Trailhead
Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry District Office, Route 6 (start/finish)
MI 0 · ≈2,301 ft
The loop's start and finish point on Route 6 in Potter County, per the state forest's own trail page.
Walk-UpThru-Hike
Susquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike Permit
Susquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike (PA) · Pennsylvania
The STS: an 82-mile loop through Susquehannock State Forest on old CCC fire trails, marked with orange blazes the whole way. At-large camping across the state forest; no permit.
“Traverse Susquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike (PA) on the Susquehannock Trail System.”
Plan your Susquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike (PA) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Susquehannock Trail System
Susquehannock Trail System is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Susquehannock Trail System permit season
- route distance, loop
- 82.07mi
Where to camp on the Susquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike
The loop is 82.07 miles from Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry District Office, Route 6 (start/finish), and it climbs from 1,060 ft to 2,413 ft at Cherry Springs Vista. There are 1 place to camp on the loop.
82.07 mi loop
Sunken Branch Shelter
Camp
Mile ≈12.7 of 82.07
Elevation ≈2,338 ft
Susquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike, stop by stop from Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry District Office, Route 6 (start/finish)
Map of the Susquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike, a loop from Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry District Office, Route 6 (start/finish)
11 of 11 places in this section
This device cannot draw the interactive map.
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get a Susquehannock Trail System permit
As of September 2026, Susquehannock Trail System in Susquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike (PA), Pennsylvania requires a permit issued via walk-up. Susquehannock Trail System rates 4/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Susquehannock Trail System route covers 82.07 miles, rated moderate.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- PA
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at trails.dcnr.pa.gov before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
Learn more:
More on Susquehannock Trail System: Live availability activitySusquehannock Trail System Thru-Hike permit itinerary
The Susquehannock Trail System hike
- Distance
- 82.07 miles
- Route Type
- Loop
- Duration
- 5-7 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
How hard the Susquehannock Trail System hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
Susquehannock Trail System rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Susquehannock Trail System.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Susquehannock Trail System · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Susquehannock Trail System FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike the Susquehannock Trail System?
No, at-large camping in the state forest needs no permit; the nearby state parks need a reservation at a designated site.
How long is the Susquehannock Trail System?
82.07 miles per the PA DCNR, described as an 85-mile loop by the trail's own materials.
Are there shelters on the Susquehannock Trail System?
Five, at miles 10.5, 30.8, 42.5, 60, and 68.5.
Where does the Susquehannock Trail System start?
The Bureau of Forestry district office on Route 6 in Potter County.
Can I camp anywhere on the Susquehannock Trail System?
At large across the state forest, except where the trail crosses private property.
What state parks does the Susquehannock Trail System pass?
Ole Bull, Cherry Springs, and Lyman Run.
How is the Susquehannock Trail System marked?
2-by-6-inch vertical orange blazes.
Susquehannock Trail System trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
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