Adventurers seeking a short, easy hike will enjoy this scenic and historic trail. But hikers should know, half the adventure will be getting to the trail.
Located in central Pennsylvania, this trail is found in the 194,602-acre Bald Eagle State Forest. This state forest was named in honor of the Native American Chief, Woapalanne which means, “Bald Eagle.” Spanning five counties, and boasting more than 300 miles of hiking trails, this state forest will treat adventurers to a scenic driving tour through Pennsylvania’s iconic woodlands just to reach the trail.
The tunnel is near Poe Paddy State Park, whose unique name is derived from the area’s Poe Mountain and Paddy Mountain. The tunnel is situated along the Centre and Mifflin County line. A parking area is near the trail and a large sign points hikers in the right direction. The trail is easy to follow and well-maintained. A part of the 327-mile Mid State Trail, this woodland section follows along Penns Creek past private properties. A well-constructed pedestrian bridge crosses the creek providing scenic views of the stream and mountains.
The trail leads directly into the 266-foot long Paddy Mountain Railroad Tunnel. Originally part of the Lewisburg and Tyrone Railroad, the unlined tunnel with a stone east portal, was abandoned by Penn Central in 1970. It became part of the Mid State Trail and a popular route for anglers, bikers, campers and hikers. The tunnel was also popular with bats. By 1995, the tunnel was documented to house five out of the six hibernating bat species, including state and federally threatened bats.
Safety concerns, due to falling rocks, necessitated the closure of the tunnel in 2013 to line the tunnel with corrugated steel structural plate. The construction was limited to a timeframe when the bats migrated out of the tunnel. When the renovated tunnel reopened, it included bat friendly gates at each end of the tunnel and a dedicated space for a bat hibernation cave.
Hikers can walk through the tunnel and marvel at the historic tunnel with its’ specialized renovation before returning on this intriguing out-and-back adventure.
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