Fowler Hollow SP Loop

Description: This is a low-end moderate 6.3 mile circuit in the Tuscarora State Forest. There is about 500 feet of elevation gain over the first 3 miles. The rest is either flat or downhill with one small rise along the back stretch. It utilizes the Perry Lumber Co Rd and a mixture of old woods roads and footpaths. Towards the end of the hike you’ll have to pass through a recent clear-cut area (2006) that offers views of Rising Mountain and Amberson Ridge. If this proves to be more of a distraction than a plus the final 1.27 mile stroll along scenic Fowler Hollow Run and its Hemlock trees will serve to erase any memory of it. This trail system can act as a backbone for several other longer, more strenuous yet more rewarding hikes. They will be posted in upcoming months.

 

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Printable/Downloadable Map

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Zipped National Geographic. TOPO! GPS and Universal GPX Files

GPS Text File for Non-TOPO! Users

 

 

Trail Notes: All trails used in this loop are signed and blazed. Each trail uses a different color and geometric shape. Note that there is a Perry Lumber Co Rd and a Perry Lumber Company Tr. They are both used here so don’t get confused. Also there are 3 parking areas between the entrance to the park and the actual beginning of the hike. For maximum mileage this description starts at the first lot on the left as you enter the park.

 

From the first parking area walk south-west along the main park road. Almost immediately pass a gravel road on the left that leads to primitive but clean privies. Shortly pass the main trailhead parking area and more modern facilities also on the left. As you enter the picnic area (last place to park) turn right and cross a footbridge over Fowler Hollow Run. After passing through a group campsite bear right onto a wide Alfarata Trail blazed very sporadically with orange spheres. In 0.41 miles turn left onto the Perry Lumber Co Rd blazed with red diamonds.

 

In 1.07 miles the road will bear to the left and begin a gradual descent back toward the park. At this point there will be a sign to the right. Turn right here, up onto a bank of the road, following more of a footpath. This is the Perry lumber Co Tr blazed with orange triangles. In 0.81 miles cross Twig Tr (Blue diamonds) and in another 0.65 miles arrive at a 4-way trail junction with the blue blazed (rectangles) Tuscarora Tr straight ahead and to the left. Turn left onto it. In about 0.26 miles pass a shelter and then soon reach the Perry Lumber Co Rd again. There is a privy close by. Turn left onto the road.

 

At about 0.99 miles the Twig Tr will come in from the left. Shortly after that the road will bear to the left and start to climb. At this point there is a sign to the right at an old woods road leading to the Fowler Hollow Campground and Picnic Area. Turn right here. There are a few sporadic yellow sphere blazes and an occasional “old” red sphere blaze. As you reach the stream (The trail might be wet here) pass the junction of the Hart Ridge Trail on the right. Turn left and follow the stream back to the park for about 1.27 miles.

 

Pass through a forest gate and follow the park road back to your car.

 

Printable/Downloadable Trail Notes

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