Day 52: Hike Up Indian Steps to Mid-State Trail

Day 52: Hike Up Indian Steps to Mid-State Trail

Looking for something both challenging and refreshing to do? Go for a hike a four mile hike at the Indian Steps.The hike begins on Harry's Valley Road, which is a dirt road located off of State Route 26. If you head south through Pine Grove Mills and up and over the mountain on Route 26. As you descend the mountain, there is a sharp left turn about a mile and half down the road. Slow down, use your turning single, and look for the dirt road on the right side of the road, this is Harry's Valley Road. If you follow this road for about 2 miles, you will cross the trail and there is a pull off on the left side of the road for parking.

Here is a short narrative from a hiker's report:

From our parking area we followed Harry's Valley Road back about a hundred feet to where the Ironstone Trail crosses the road. Turning left here we all began our ascent up Tussey Mountain.

At first we came across steps made of logs but before long we came across a rock field and the Indian Steps. We followed these steps to within two hundred feet of the top of the ridge. We climbed 600 feet in about 0.4 miles. The climb took us about 20 minutes and we all paused after the climb to catch our breath and wet our whistles.

Soon we were back on the trail, turning left at the junction with the Mid State Trail. For the next 1.3 miles we walked the ridge top not venturing far from the crest. At 1.7 miles into the hike we came across our first view to the south, overlooking Harry's Valley. This is a rocky area and I was a little wary of snakes in the area. About half way across the clearing, my hunch was proven correct as we spotted a timber rattlesnake nestled in amongst the rocks to the right of the trail. We all paused a moment to admire the snake and take a few snapshots. Shortly there after we continued our hike west on the Mid State Trail.

Another 0.2 miles of hiking brought us to the clearing where the a fire tower once stood. From here we followed the remains of an old forest road to its intersection with PA Furnace Road at 2.2 miles.

We turned left on PA Furnace Road and came across another vista to the south about 400 feet after leaving the Mid State Trail. We continued our hike down PA Furnace Road for another quarter mile. At this point PA Furnace Road switch-backed to our right but we continued straight. This is the Pump Station Trail and is a grassy forest road, now only used by hikers, bikers, and during the winter, snowmobilers.

For the next mile we had a nice, easy hike. The trail was a gradual descent on the old Pump Station Road. There were a number of views to the right as we climbed down the south side of Tussey Mountain. At 3.5 miles into our hike the Pump Station Road merged with the Harry's Valley Road.

At the junction with Harry's Valley Road we beared left and hiked the last half mile back to our cars and the start of our hike. This was a nice after work hike, being just the right length as that we were finished before it got too late into the evening. The climb up Indian Steps was an invigorating hike. Some may suggest doing this hike in the opposite direction and descending down the Indian Steps. Personally I'd rather climb a steep area such as the Indian Steps then descend. Not only do I find go up steep section easier than going down them, it was a good aerobic workout as well. I'd definitely recommend this hike to anyone looking for a nice hike with a little bit of a challenge. The two vistas make the climb well worth while."

Click here for Google Maps, enter your address in Point A and Point B is the trailhead parking.