Tuscarora Trail Section 7: Cowan's Gap State Park to PA 16

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

The Bird Run Shelter looks nearly new with a clean composting toilet -- clearly doesn't get much use. It is about 6 miles to Cowan's Gap State Park, where you can catch a shower, go for a swim, relax on the sandy beach, refill water bottles, and eat a meal at the concession. Immediately exiting the parking lot headed south, the trail crosses the road and climbs about 600 feet.

It is roughly 5 miles to the The Big Mountain Shelter, which again appears relatively clean and rarely used. The fire pit is surrounded by large stones skillfully arranged like furniture and a spring fills a small pond about 200 yards to the south. About 0.75 miles uphill is the Big Mountain overlook, which is a spectacular site to catch a sunrise or gaze at the stars. The hang gliding ramps at Route 30, about 3 to 4 miles further, provide a scenic view to the west.