Big Medix Grade Road

Trail Overview

This route is probably best known for the popular dispersed motorized camp sites along Medix Run at the north end of this former railroad grade. These are some of the closest state forest camp sites to the Quehanna Wild Area and the elk viewing areas near Benezett, Pennsylvania. Elk can be seen at times in this area of Moshannon State Forest as well. This is a standard gravel forest road that has no winter maintenance and offers quick and easy access to these sites. The sites vary from smaller ones right on the side of the road, suitable for a single rig and tent, to some larger sites that will accommodate travel trailers. These camp sites can make this trail a bit "busier" than other forest roads during the camping season. South of the camp sites, there are several hunting camps/cabins and the former site of a CCC camp. Several other trails that were part of the former logging railroad intersect this trail, offering access to other parts of the forest and additional outdoor recreation opportunities. There is about a mile of "pavement" 5.5 miles south of Quehanna Highway, where the road passes through some private property before connecting with Caledonia Pike.

Photos of Big Medix Grade Road

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Difficulty

This is a standard Pennsylvania Forest Service road, composed primarily of well-maintained gravel with no notable obstacles.

History

This road runs along historic logging routes and railroad grades. Specifically, this trail was cleared in 1893 by the Medix Run Lumber Co. for a railroad to haul lumber from the forest. The connecting roads were also part of this extensive railroad that had 70 miles of track and operated five 90-ton, gear-driven Shay locomotives. All the grades were abandoned in 1912.

Technical Rating

Big Medix Grade Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV