Water
Naval Run Falls
MI ≈18.3 · ≈847 ft
The Black Forest Trail is a rugged 42-mile loop through Tiadaghton State Forest in north-central Pennsylvania. It is free and walk-up with no permit; this page gives sourced trip info.
“A rugged 42.8-mile loop through Tiadaghton State Forest, along the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge.”
Plan your Tiadaghton State Forest (PA) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Black Forest Trail
Pennsylvania DCNR allows free one-night backpack camping in Tiadaghton State Forest without a permit, and there is no reservation or booking system for our scanner to poll.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Black Forest Trail permit season
- route distance, loop
- 42.8mi
Black Forest Trail elevation profile
Naval Run Falls to Slate Run trailhead (bridge over Slate Run creek)Water
Naval Run Falls
Mile ≈18.3 of 29.7
18.3 Naval Run Falls29.7 Slate Run trailhead (bridge over Slate Run creek)
- Mile
- ≈18.3
- Elevation
- ≈847 ft
Black Forest Trail landmarks
Map of the Black Forest Trail, a loop from Naval Run Falls
4 of 4 places in this section
This device cannot draw the interactive map.
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get a Black Forest Trail permit
As of September 2026, Black Forest Trail in Tiadaghton State Forest (PA), Pennsylvania requires a permit issued via walk-up. Black Forest Trail rates 4/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Black Forest Trail route covers 42.8 miles, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- north-central Pennsylvania, Allegheny Plateau above Pine Creek Gorge (the PA Grand Canyon)
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
Pennsylvania DCNR allows free one-night backpack camping in Tiadaghton State Forest without a permit, and there is no reservation or booking system for our scanner to poll.
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at pa.gov before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
Learn more:
More on Black Forest Trail: Live availability activity
How much a Black Forest Trail permit costs
Black Forest Trail permit fee: Free.
The Black Forest Trail hike
- Distance
- 42.8 miles
- Route Type
- Loop
- Duration
- typically 3-5 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
A rugged 42.8-mile loop through Tiadaghton State Forest, along the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge.
About this permit
The Black Forest Trail is a 42.8-mile loop through Tiadaghton State Forest along the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, known regionally as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It is free and walk-up with no permit.
The feeling
The trail runs the west side of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, connecting to the Susquehannock Trail System and the T-Squared/Donut Hole Trail along the way.
How hard the Black Forest Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Black Forest Trail
Black Forest Trail photography guide
Classic Shots
- Pine Creek Gorge from the west rim
Black Forest Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Black Forest Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Black Forest Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Black Forest Trail FAQ
Do you need a permit to backpack the Black Forest Trail?
No permit is needed for a normal one-night-per-site backpacking trip. Pennsylvania DCNR says backpack campers may camp in most areas of Tiadaghton State Forest without a permit as long as they move to a new spot after one night.
When does the Black Forest Trail require a camping permit?
Only in three cases: staying more than one night at the same primitive site, wanting a campfire during the March-through-May wildfire season, or registering an emergency contact point. All three permits are free and issued by the district office, not online.
How long is the Black Forest Trail loop?
The Keystone Trails Association lists the Black Forest Trail at 42.8 miles, a loop mostly in Lycoming County with short stretches in Clinton and Potter Counties.
How many days does it take to hike the Black Forest Trail?
Most backpackers plan 3 to 5 days for the full loop, given its steep, repeated ascents and descents along the Pine Creek Gorge rim.
Where does the Black Forest Trail start?
The trail's primary trailhead is at Slate Run village, at the bridge over Slate Run creek inside Pine Creek Gorge.
Can you camp anywhere on the Black Forest Trail?
Not literally anywhere -- Pennsylvania DCNR bans camping in designated Natural Areas, within 200 feet of a forest road, within 25 feet of a trail, and within 100 feet of a stream or open water, but otherwise dispersed one-night camping is allowed without a permit.
Black Forest Trail trail conditions and trip reports
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