Susquehannock Trail System landscape

Photo: Photo by Tyler Rutherford on Unsplash

Susquehannock Trail System

~6 days · 79.8 mi · strenuous · Loop

Quick facts

Distance79.8 mi
Days out6
Elevation gain11,703 ft
Gain / mile147 ft
High point2,543 ft
Difficulty index36/100

What the Susquehannock Trail System is known for

The Susquehannock Trail System is an 85-mile loop through the big, empty hardwood forests of Susquehannock State Forest in Potter and Clinton Counties, Pennsylvania, largely following old logging grades and CCC-era trails. A steady rhythm of hollow-and-ridge climbs with plentiful water; most backpackers take 5-7 days.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Susquehannock Trail System on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 3,435 ft to 8,202 ft over 79.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 36.9 mi · 46%
  • Downhill 34.1 mi · 43%
  • Flat 8.8 mi · 11%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Susquehannock Trail System?

36 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Susquehannock Trail System scores 36/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Susquehannock Trail System take?

Most backpackers hike the Susquehannock Trail System in about 6 days (5 nights out) over its 79.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Susquehannock Trail System?

The Susquehannock Trail System climbs roughly 11,703 ft total — about 147 ft per mile, topping out near 2,543 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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