A Golden Opportunity: One of the state’s top day hikes is just a short car ride away

Sometimes a day hiking trip is just what the doctor ordered, and we in Centre County are lucky to be a short drive from what the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources says is one of the best day hikes in the whole commonwealth, the Golden Eagle Trail. 

With the trail’s beautiful views and challenging but fun nature, it is easy to see why the roughly 9.1-mile hike is a statewide favorite. Ever since the first time I took the trip to the Pine Creek Valley in Lycoming County, the GET has been near the top of my list too, and I have hiked it many times. It was an easy choice for a day hike with my partner, Becky, and our dog, Peggy, on a warm winter day (we were hoping for snow, but instead got almost fifty-degree weather). 

The trailhead is at the Clark Farm/Utceter Station Recreational Parking Area about 2.7 miles north of the village of Cammal, along PA Route 414, and the trail takes hikers out into Wolf Run Wild Area and State Game Lands 68.

The drive up routes 44 and 414 headed north from Route 220 is beautiful, as it runs next to Pine Creek the whole way. The trailhead parking area is one of many access points along Pine Creek that give entry to the stream and the sixty-two-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail that follows the creek from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore (more on that another time, but it is a great place for a bike ride, run, or easy hike). 

Before heading out, make sure you have a detailed map of the area and that you know how to read it. There is an information station at the trailhead that includes a map showing highlights of the trail.

Be careful crossing the road to get to the trailhead, especially if you have dogs or children along for the hike. After crossing the road, there is a 0.4-mile link trail to reach the trail register. Be sure to sign in. 

Shortly thereafter, the GET splits off to form a loop that leads you back to same location. I have hiked the loop going both clockwise and counterclockwise, and both ways have their merits, but I tend to prefer going clockwise because it avoids the steepest downhill and leaves the best view, in my opinion, for the end.

So, off we went clockwise, heading up the trail that gently follows the beautiful Bonnel (sometimes spelled Bonnell) Run (it was warm enough in January that Peggy didn’t mind splashing in the creek a little) as it cuts through the ridge for a long 2.5 miles. Then the trail abruptly turns very steep, climbing to the top of the ridge. Becky and I were huffing and puffing climbing up the trail, but Peggy seemed to have no trouble. 

After 3.25 miles of steady and then sharp climbing, we eventually came to a clearing that is an intersection with the Hilborn Run Trail and Dragon’s Back Trail (I have never taken that one, but it sure sounds cool). Watch for the orange blazes to stay on the Golden Eagle Trail as it follows an old logging road slightly uphill until you come to the first scenic overlook of the hike, Bonnel Run Vista. 

This is a great place to take a break and look down below at what you just climbed up, but don’t stay too long; there is another great view just a little farther up the trail, Beulah Land Vista, the highest point on the hike at 2,180 feet. 

From this highpoint there is a great view of the many ridges out in the distance, and a bench to take a load off. A perfect spot for a drink and a snack.

Refreshed, it is time for a long downhill hike. After about a quarter-mile, a short side trail leads to a vista looking down to where we are headed next, Wolf Run. To get there, continue down along the GET. Along the trail you will find parts to an old stove, a relic of on old logging camp. 

Eventually the trail mellows and follows Wolf Run for more than a mile. When the water is rushing in the spring or after a big rain, stream crossing might lead to wet feet, but it well worth it. Cool rock formations and waterfalls will take your mind off your soggy socks and shoes.

Eventually, the trail breaks off to the right for another big climb. At this point, your legs might be tired, but the climb up is well worth the effort. Breaks in the trees provide glimpses of the many ridges around you, and as you climb up the spine of the mountain, rock formations jut from the forest floor.

After climbing more than 800 feet in less than a mile, hikers get to Ravens Horn for a view that tops them all. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, the view is always great, but be mindful during warmer months as the horn is known to have rattlesnakes hanging around. Respect them, as you are a visitor in their home.

While your legs may not like it, the trail climbs another couple hundred feet after reaching the horn, to the top of the ridge. From there, it is all downhill, but the footing can be a little tricky. I slipped on a muddy spot and took a little tumble, but only my ego was bruised.

Eventually, you will again reach Bonnel Run. Don’t forget to sign out of the register. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail the entire day. 

In the summer, it is nice to cool off in Pine Creek, but even Peggy didn’t want to swim this time. She was ready for the car, and Becky and I were ready for an early dinner.

We stopped in Lock Haven on our way back to pick something up from a favorite place and ran into a couple of trail running friends. After telling them about our hike, they couldn’t believe we choose to do the loop clockwise, because they prefer to go the other way on the GET and hit the Ravens Horn early. 

So, don’t take my word for it; go out there and decide for yourself which way is best. After all, one of the top day hikes in Pennsylvania is just a short car trip away. T&G

Vincent Corso loves exploring the outdoors in central Pennsylvania and beyond.