McConnell Road

Trail Overview

This is classified as an "improved dirt road" in Susquehannock State Forest, so expect primarily gravel and packed dirt that, in ideal conditions, will be passable by all vehicles. This trail runs along the northern part of the Hammersley Wild Area and has beautiful views of this part of the forest. The trail is southwest of Cherry Springs State Park. This particular trail is not legal for SxS, ATV, etc, though the forest does have other shared and dedicated trails for those vehicles. The north part offers 2 breathtaking vistas. The southernmost of the two offers a bench for sitting to consider the view into the Hammersley Wild Area. The northern vista has a memorial to resident, hunter, and painter Kim Harlacher. There are trailheads for several hiking trails into the Hammersley Wild Area, which prohibits motorized use. This includes the Susquehannock Trail System (STS), an 83 mile loop that incorporates old fire trails, logging roads, and abandoned railroad grades. It is the oldest backpacking trail in PA. Other than pothole-type disruptions to the pretty well-graded surface, there are no obstacles to be considered. There is evidence of the gas pipeline on the side of the trail away from the Hammersley Wild Area. Be aware that most of this trail is part of the PA Wilds BDR-X route, so expect adventure and dual-sport motorcycles.

Photos of McConnell Road

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Difficulty

Other than a temporary obstacle from weather, this trail should not even require high clearance. During the winter, any state forest road can become dangerous if there is snow and ice on the ground; otherwise, this is an easy cruise through the forest.

History

The trail and those connected to it likely follow old logging railroad grades that were built by the Goodyear Brothers. In the 1890s, Frank and Charles Goodyear purchased most of the land that drained into the West Branch of the Pine Creek. Frank built the Sinnemahoning Valley Railroad in 1885 to access the forest in this region. At that time, they built a large camp and engine terminal with steam locomotives pulling log trains on 10 miles of main line and 30 miles of spurs. Each day, up to 100 train cars of logs were hauled from Lymans Run and other areas to the sawmill in Galeton.

Technical Rating

McConnell Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV