Three Runs Tower Road / Chestnut Draft Road

Trail Overview

This scenic trail provides access to another remote and beautiful part of Moshannon State Forest. It winds through some wonderful clearings in the forest, offering a change from the typical tunnel of tall trees. It is called the Three Runs Tower Trail in the Quehanna Wild Area, as it provides access to this, now removed, fire tower. Where it stood is now a parking area for access to this part of the Quehanna Trail and the hike to the Three Runs Vista (about a half mile). This part of the trail is an easy gravel road. As it passes the gated Moyer Run Trail, it becomes a rocky dirt road and the name changes to Chestnut Draft Road. This part is still passable, if a bit uncomfortable, in any vehicle. At the easternmost end, it becomes a high-clearance 4x4 trail with a mud hole and rutted muddy climb. This part passes through a handful of private properties, and the driver should take care to respect them when passing through. Lower clearance, non-4WD vehicles should turn around here and head back to the way they came and enjoy more of this scenic drive.

Photos of Three Runs Tower Road / Chestnut Draft Road

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Difficulty

The west end of the trail is nicely graded gravel that's accessible by any street-legal vehicle. Beyond Moyer Run Trail (gated), it becomes Chestnut Draft Road, a rocky 4x4 trail that's still passable by most vehicles. At the easternmost end, the last half mile has a mud hole with a bypass, some significant ruts, and a climb that can be muddy and slippery.

History

Historically, this route provided access to the Three Runs fire tower that was part of Pennsylvania's forest fire detection infrastructure, which was critical throughout the early and mid-20th century as the region recovered from its logging era and worked to prevent wildfires. Although the fire tower and its associated cabin no longer remain, the area retains historical value as a reminder of the conservation legacy and the importance of forest management during that time.

Technical Rating

Three Runs Tower Road / Chestnut Draft Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV