We’ve been scouting horseback riding trails in the “Central Mountains” region of Bald Eagle state forest and Tiadaghton state forest, as it’s easily accessed off Interstate 80 an hour east of State College. This is next to Ravensburg state park. There are about 80 miles of designated horse trails, though some are probably not suitable.
In May 2025 we did our first ride there and can’t say enough about it! It is a little rocky, but the woods and mountain views are very beautiful. We saw one car during our visit. Other than a little noise from gunfire and motorcycles (both in the distance) the area is unbelievably peaceful. It’s definitely worth an hour drive.
We expect to do more rides here soon and will add maps and photos.
Maps
We have the horse trails mapped into Waymarked Trails, split in two regions:
You can also get the state map of the Central Mountains trail. It is a big file; you might want to get a paper one at a district forestry office!
You can also use gpx.studio to view the region’s trails:
Trail Loops
K Loops
Start from parking on Kalbfleisch Road, easily accessible via Sand Spring Road off Route 880. Sand Spring Road is steep and narrow, but short. Be alert coming down the mountain on 880, as Sand Spring Road is very easy to miss and its sign is not visible in advance! It hardly looks like a road, more like a driveway or pull-off.
Kalbfleisch Lot can hold several trailers although it does gets hikers and bikers. There is a bit of grass for grazing around the lot.
Loop K1
On our first visit we rode Bear Paw Loop, which is a gorgeous ride despite being a little rocky. From Kalbfleisch parking go west a short distance on the road. Pick up shared MST/CMT at the 5 way intersection. Grade B as somewhat rocky.
The combined MST/CMT trail (blue and orange blazes) is a beautiful trail, wide single track. It has rocks, but there is dirt and moss filling in around them and it’s reasonable for most horses. Shoes or boots are recommended. In May 2025 we bushwhacked around one big tree. There are some wonderful mountain views when the trees are thin.
Arnot Trail is a similar wide single track with moderate rocks. Very pretty as it passes through mixed woods. At one very damp stretch a stream may flow down the trail. At the end where it meets Sand Spring road it is badly obstructed (May 2025) by fallen trees and underwater; we skirted this in woods to the south and emailed the forestry office.
Although gpx.studio says only 3.6 miles our GPS said 4.5 miles…? You can shorten it by taking Cubby Crossover. Signs just say “Crossover”.
Loop K2
McMurrin trail is described as moderate difficulty single-track. There is a bridge over McMurrin Run which is designed for horses. The start of McMurrin trail from parking is quite wet. Take the only trail visible at the lot and turn left onto the north leg after just a short distance.
Okey Trail is also described as moderate single-track, with a short rocky section approaching the summit of Nippenose Mountain. We are told this section is passable by most horses and is easier climbing up (going counterclockwise). In fall 2024, bikers reported Mountain Laurel was growing in on this trail.
The shared MST/CMT portion of the loop (Deep Hollow Trail?) is wide single track. It has rocks, but there is dirt and moss filling in around them and it’s reasonable for most horses. Shoes or boots are recommended.
MR Loops
Start from Mile Run Recreational Parking off Mile Run Road, which is an exit off Interstate 80. This is next to motorized camp site #2.
It does appear there is a steep climb on Lick Run Trail starting from Mile Run parking.
Loop MR1
3 miles with a bit on Mile Run Road (gravel).
Loop MR2
5.4 miles
Loop MR3
6.75 miles
Loop MR4
7.5 miles
