Everett MST Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

This loop starting in historic Everett, PA, continues through the rural farm lands of Snake Spring Valley, with a climb over Tussey Mountain, and then a final stretch down Spring Street.

Rocks on the mountain are mossy and slippery. There are lots of briars on the mountain as well. Noticed many large dog tracks on the trail, but never saw any animals. I would still take care.

Blazes are bright orange and very easy to follow. At about 6.25 miles in, there is a log storage area for Blue Triangle Hardwood. Take care, there is active heavy equipment in this area.

Some of the trail is on private lands, as well as State Game lands with active hunters. I would advise you to wear bright orange, green, or yellow clothing. The top of the mountain will usually have snow well into March, so dress accordingly.

This loop starts on the intersection of W 3rd Street and North Spring St. Parking is available at Tenley Park 0.5 miles away from the start of the trail. Head south on Spring Street, turn left onto East 1st Street, turn left again onto Old Sand Bank Road, then turn right on Tenley Lane. The lot is large, with restrooms and pavilions available.

From the start, follow W 3rd Street past LaSalle's Garage, and under the Bud Shuster Byway overpass. Here the road turns into a doubletrack dirt trail. At 0.8 miles in, you can see the remnants of an old bridge that used to cross the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. There is a pretty good photo opportunity from this vantage point.

At 1.5 miles in, the dirt road turns back into a paved road called Dallas Road. 1.8 miles in, take a right onto Lowe Snake Spring Road (take care, the road is narrow with many sharp turns). 3.75 miles in, turn right at the large farm (Hershberger's Farm) onto a dirt road. This is where private property starts, wave and be polite, the farmers won't bother you.

At four miles, the ascent up Tussey Mountain starts. At around 4.5 miles, the trail turns into rocky singletrack. Most of the trail from here on is 15-25% grade, the rocks are covered in moss, and there are a lot of briars; wear thick pants and take care. At five miles, you'll reach the top of the ridge. There are a lot of great photo opportunities along the top of the mountain.

Follow the ridge for another half a mile and look for the wooden Blue Triangle sign at 5.5 miles in. At the sign, turn right and follow the blazes down the mountain. The eastern side of the mountain is on State Game lands. The grade down is also pretty steep (25-30%) for the first half mile or so.

At 6.25 miles in, you'll see a parking lot for the State Game lands; the trail also turns into a doubletrack dirt road again. Follow the road down the rest of the mountain through Blue Triangle's wood storage area (active heavy equipment, be careful). At 6.5 miles in, the dirt road turns into a paved road. Follow this road down through the Blue Triangle industrial park area.

At 7.1 miles in, turn right onto Raystown Road. Follow Raystown Road until it turns into North Spring Street (8.3 miles). Then follow North Spring Street back to where it intersects with W 3rd Street.