+ 6
Little Flat -> MST -> Shingletown Gap Loop
Itinéraire de trail
Difficile
9,69 mi
1 985 pi
A great long run with steep climbs linking the Mid-State Trail, Shingletown Gap, and the Little Flat Fire Tower.
This 10-miler from Galbraith Gap in Rothrock links the historic Little Flat Fire Tower, the Mid-State Trail, and parts of Shingletown Gap for a challenging 10ish miler near State College. Expect steep, technical, and rocky terrain, and know that the views don't come easily. Those seeking a longer run will enjoy the [Tussey Mountain Long Run]( and if you've already explored these trails, you opt for the classic [Tussey Mountain Loop]( instead. Though these routes all share some of the same sections of trail, they are all excellent ways to explore the area and give you plenty of options to try something new.
Mapped clockwise, the run begins with one of the steepest ascents in Rothrock, the Spruce Gap Trail. Native red spruce give the trail a dark - almost eerie - ambiance, and it ends at the Mid-State Trail near Little Flat Fire Tower. Into the 50s, the tower played an important role in fire prevention, though modern technology has reduced its usefulness over the past several decades. The staircase to the top is closed to the public, but the tower is still beautiful even if viewed from below. If you'd rather enjoy an easy hike to the tower, consider [this route]( instead.
Continuing on, you'll follow the [Mid-State Trail]( towards Roman Tower, a beautiful vista looking north towards Mount Nittany. The views tend to be better in the cooler months once most of the trees drop their leaves, but the summer wildflowers, ferns, and fungi make it an excellent place to run year-round.
Leaving the Roman Tower Vista, you'll follow the Charcoal Flats Trail through Shingletown Gap for a relaxing and runnable trail leading back to Laurel Run Road. A quick climb up Shingletown Gap Trail leads into a steep descent down Old Laurel Run, then you can retrace your steps past Spruce Gap and back to Galbraith Gap.
The trailhead is a gravel parking area near the Tussey Mountain Ski Area with enough space for 20 cars, plus a turnaround for larger vehicles. Vault toilets are available year-round, though there is no potable water. You could also park at the bottom of Lonberger Path or Laurel Run to begin this loop. Written by Brendon Voelker
This 10-miler from Galbraith Gap in Rothrock links the historic Little Flat Fire Tower, the Mid-State Trail, and parts of Shingletown Gap for a challenging 10ish miler near State College. Expect steep, technical, and rocky terrain, and know that the views don't come easily. Those seeking a longer run will enjoy the [Tussey Mountain Long Run]( and if you've already explored these trails, you opt for the classic [Tussey Mountain Loop]( instead. Though these routes all share some of the same sections of trail, they are all excellent ways to explore the area and give you plenty of options to try something new.
Mapped clockwise, the run begins with one of the steepest ascents in Rothrock, the Spruce Gap Trail. Native red spruce give the trail a dark - almost eerie - ambiance, and it ends at the Mid-State Trail near Little Flat Fire Tower. Into the 50s, the tower played an important role in fire prevention, though modern technology has reduced its usefulness over the past several decades. The staircase to the top is closed to the public, but the tower is still beautiful even if viewed from below. If you'd rather enjoy an easy hike to the tower, consider [this route]( instead.
Continuing on, you'll follow the [Mid-State Trail]( towards Roman Tower, a beautiful vista looking north towards Mount Nittany. The views tend to be better in the cooler months once most of the trees drop their leaves, but the summer wildflowers, ferns, and fungi make it an excellent place to run year-round.
Leaving the Roman Tower Vista, you'll follow the Charcoal Flats Trail through Shingletown Gap for a relaxing and runnable trail leading back to Laurel Run Road. A quick climb up Shingletown Gap Trail leads into a steep descent down Old Laurel Run, then you can retrace your steps past Spruce Gap and back to Galbraith Gap.
The trailhead is a gravel parking area near the Tussey Mountain Ski Area with enough space for 20 cars, plus a turnaround for larger vehicles. Vault toilets are available year-round, though there is no potable water. You could also park at the bottom of Lonberger Path or Laurel Run to begin this loop. Written by Brendon Voelker
Créée par
Strava Routes
Itinéraire et dénivelé
Segments
| Nom | Distance | Dénivelé | Pente moy. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galbraith Shorty | 0,16 mi | 49 pi | 5,5 % |
| Carcas Trail | 0,17 mi | 46 pi | 4,8 % |
| Chute up from Laurel to spur | 0,25 mi | 141 pi | 10,3 % |
| Spruce Gap (the Edge) | 0,70 mi | 830 pi | 22,4 % |
| Spruce Gap From 3 Bridges | 0,68 mi | 807 pi | 22,4 % |
| Spruce Gap: First Pitch | 0,21 mi | 341 pi | 30,0 % |
| Spruce Gap-sign to sign | 0,84 mi | 843 pi | 18,9 % |
| Spruce Gap: Shallow Section | 0,20 mi | 203 pi | 18,5 % |
| MST: Spruce Gap to Little Flat Tower Rd. | 0,86 mi | -190 pi | -3,8 % |
| SS to Roman Tower | 1,41 mi | -128 pi | -0,5 % |
| Downer Trail | 0,28 mi | -469 pi | -31,4 % |
| Up Rothrock's rockiest | 0,39 mi | 282 pi | 13,6 % |
| new laurel to old laurel (MST) | 0,95 mi | -614 pi | -11,6 % |
| old laurel run descent | 0,80 mi | -594 pi | -14,1 % |
| 3 Bridges | 0,29 mi | -26 pi | -1,5 % |
| Chute DOWWN | 0,17 mi | -135 pi | -14,7 % |