Hosack Run Loop - Michaux State Forest - Scenic Pennsylvania

A scenic, easy, loop hike, through rhododendron thickets, mountain streams, and the deep beautiful forests of the Michaux State Forest. The 4.2 mile Hosack loop hike begins at the end of Quarry Gap Road just outside of Calodonia State Park, in south central Pennsylvania. This region of the state represents the northernmost extent of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is characterized by heavily forested low lying mountains surrounded by farmland and small towns. I had heard many good things about this trail loop which also in part uses the Appalachian Trail to complete the loop. Doing the hike counter clockwise, I began my trip just before 8am following the light blue blazes along Greenwood Road, which appears to be a very little used access road making for nice comfortable walking. After passing several Spring vernal pools and nice backcountry campsites the trail soon split. I took the path bearing slightly to the left marked with a wooden post as "Hosack Run" and continued down the trail. Beautiful early morning light filtered through the trees as woodpeckers and forest birds announced there presence. Soon the trail would cross the stream and begin making its way gradually up hill through thick pockets of rhododendron and tall pines. This is classic Pennsylvania forest habitat and is a delightful section. Eventualy the trail would begin to climb more steeply, going through several switchbacks, and reach a drier ridge top environment of mixed oaks and laurel. At this point the trail connects to the AT where one should bear left or "south". Here the trail begins a gradual descent before crossing a stream with a beautiful foot bridge and ultimately reaching Quarry Gap Shelter. This shelter is immaculate, had the feel of a private log cabin complete with gardens, swing, tables, water source and cooking area. Absolutely beautiful and worth stopping at for rest and refueling. After leaving the shelter the AT again plows through jungle like rhodies before reemerging on Greenwood rd where one should bear left to complete the loop. A simple beautiful hike through scenic Pennsylvania. #natureadventurediscovery
MUSIC - Homeward by Trevor Kowalski
Mays by Van Sando
Maps by August Wilhelmsson
Into the Forest by Jakob Ahlbom
The Beginning by Gavin Luke
I use Epidemic Sound for most of my music you can use this link to check them out share.epidemic...
CAMERA - Go Pro hero 8 4k 24fps
SOFTWARE - Wondershare Filmora
THUMBNAIL - Canva

[@randomadventures2.0]

Thank you Walter! Great camera work. Really enjoyed watching felt like I was along!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Tony glad you enjoyed it. It was a wonderful day in the forest!👍

[@travelingRonman]

Yeah this is a beautiful area. You really captured the beauty of it nicely. That shelter is fantastic, you can tell its well cared for. I did this loop clockwise starting from Caledonia State Park, but this is a great option as well

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I was surprised at the amount of green every where, so early in the season. Lots of pines, rhodies, and laurel. Yes, that's enjoyable hiking in that area of Pa.

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Another enjoyable video. Love the shots you get and the way you show the trail. Makes me want to get out there and hike!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Hey appreciate that so much Hiking Outdoor Family! Now is the time of the year to get out and into the woods, sorry I missed your comment there.

[@fivehorizons5295]

Great video dude, I love that shelter too!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I trust your judgement when it comes to shelters Jeff, I reckon you have seen more of them on the trail than just about anyone with all the backpacking you have accomplished!

[@kateclark7250]

What wonderful hike! I love the way you use light in your filming. This is an awesome hike. Thanks Gator! And thanks for the mention... I wouldn't have known where you were without your hint.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It's a really lovely little loop trail and I was blessed with beautiful weather that day. Happy to give you a mention Kate, you deserved it.

[@barrygraber9776]

Another nice hike. I find there is nothing nicer then hiking along a nice babbling stream surrounded by rodendrum

[@WALTERZOLNA]

You know I agree with you on that Barry. Appreciate your watching and commenting!

[@mariojsworld]

Nice hiking trail, beautiful forest.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yes Mario J it is a very beautiful forest and a lovely trail. Thanks for the comments.

[@rebel3891]

Another great one....and you're right about that shelter!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate that my friend. I would have liked to have filmed a bit more extensively there, but a couple hikers were resting there and I didn't want to bother them. Yes that place was amazing!

[@thekeystonehiker8661]

Looks like great forest to hike in. Great job

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate that Keystone Hiker! The weather was perfect that day, early start, beautiful conditions, just a perfect day to walk in the woods.

[@HikerDudeDad]

Another wonderful video, Walter! Quarry Gap Shelter is amazing, indeed. Three caretakers look after it. How was the camping? My favorite part might be the shout-out to Kate, who wonderfully supports both of our channels. I couldn't agree more, such nice comments and she's always positive!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Camping was good, I'm always happy to sleep outside and make a nice fire. I wanted to film more at the shelter but several hikers we're there and I didn't want to interfere with them, but man that is a nice spot . Would you say that is the nicest shelter in PA? And yes I'm happy I got the opportunity to mention Kate she is a treasure.

[@HikerDudeDad]

@@WALTERZOLNA Quarry Gap absolutely the best shelter on the AT in PA. Although right down the hill (south) at Tumbling Run is nice, too.

[@kateclark7250]

I really enjoy hiking with you gentlemen. You make great videos.

[@bobairhart8175]

Nice hike like dayhikedave I liked the under the bridge shots

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The funny thing is I almost never even filmed at the foot bridge there. Two backpackers were filling up there water bottles right there and I didn't want to disturb them. I walked down to the shelter than walked back to the bridge later because I thought it was such a nice spot!

[@ervinslens]

That's absolutely amazing, intro is just spectacular. A fun and exciting hiking tour experience.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you my friend I appreciate that very much .

[@Kflem]

Great part of the state! Gettysburg is a nice place to visit.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Kaitlin, I drove through Gettysburg on my return home I would definitely like to film there at some point, it's a very unique and special place.

[@dayhikedave]

Thanks for another beautiful and awesome hike. Loved the shot under the foot log bridge. Very ingenious and a cool shot. Hope you hiked the Rocky Knob trail loop while you were there. Another great hike in that area.👍🏕🙂

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Dave. For some reason as soon as I came to that foot bridge that idea popped in my head. I did another hike later that day very close to Rocky Knob trail down by the reservoir there. Lots of loop trail possibilities in that area, it's a lovely section of forest.

[@wss_explorer]

You do a fantastic job of documenting what is my absolute favorite after work hike. I live locally to Caledonia and, therefore, am fortunate to be able to tread this beautiful ground almost daily. I know every inch. You document it perfectly. Thanks.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Hey thanks I really appreciate that! What an awesome loop hike that is, im jealous that you are able to frequent the area, its beautiful country. I appreciate the feedback!

[@mountainsintomemories]

I always try to fall in a creek first thing in the morning. You’re missing out by avoiding that!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Believe me it has happened, lol!

[@bwatcher1000]

I haven't been able to get out on the trail lately so I am watching a few of your videos. You are so talented, videography is beautiful and sound is so relaxing. Totally enjoying the time spent on your channel. Thanks for sharing your hikes. Glad I found you.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I'm flattered and honored by your comment. It's my pleasure to share my hikes and experiences in scenic Pennsylvania and beyond. Thanks so much for taking the time to check out some of the older videos. See you on the next one!...

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Michaux is awesome, one of my favorite day trip places from the Baltimore area. I highly recommend the Purple Lizard company map for Michaux, they make maps for several other PA state forests as well.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yes, Purple Lizard makes excellent maps, I agree Jeff, I am a big fan of there work!