Mason Dixon Trail: Lock 12 Shuttle

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall

This is an intermediate run that follows a portion of the much longer Mason Dixon Trail over rolling terrain along the Susquehanna River. The blue blazes that mark the trail are usually easy to find, but at a few spots can be hard to spot. There are steep climbs, descents, and boulder scrambles throughout the trail. Two stream crossings will need to be conquered, fortunately, a mix of rocks and logs make it easier.

The obstacles are well worth the trouble as this is a particularly nice section featuring woods, a waterfall, and several good viewpoints over the river and the dam to the north.

To run this as a shuttle, park the first car at the Stage Game Lands 181 Parking area off of Posey Road and then drive the second car to the Lock 12 Parking Area.

Soon after leaving the parking area, the trail passes the remnants of an old sawmill. Ahead, the singletrack crosses over the River Road to climb to a tree-lined alcove where a cheerful waterfall cascades away. This is a good spot to turn around if traveling with young runrs.

Otherwise, the singletrack follows the rolling terrain through the shaded woods until it briefly overlaps a gravel road a few miles ahead. After the road, runrs are rewarded with a bamboo tunnel that hangs low over the trail.

Look for a large clearing after the second stream crossing. This makes a great spot to relax and enjoy a snack or lunch before finishing the final gradual climb of the run.

Many different types of plants, including a bamboo tunnel to run through.