The Bald Knob - Greenshoot Loop at Rothrock State Forest near State College, Pennsylvania is a difficult 3.8-mile loop hike that features a summit Bald Knob Mountain.
Trails
This hike follows three named trails: Hairpin Trail, Bald Knob Ridge Trail, and the Greenshoot Trail (labeled on the State Forest map as 'Greenshot Trail' and OpenStreetMap as 'Greenshoot Trail').
Hike Description
This hike begins along Laurel Run Rd and follows the Hairpin Trail uphill at a gradual grade for approximately 0.6-miles before taking a right-hand turn along the Bald Knob Ridge Trail. Here, the climb up Bald Knob becomes steep and difficult, hence the 'Hard' difficulty rating; however, despite the steep grade, the climb up Bald Knob Mountain only lasts for about 0.7-miles before reaching the summit.
Bald Knob Mountain Vista Point
At the summit of Bald Knob Mountain lies a vista point facing north toward State College, PA. Hikers will want to sit and take in the views here before hiking down the mountain via the Greenshoot Trail.
Reaching the Greenshoot Trail
From the Summit of Bald Knob Mountain, hikers will follow the Bald Knob Ridge Trail west to reach the Greenshoot Trail in about 0.25-miles of walking. Here, the hike takes a left-hand turn to hike down Bald Knob Mountain as it follows a gradual grade of switchbacks.
Junction to Hairpin Trail - Mile 3.1
Around mile 3.1, just 1.6 miles after turning onto the Greenshoot Trail, hikers will reach yet another trail junction. Take a left-hand turn here to head back uphill to the Hairpin Trail. At the Hairpin Trail, hike 0.6-miles back to parking.
Parking
Hikers will find a small parking turnout by the Hairpin Trail at the coordinates provided.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.
Biking
Mountain biking is permitted along this route.
Camping and Backpacking
While there are no designated campsites along this trail, backpacking is permitted at Rothrock State Forest. Please follow all state forest backcountry / primitive / dispersed camping rules.
Trails
This hike follows three named trails: Hairpin Trail, Bald Knob Ridge Trail, and the Greenshoot Trail (labeled on the State Forest map as 'Greenshot Trail' and OpenStreetMap as 'Greenshoot Trail').
Hike Description
This hike begins along Laurel Run Rd and follows the Hairpin Trail uphill at a gradual grade for approximately 0.6-miles before taking a right-hand turn along the Bald Knob Ridge Trail. Here, the climb up Bald Knob becomes steep and difficult, hence the 'Hard' difficulty rating; however, despite the steep grade, the climb up Bald Knob Mountain only lasts for about 0.7-miles before reaching the summit.
Bald Knob Mountain Vista Point
At the summit of Bald Knob Mountain lies a vista point facing north toward State College, PA. Hikers will want to sit and take in the views here before hiking down the mountain via the Greenshoot Trail.
Reaching the Greenshoot Trail
From the Summit of Bald Knob Mountain, hikers will follow the Bald Knob Ridge Trail west to reach the Greenshoot Trail in about 0.25-miles of walking. Here, the hike takes a left-hand turn to hike down Bald Knob Mountain as it follows a gradual grade of switchbacks.
Junction to Hairpin Trail - Mile 3.1
Around mile 3.1, just 1.6 miles after turning onto the Greenshoot Trail, hikers will reach yet another trail junction. Take a left-hand turn here to head back uphill to the Hairpin Trail. At the Hairpin Trail, hike 0.6-miles back to parking.
Parking
Hikers will find a small parking turnout by the Hairpin Trail at the coordinates provided.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.
Biking
Mountain biking is permitted along this route.
Camping and Backpacking
While there are no designated campsites along this trail, backpacking is permitted at Rothrock State Forest. Please follow all state forest backcountry / primitive / dispersed camping rules.
