Shingletown Gap

Trailhead:  N 40° 45.24'
W 77° 49.09'
Total Elevation:  788'
Trail Length:  4.2 miles
Hike Time:  2 hours
Hike Type:  Out and back
Difficulty Rating:  56
Near:  Off route PA45 by the town of Shingletown.
* Note regarding hike time and elevation traversed.  

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Elevation Profile of Trail




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Trip Report

Shingletown Gap is a heavily used area for both hiking and biking. But don't let that keep you away. Even though it is very popular it is still a beautiful place to take a nice stroll or a short hike.

Located in Rothrock State Forest, the trailhead for this hike is easily accessible from State College. Coming from State College, either via route US322 or business route US322 (South Atherton Street), you will need to turn right onto route PA45 west near Boalsburg. Once you are on route PA45 west heading towards Pine Grove Mills, you will want to travel 1.8 miles where you will reach the town of Shingletown. Here turn left onto Mountain Road and travel another mile where you will come to the parking area and the trailhead.

There are many trails in the Shingletown Gap area. These trails are used for hiking and also for mountain biking. Some of the trails will lead you up the mountain and connect to the Mid-State Trail. If you venture off of the trail that I describe in this hike you should take a more detailed map with you as there are numerous side and connecting trails.

The hike in Shingletown Gap that I took on this mid-April weekend was a simple 2 mile hike along Roaring Run. The grade on this part of the trail is not steep at all and this hike would make a nice outing to take kids on as well. The trail is easy to follow, blue blazes mark the way, and well maintained.

Even though it was mid-April, the temperature on this day was somewhat warm. But the trail route along the stream and in the gap kept the temperatures down and made for a comfortable hike. There are rocks on the trail, so I would recommend wearing at the very least sneakers, but hiking boots would be a safer bet.

I hiked for about and hour and reached the remains of an old cabin. The only thing remaining of the cabin is it's fireplace and you can make out it's foundation. I rested here for about 15 minutes and then turned around to hike back to my car. All in all the hike took just a little over 2 hours and was about 4 miles in length. It was a nice relaxing hike that wasn't physically exerting but did give me the opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

If you've never hiked before, or if it has been a number of years since you did, I highly recommend the creek side trail in Shingletown Gap. And even if you are an experienced hiker you should still try to make it out to Shingletown Gap to enjoy the beauty and serenity of this part of Penn's Woods.