Yesterday, I hiked the Mountain Streams Trail, near Donegal, PA. It is located in Laurel Summit State Park, quite close to the Donegal turnpike exit. I ended up taking both dogs, as my conscience wouldn't permit me to leave Red at home. Fortunately, I also discovered a solution for his annoying, constant barking in the car. (No, not earplugs.) I used a solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and gave him a spray in the mouth each time he barked. It only took three sprays, and he was quiet the whole way! I was overjoyed to have found a solution to the problem that didn't hurt my dog and enabled him (and myself, especially) to enjoy our car ride together.
So, with Red in the front seat and Cash sprawled out on the back seat, we set off for Donegal. Following the author's directions to the trailhead was a fairly simple task this time. The author does confuse the reader a little bit by referring to Tunnel Road as "0.3 miles west of Hidden Valley Ski Area and directly across from an active stone quarry." Taking into consideration that most folks who drive to this area to attempt this hike will be coming
from the west, it makes more sense to describe the distance from the turnpike entrance or some other landmark along Route 31. So, if you get off the turnpike at Donegal, and proceed east on Route 31, the entrance to Tunnel Road is on the left just after a large stone quarry. Drive down Tunnel road for about 1.5 miles, passing an unpaved road on the left. The author lists the name of this road as "Sky View Road" or "Sky Road," however, the sign posted identifies it as "Auckerman Rd." Start looking for a parking spot NOW. There is no lot, just a few spaces carved out on the side of the road here and there. The trailhead is on the left ahead, but you will finish your hike along Aukerman Rd. So, unless you want to walk another half-mile back to your car once you finish the hike (like I did - unghh! I parked about 1500 feet further down Tunnel Road, past the trailhead! Didn't think that one through all the way!), park somewhere between Auckerman Rd and the trailhead.
Once we hit the trail, it began with an easy walk. The first four miles of the trail were marked with red blazes, following an old jeep road. I did not see the boulders that the author depicts in this chapter. Perhaps they have since been removed. Nonetheless, we hiked this first half of our journey with ease. After a while, I took Cash off of his leash, so he could roam free. At the halfway point, I hiked with both dogs off-leash. It made it much easier to navigate the trouble ahead.
Once we reached Indian Creek, we stopped for a break and looked at the guide for the route ahead. After proceeding to the left along an old railroad grade, we crossed a footbridge and began looking for Little Run Trail on the left. Here's where it gets messy. The author writes, "There are no signs and no markers on Little Run Trail, but it's an old woods road in good condition and easy to follow." Not so. The trail was supposed to begin in 0.3 miles, so we walked and walked and walked until we came to a gate. Judging from the topography on the map, we overshot Little Run Trail by almost a half-mile. So, we turned around and kept looking for the elusive, unmarked trail. After trying several dead ends, I spotted a log blockade, and the remnants of what appeared to be a loosely strung trail heading to the southeast. So, we started to make our way through the thick brush, climbing over hundreds of fallen trees. Soon, we could hear the sound of flowing water ahead of us. I knew that if we kept walking toward the stream, we could pick up the trail, since it eventually parallels the stream. Soon enough, we made it! We all let out a cry of joy when we were once again back onto a recognizable trail.
Following the Little Run Trail was fairly easy, since it ran straight to the southeast. However, the stream is not straight. There are MANY stream crossings in this section. Be careful not to get your feet wet, for you still have 2-3 miles to go! At 5.8 miles, we turned right into a clearing. This turn is not marked, but it is on the right and the sun shines right through an opening in the trees. You can see the meadow from the trail. From here we followed an old access road in a wide swath until we reached a dirt road. This was Auckerman Rd. We just headed to the left and after a mile, we were back at Tunnel Rd. Here is where we learned the hard way where to park for this trail!
Overall, I give this trail a 5/10. The first half was easy, but there are no remarkable sights. It was a pleasant walk in the woods, but the difficulty in finding the Little Run Trail made for some serious time lost getting oriented. GPS would have come in handy. However, if you can read a topographic map, you will be alright. Thankfully, the author puts topographic trail maps in every chapter of the book. Also, due to the many stream crossings and wet terrain, I would not recommend this hike in high-water - wait for dry weather. Again, if you are looking for views, they are not found on this hike. The babbling streams are calming, though. There also appear to be several other trails in the Laurel Summit State Park. Though they are not listed in
50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania, I might go and explore them someday. Someday. Hike on.
Just prior to starting our overnight trek of the Hickory Creek Trail, we stopped just down the road to stroll through Hearts Content. In the pouring rain, Dad, Jacob and I donned raincoats and took a leisurely midday walk through one of Pennsylvania's true old-growth forests. The trail is by far the easiest one in the book. It is short, level, wide enough for wheelchair access, and clearly marked. Not so much a hike as a short walk, no need for any special equipment. 
