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Hiking at Chapman State Park

14 miles of trails

Chapman State Park is in the midst of about 517,000 acres of Allegheny National Forest and State Game Lands 29.

When going on a hike, always take a map and compass and know how to use them.

Leave word with a family member, friend, or the park office concerning the trails you will take, destination, and expected return time.

Chapman State Park Trail Map (PDF)

Trail Definitions

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

Adams Run Trail

0.4 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms

The trail head is near the restroom at the base of the sledding hill and follows Adams Run up a gradual grade until the trail ends at Hunters Ridge Trail. There is a 0.25 mile parallel trail on the opposite side of Adams Run to make a shorter loop out of the first half of the trail. There are many wet areas, especially in the spring, which may persist throughout the summer. This loop contains a Story Walk self-guided trail. 

Crooked Pine Trail

0.5 mile  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

A short connector trail between Hunters Ridge Trail and the Organized Group Tenting Area parking lot, this trail is steep and meanders through several different forest types.

Game Lands Road

0.5 mile in the park, 6 miles total  |  Easiest hiking  |  Point-to-point trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, equestrian, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none

An easy trail which is quite flat over its entire length, the road begins in Chapman State Park and travels for 6 miles into State Game Lands 29, eventually leading to Dunham Siding or Hermit Springs. The road is gated at both ends and has many turn offs, which may or may not be gated. Trail usage in State Game Lands is designated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Throughout the year, some trail usage is limited to certain users.  

Hunters Ridge Trail

2.75 miles  |  Most difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

This trail is rugged and hilly and offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing. The trail traverses a number of drainages and there are many areas that remain wet year round. 

Lowlands Trail

0.3 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none

One end of the trail is on the Game Lands Road and the other is between sites 23 and 25 of the Campground. The trail travels along an old railroad grade, across a Swinging Bridge over the West Branch of Tionesta Creek, and through a wetland area above the Lake. Bicyclers and skiers should be very careful crossing the Swinging Bridge and its steps. 

Lumber Trail

0.4 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Orange diamond blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, snowmobiling
Trailhead amenities: none

This trail is shared with the Allegheny National Forest Snowmobile Trail. The trailhead is along the Main Park Road between the beach and campground. It uses an abandoned logging road as its base, and evidence of the lumbering activity can still be seen along the length of the trail.

Nature Trail

1.2 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

The trail encircles the campground and has  some short, steep hills around the upper loop of the campground. The section nearest the lake is easier hiking with mostly level terrain and self-guided trail signs. A short section of the trail starts along the road near the campground host site and RV dump station and can be used to make small loop hikes. 

Orchard Trail

0.13 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Connector trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

A short connector trail between the Warming Hut Trail and Hunters Ridge Trail, this trail is moderately steep and travels through an old apple orchard.

Penny Run Trail

1.4 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none

The trail travels through diverse hardwood and hemlock forest in the park and neighboring Allegheny National Forest. One end of the trail is across the Main Park Road from the Spillway Parking Lot and the other is across the Main Park Road from the Pavilion 2 Parking Lot. This trail is usually wet, with some spots persisting throughout the year. 

Warming Hut Trail

0.7 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Orange diamond blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables

The trail follows the lakeshore, passes along a fishing area, and climbs a gradual hill above the Dam where scenic views can be observed. One end of the trail is across Forest Road 437 from the Park Office and the other is at the Warming Hut.