Home > Hiking > Pennsylvania

Hiking the Chuck Keiper Trail

Description | Ratings

Trails: 53-mile double-loop trail through Elk State Forest. The west loop is about 22 miles in length and the east loop is 33 miles long. There are several unbridged streams to cross so it would be advisable to hike the trail during dry weather.
Access fee:
Nearest town: State Camp, PA
Trail map: Available on the State Forest website
Web site: Keystone Trail Association | PA State Forest Hiking Trails
Points of interest: Cranberry Swamp and East Branch Swamp Natural Areas
Other activities:
Lodging:
Camping: Backcountry camping in designated area
Weather forecast: Renovo
Tourism info: Clinton County Tourism
Getting to the trail:
Map of local region: State Camp

Rate these trails

Number of ratings: 4
Average rating: 4.50  

4        

Trail Name: Chuck Keiper Trail
I have hiked there: Once
I last hiked there in: August, 2005
Trails that I hiked: LHT, Mid State (a section), Lost Turkey
Favorite trails: They are all nice.
Best time to go: Late spring/early summer would be ideal for the flowering of the mountain,which the trail is loaded with, but not if it is too wet.
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4 stars
What I liked: Abundent wildlife, On a three day trip on the west loop I saw 5 deer, 5 turkey, a baby grouse and almost stepped on a rattle snake. The trail is also a good workout. Numerous camp sites.
What I disliked: There were some areas that could have had a vista, aside from the vista at the trail head there was nothing that great (as far as the west loop is concerned).
Additional comments: Leave no trace.
Submitted by: Nick Scaletta
from: State College, PA
Date submitted: Aug 26, 2005

3          

Trail Name: Chuck Keiper Trail
I have hiked there: Once
I last hiked there in: Apr, 2004
Trails that I hiked: Other Trail I have liked: Elk Trail, Quehanna Trail, Black Forest, Old Loggers Path
Favorite trails:
Best time to go:
Trail marking: Very good
Trail maintenance: Very good
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: This trail is under-used and secluded in many places. Water is abundant and camping spots (150 feet off the trail please) are plentiful. IT IS RUGGED
What I disliked: There is a section of pavement road walking and several jeep trails are used.
Additional comments: THis is a very rugged trail- probably one of the most rugged in the region. It has NO switchbacks. Instead the trail gos striaght up down. Also is traverses many gullies making walking tough and narrow. Give yourself plenty of extra time as it will take longer than expected.
Submitted by: Rev-T
from: Rochester NY
Date submitted: April 29, 2004

2          

Trail Name: Chuck Keiper Trail
I have hiked there: Once
I last hiked there in: Oct, 2003
Trails that I hiked: Chuck Keiper Trail
Favorite trails: East Look
Best time to go:
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Fair
Rating: 4.5 stars
What I liked: Very secluded. Great place to be if you enjoy hiking where there are few people and lots of peace.
What I disliked: Rained quite a bit on day two, which made the steep climbs a bit more challenging. Trail marking was good except for a few places which had me scratching my head.
Comments: Recent storms have left many large trees lying across the trail.
Submitted by: Eric Snyder
from: Columbus, Ohio
Date submitted: Oct 5, 2003

1        

Trail Name: Chuck Keiper Trail
I have hiked there: Once
I last hiked there in: Dec, 2001
Trails that I hiked: east loop
Favorite trails:
Best time to go: i hiked the trail in the winter, and really enjoyed it. (no bugs)
Trail marking: Fair
Trail maintenance: Fair
Rating: 5 stars
What I liked: i enjoy a challenge, and chuck keiper trail delivered a challenge. good climbs, and a great view.
What I disliked: the route was difficult to follow.
Comments: tons of stream crossings, even more ruffed grouse. i think my group saw over 15 of them.
Submitted by: chris taggart
from: pennsylvania
Date submitted: Feb 16, 2003

Rate these trails