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Big Mountain Overlook

Big Mountain Overlook at Buchanan State Forest near Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a viewpoint atop Big Mountain and features views of Hogback Mountain, Tuscarora Mountain, Kittatinny Mountain, and Little Mountain.

Exploring Big Mountain Overlook

This short but scenic trail begins along Tower Road at the northern-most bend in the road's horseshoe. The trail leads from the road out to a steep cliff that sits along Big Mountain's northeast slopes where visitors will find panoramic views of the valley below them. Across the valley sits Little Mountain as it stretches northward. Within the valley adjacent to Little Mountain lies Kittatinny Mountain. And to the northwest is Tuscarora Mountain with its rugged ridge that stretches far to the north. At your feet is the cliff bedrock of Big Mountain's ledge with a steep and tall drop-off, so watch your step.

Parking

Visitors will find parking at the very end of Tower Road with several very small turnouts. Visitors can park along the side of the road. Note that Tower Road may not have winter maintenance and may be impassible during the winter when snow and ice has built-up.

Pets

Dogs are allowed if leash and should be cleaned up after.
Explore 10 trails near Fort Loudon, PA

Know Before You Go

  • Big Mountain Overlook is a short, easy 0.1-mile trail in Buchanan State Forest offering panoramic views of surrounding mountains.
  • The trailhead is located on Tower Road and parking is limited; be cautious in winter due to potential road closures.
  • Dogs are permitted on leash, but owners must clean up after them.
Interactive topographic map for Big Mountain Overlook located in Fort Loudon, PA. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
0.1 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
5 min
Elev. Gain
2'
Rating
5.0
Added
November 09, 2024
Updated
December 16, 2024

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
2'
Ascent
2'
Descent
2'
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Features

Vista / Lookout Point
Dogs
Mountain Summit

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    39.949994, -77.936853
  2. Main Trailhead

    39.950048, -77.936903

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Snakes (Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, others)
Rockfalls, Ledges, or Scrambles

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating.

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0.1 miles / 0.2 km
November 09, 2024
Easy walk out to a stunning view
Dogs Hiking
2.2 miles / 3.5 km
April 17, 2021
Enjoyed vista (1 of best in PA being so expansive) for long time climbing around rocks with my young daughter, then flat easy hike on Tuscarora trail (carrying her most of time) - chilly & overcast but not bad. Nice that you can just drive to. Nearby Cowan's Gap State Park with nice lake nearby that can be used for longer hike.
Hiking

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