Trail Overview

Hoover Nelson is a moderately challenging, 2.9-mile unpaved Forest Service road in Moshannon State Forest. Ideal for stock or slightly modified 4WD vehicles, the route descends from Route 153 (Rockton Mountain Highway) down toward Moose Creek, dropping over 700 feet in elevation. The trail features uneven ruts, mild washouts, and several large mud holes that can deepen significantly after heavy rain or snowmelt. Rated a 4 out of 10 for difficulty, this route offers an engaging backcountry drive through a dense Pennsylvania forest. A high-clearance 4WD or capable AWD vehicle is recommended, as wet weather can make the dirt surface very slick.

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Difficulty

There are several washouts and ruts that will offer challenges to stock height vehicle suspensions. There are also several large mud holes along the road that may offer traction problems for all-season tires.

Technical Rating

Dustin Yetzer

Nov 18, 2025

2019 Jeep Wrangler

Temporarily Closed

Seasonal ClosurePosted SignTrail Restoration

The State Forest service closed this road while they do a reconstruction of it for a timber sale. It likely won’t be very good for off-road after they’re done.

Ron Karper

Sep 06, 2025

2023 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

The road isn’t in terrible shape, had a couple puddles but doesn’t look like it holds water very long. There were some ruts around 8”.

Jim Jones

Jul 24, 2025

2002 Jeep Liberty

Open

NormalDusty

Tyler Jarvis

Jun 07, 2025

Open

Normal

Hasn’t been a ton of rain the last few days, only a little bit of mud and the ruts weren’t too bad. Stock LC 250 1958 on the stock all seasons didn’t have a single issue. Nice and fun though

Scott Whetstine

Apr 04, 2025

2022 RAM 2500

Open

Muddy/Wet

Dustin Yetzer

Jan 18, 2025

2019 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Snow/Ice

Justin Worley

Jul 06, 2024

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Came from the bottom up. It’s a little rough in spots. Some pretty good ruts and washouts.

Ryan Hess

May 17, 2024

Open

Muddy/Wet

This is a fun little trail. I had no issues in a Gladiator on 33’s. A few good ruts, but other than that it’s not bad.

Nate Lightner

May 12, 2024

Open

a few mud holes, nothing too deep. plenty of ruts and washouts. a bone stock libby with bald winter tires on the rear and all seasons on the front made it thru just fine.

Ben Gormont

Apr 18, 2024

Open

Muddy/Wet

The hover Nelson trail is a good time to go out and crawl through the woods there’solenty of pull of spots lots of washed out spots and some decent hills I have an 8 inch lift kit on my truck and just barely had the clearance for one of the wash outs not really muddy or slippery but it was definitely fun I’ve rode that trail for years

Luke Visniesky

Mar 23, 2024

Open

Muddy/Wet

Constant water running down the hill. Nothing deeper than about a foot at this time.

Papaw & Grandma Adventures

Nov 04, 2023

Open

Normal

Ian Lupo

Sep 15, 2023

Open

Normal

Andrew Frederoski

Jun 18, 2023

Obstructed

Downed Tree

Justin Worley

May 07, 2023

Obstructed

Downed Tree

Hoover Nelson Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

High Clearance
Full Width

Access Description

This route is a limited-maintenance Forest Service road located within Moshannon State Forest. No special permits are required for street-legal 4WD vehicles. Drivers should be aware that the road is not plowed in winter, and heavy rainfall or snowmelt can cause significant mud and standing water at the lower end.