This 11.1 mile trail begins at the picnic area within the Hearts Content Recreation Area and forms a loop through the Hickory Creek Wilderness.

Watch the informational signs. This trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it traverses the rolling terrain within the Hickory Creek Wilderness. From Hearts Content Recreation Area, the trail heads westward along the top of the plateau between East Hickory and Middle Hickory Creeks. Once the trail reaches Jacks Run, it loops back eastward and climbs in and out of several small valleys along the way.

Middle Hickory Creek flows through meadows studded with bogs and beaver ponds. Large white pine are scattered in open areas. You will see evidence remains of small, scattered farms which were abandoned during the mid-to-late 1930's. The most significant evidence of human intrusion that still remains are several old railroad grades used in early logging efforts.

The trail currently is marked with yellow paint on tree blazes, but is in the process of being changed to unpainted tree blazes in order to be more compatible with a wilderness designation. Normal wilderness regulations apply, including no motorized or mechanized use of any kind. Forest trail policy prohibits the use if a saddle, pack or draft animal on hiking trails.

Directions: From Warren, PA, The trailhead parking lot is located at the picnic area within Hearts Content Recreation Area, 15 miles southwest of Warren, PA. US 6 and Township Road T3005 meet in the middle of Warren at the Hickory Street Bridge. TR. 3005 begins here, crossing the Allegheny River toward Warren General Hospital (bear left away from the hospital after you cross the bridge). Follow TR. 3005 about 11 miles to its junction with a marked township road which leads to Hearts Content Recreation Area (four miles).

Distance: 11.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

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