Mid State Trail, Long-distance hiking trail through Pennsylvania, United States.
Mid State Trail is a long-distance hiking trail in Pennsylvania that runs from the Maryland border to US 22, crossing rocky ridgelines and forested mountain terrain. The route passes through state forest lands, including Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests, for much of its length.
The trail was created in 1969 by the Penn State Outing Club, starting as a shorter route through the Seven Mountains area of Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests. Over the following decades, volunteers gradually extended it in both directions to reach its current length.
The Mid State Trail is part of the Great Eastern Trail, a network that links hiking routes across several US states through natural corridors. Walking it feels removed from tourist infrastructure, with stretches that pass through working forests and land managed by local communities.
Camping rules vary along the route, with some sections prohibiting dispersed camping and requiring use of designated sites. It is worth checking the rules for each section before planning an overnight trip, as conditions can also change seasonally.
As the trail gains elevation, the forest changes noticeably: lower sections are dominated by oak trees typical of the southern Appalachians, while higher ground brings in maples, beeches, and birches. This shift happens gradually and gives each part of the trail a different feel underfoot and overhead.
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