Eastwood Meadows and North Country

Start this route from the southern Eastwood Meadows Trailhead on APS Route 1. Head north along the Eastwood Meadows Trail, passing through open meadows and gently rolling terrain. After a short distance, the trail enters a mixed hardwood forest where deer and wild turkeys are often spotted. Stay on Eastwood Meadows until it joins the North Country Trail at a signed junction. Turn right to follow the North Country Trail through shaded woodland and across several minor ridgelines. After a moderate climb and descent, turn left onto the Conservation Trail at a marked intersection. Continue until reaching the Red Jacket Trail, then turn left again to begin the northern leg of the loop. The Red Jacket Trail is a short loop overlooking Red House Lake that will reconnect with the Conservation Trail. Retrace steps following the Conservation, North Country and Eastwood Meadows Trails to return to the start point. This route is ideal for moderate day hikes in Allegany State Park from late spring through fall, with fall colors adding extra visual interest. Be prepared for muddy stretches and complex junctions—basic map-reading skills are recommended.