Trail Overview

Drive the perimeter of the small Penn State Forest starting near scenic Oswego Lake and visit Bear Swamp Hill summit, which is one of the higher points in the Pine Barrens. The terrain is typical for the area being mostly flat. The trails are gravely sand, and you can expect lots of puddles large and small of varying depths. The summit has the remains of a paved road and a building foundation.

Photos of Bear Swamp Hill Loop

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

Most of the puddles and water are small by Pine Barrens standards and have hard bottoms, but some are a bit deeper and have ruts that can high-center a stock or moderately modified SUV. A 4x4 with low range is recommended as is a winch and/or recovery boards. This area is not as heavily traveled as much of nearby Wharton State Forest, so be prepared for occasional downed trees/limbs.

Technical Rating

Daniel Riccardi

Nov 28, 2025

Open

Darin Jackson

Nov 21, 2025

Open

very fun

Liam OKelly

Jul 11, 2025

Open

After rainfall be careful some holes had quicksand and you’ll sink

Nick Altieri

May 25, 2025

Open

Lots of puddles like 2ft deep some less deep just a bit bumpy

Evan H

Mar 08, 2025

Open

Lots of shallow puddles but easy enough for an SUV.

Chriss Mena

Feb 26, 2025

Open

Pretty easy did the home trail in 2 wheel drive however wouldn’t go without 4x4 just in case you stop then you might get stuck depends on clearance was pretty muddy went on the wile going on the 40 mile trail was a fun side quest could easily be a day of fun tho lol

Alex Gall

Nov 23, 2024

Open

Few people cruising around , mud pits were not very deep (less than a foot at worst). Any 4x4 with moderately high clearance should be able to handle this trail. I would suggest coming when it has not rained, as I could see this being harder after a rain storm.

Ryan Dewson

Apr 14, 2024

Open

decent size puddles to drive through. repeated wet spots. none too deep for basic 4x4. beautiful day out after some rains.

Brandy Weatherly

Mar 03, 2024

Open

Lots of water with mud / sand holes containing hidden ruts up to 2 feet deep. Use caution and stay to the edge of the puddles. Travel with recovery gear, tracks, and winch recommended if traveling solo just in case.

Steven Sitarik

Feb 10, 2024

Open

Trail was super fun and has some pretty serious water holes to go through. I did it in a stock Tacoma with little issue and was in 4WD the whole time. It hasn’t rained in a bit and the trail was still super wet so I’d advise a lift and some mud tires if you wanna do it after it’s rained