation Area before passing by the Allegheny Reservoir at multiple locations.
View/Print Trail Brochure - pdf
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open 24 hours. |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fee |
| Permit Info: | No permit required |
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Not Allowed:
|
| Closest Towns: | Bradford, 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 Bradford
- Travel on Route 346 for 13.9 miles.
- Turn left on PA-321 S.
- Travel south on PA-321 for 3 miles.
- The site is on the right.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:This is a 33.69 mile (54.52 kilometer) trail system of interconnecting loops. The trail is marked with off-white markers. The North Country Trail portion of this trail system is marked with blue markers.
Segment lengths vary from 0.13 miles to the longest segment of over 5 miles. There are two trailheads for Tracy Ridge, one in the Tracy Ridge Recreation Area on Forest Road 270. The other is the Johnny Cake Trailhead on Forest Road 321. The northernmost trailhead for the North Country National Scenic Trail is located near Willow Bay Recreation Area on Forest Road 346, it's a 3.96 mile hike from that trailhead to where the North Country Trail intersects with the Tracy Ridge Trail.
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished. |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:The trail is marked with off-white markers. The North Country Trail portion of this trail system is marked with blue markers. Dispersed camping is permitted along the trail. The developed Tracy Ridge Campground and primitive areas of Handsome Lake and Hopewell are along the trail. If you chose to camp along the trail and are not in one of the above mentioned locations, a Forest Order requires that camps be set up 1500 feet from the treeline of the reservoir.
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished. |
| Elevation desc | Steep elevation changes |
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:This is an excellent area for viewing wildlife.
When you see wildlife, please remember:
- never feed wildlife
- don't interfere with mating, predation or other natural behaviors.
- keep a respectful distance
- preserve habitat by following "leave no trace" principles.
- leave young wildlife where you find them.
If you think you've found a sick or injured animal please call the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
For information on fishing regulations and season visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.
Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:There are several locations along the trail that provide excellent views of the reservoir and surrounding forest.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Recreation areas with activity XC Skiing/Snowshoeing: Multiple use trail for hiking, X-C skiing and snow shoeing.| Warming Shelters | No |
| Base Conditions | Not a groomed trail |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|