Slippery Rock Gorge Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Waterfall

The trail is rocky, has lots of roots, and in fall leaves and dew make it a treacherous route. Be aware. It's more of a hiking trail than it is a running trail.

However, while not completely free of hikers, the trail is too tough for mountain bikers, and you'll have plenty of "me" time.

The seemingly never-ending rock ledges and rutted trail make this trail difficult to find a groove and get up to pace. There are several climbs of 200-300 feet at maybe 5-10% grades, but those are almost enjoyable in comparison to running downhill.

The trail starts just up the road from the "Point" parking lot and, as part of the North Country Trail system, is blazed in a bright blue. From the start you are running among large boulders and must navigate your way down to Slippery Rock Creek.

You'll continue on until you reach the covered bridge. Cross the bridge, and the trail is on the left just 100 feet after exiting the bridge.

You'll stay on this trail for about a half mile to mile before reaching Eckert Bridge. Here you can connect with Kildoo Trail (the other side of Eckert Bridge) and head back to the covered bridge for a shorter loop (4 miles).

The next part is the longest section and also takes you up the slope in 200 or 300 foot chunks. You'll have some views of the creek, but this will be the mostly manageable, as up the slope is just about a rock-free section of the trail.

You'll come to a sign with three planks calling out the Slippery Rock Trail, Hell's Hollow, and Walnut Flats. Continue towards Hell's Hollow (it's a right) along the Slippery Rock Trail. This is the best section of the entire trail, offering small pine cover, gorgeous sections along Hell's Hollow with views, and more gentle terrain.

The trail ends at the Hell's Hollow parking lot.

Signs posted along the trail ask you leave wildflowers alone, as many are rare or endangered.