Hiking at Tuscarora State Park
The trails wander through several habitats like mature deciduous forest, meadow, and agricultural fields.
Tuscarora 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.
Crow Trail
1.4 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
This old dirt road passes through many habitats, including mature deciduous forest, pine, and larch plantation; grass fields; and overgrown meadow. This trail ends at the southern shore of Tuscarora Lake.
Forest Edge Trail
0.4 mile | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, benches
This grass-covered trail winds along the edge of a mature forest and agricultural fields. The trail provides access to Log Trail and the park office and visitor center.
Lake View Trail
2.3 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches
One end of Lake View Trail is in the day use area. The other end meets Crow Trail.
Lake View Trail runs parallel to Tuscarora Lake, crosses two creeks, and passes through a large rhododendron stand and a hemlock forest. The trail crosses the dam, allowing for spectacular views of the lake.
A 5.5-mile loop around Tuscarora Lake can be made by hiking Lake View, Spirit of Tuscarora, and Crow trails.
Laurel Trail
0.4 mile | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
Accessed from Log Trail or Edge Trail, this grassy road was used to cut trees that died from severe gypsy moth damage. This short loop provides views of mountain laurel and a mature forest.
Locust Mountain Trail
0.4 miles | More difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
An old fire access road winding through a mature deciduous forest on a fairly steep slope, this trail takes you from Crow Trail to the top of Locust Mountain.
Old Log Trail
0.3 mile | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenitiesM: none
This old logging road winds through a mature deciduous forest. It has a slight grade and connects to Laurel and Forest Edge trails and the west end parking area.
Ravine Trail
0.4 miles | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
The trail is bordered by low shrubs, pines, and sassafras trees. It connects to Laurel Loop and leads back to the park office parking lot.
Spirit of Tuscarora Trail
4.5 miles | More difficult hiking | Point-to-point trail | Red/white/yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
This is a trail of varying terrain and land features. The trail meanders along Tuscarora Lake and Locust Creek and through mature deciduous forest, a mature eastern hemlock stand, a late successional field, a rhododendron thicket, and a wetland meadow. Highlights include:
- Year-round seasonal wildflowers
- Large milkweed patch for monarch butterflies
- Freshwater mussels
- Abundant neo-tropical songbirds
- “Spirit Tree” for which the trail is named