Trail Overview
This road is generally well-maintained as it offers access to the popular Bear Valley Picnic Area, with restrooms available. At one time, the trail south of the picnic area was paved, but it is all broken pavement now. The trail exits into State Game Lands 235 at the south end. There is a roadside spring near the S-turn north of the picnic area, though the water is not tested by the state. This is one of the few motorized unpaved roads through this tract of Buchanan State Forest. The north end passes through some private property, so please respect that. The south end is very scenic. There is one dispersed motorized campsite, reserved through Reserve America, near the picnic area, but it is relatively small and right on the road. The sites to the east of Broad Mountain Road are better.
Difficulty
The road is a typical Pennsylvania Forest Service route, primarily well-maintained gravel. It is smooth and easy to drive, with minimal obstacles or technical challenges.
History
Camp S-109 was established in Bear Valley, Franklin County, as one of four CCC camps in Buchanan State Forest during the Great Depression. The CCC workers at Bear Valley constructed and improved roads and trails, including Bear Valley Road, which provided critical access for fire control, forestry operations, and the development of recreational facilities.
