The Bear Meadows - N Meadows Rd Loop at Rothrock State Forest near Petersburg, Pennsylvania is a moderate 5.6-mile loop hike that encompasses the Bear Meadows Natural Area by following several named trails in the adjacent mountains.
Trails
This hike follows several named trails and roads in order: N Meadows Road, Mid State Trail, Gettis Trail, and the Bear Meadows Loop Trail, Bear Meadows Road.
Hike Description
This hike begins along Bear Meadows Rd and follows N Meadows Rd heading west. This road has a gradual grade as it climbs 500-feet above the Bear Meadows Natural Area.
Mid State Trail to Gettis Trail
Around mile 2.6, hikers will reach a junction with the Mid State Trail (MST) - here, take a left-hand turn to head downhill along the MST. Follow the MST for about 0.9-miles to reach the Gettis Trail. Please note that the elevation grade heading downhill along the MST is very steep.
Once on the Gettis Trail, hikers will follow this path for about 0.5-miles before the trail terminates along the Bear Meadows Loop Trail. Hikers will then follow the Bear Meadows Loop Trail for about 1.1-miles before the trail ends along Bear Meadows Road. Finally, hike north along Bear Meadows Road for approximately 0.6-miles to reach parking.
Parking
Hikers will find parking near the coordinates provided.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.
Camping and Backpacking
While no campsites are listed from this write-up, primitive / backcountry / dispersed camping is permitted at Rothrock State Forest. Please follow all state forest rules and regulations when backpacking or camping.
Biking
Please note that biking is not permitting along the Bear Meadows Loop Trail or the Gettis Trail. Biking is permitted along the N Meadows Rd and Bear Meadows Rd. The MST is likely not bike-friendly, but unsure.
Trails
This hike follows several named trails and roads in order: N Meadows Road, Mid State Trail, Gettis Trail, and the Bear Meadows Loop Trail, Bear Meadows Road.
Hike Description
This hike begins along Bear Meadows Rd and follows N Meadows Rd heading west. This road has a gradual grade as it climbs 500-feet above the Bear Meadows Natural Area.
Mid State Trail to Gettis Trail
Around mile 2.6, hikers will reach a junction with the Mid State Trail (MST) - here, take a left-hand turn to head downhill along the MST. Follow the MST for about 0.9-miles to reach the Gettis Trail. Please note that the elevation grade heading downhill along the MST is very steep.
Once on the Gettis Trail, hikers will follow this path for about 0.5-miles before the trail terminates along the Bear Meadows Loop Trail. Hikers will then follow the Bear Meadows Loop Trail for about 1.1-miles before the trail ends along Bear Meadows Road. Finally, hike north along Bear Meadows Road for approximately 0.6-miles to reach parking.
Parking
Hikers will find parking near the coordinates provided.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and their waste must be carried out by the hiker.
Camping and Backpacking
While no campsites are listed from this write-up, primitive / backcountry / dispersed camping is permitted at Rothrock State Forest. Please follow all state forest rules and regulations when backpacking or camping.
Biking
Please note that biking is not permitting along the Bear Meadows Loop Trail or the Gettis Trail. Biking is permitted along the N Meadows Rd and Bear Meadows Rd. The MST is likely not bike-friendly, but unsure.
