Standing Stone Trail

The Standing Stone Trail is a hiking route spanning 84 miles that winds through Pennsylvania mountains and connects the Tuscarora Trail with the Mid State Trail. The path travels through forests and across ridges, offering continuous natural scenery and varied landscapes throughout.

The route began in the 1970s as a connector path and was renamed in 2007 to honor Native American landmark marking practices in the mountains. This change reflected a shift toward deeper recognition of the region's cultural significance.

The Thousand Steps section features a staircase built by railroad workers in 1936 that reflects the labor history of this region. This structure tells the story of the people who worked here and shaped the landscape.

The route passes through multiple protected areas, game lands, and nature reserves, providing regular access points and water sources. Visitors should prepare for variable terrain and longer hiking sections.

The Vanderbilt's Folly section contains an incomplete 1880s railroad grade with abandoned tunnels left behind after the project's bankruptcy. These remains tell the story of a failed rail venture that permanently altered the landscape.

Location: Fulton County

GPS coordinates: 40.61454,-77.78074

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11