by Dan Glass, KTA Representative from the Standing Stone Trail Club
One thing about being a trail known for a central hike is that all too many people don’t make time to acquaint themselves with other hikes on the trail. And with the popularity of the Thousand Steps hikes, at the edge of Mount Union, that is exactly what happens with the Standing Stone Trail.
Sure, people know about other hikes that start from Greenwood Furnace and Cowan’s Gap, since they’re beautiful state parks. But how many people have kept hiking past the northern trails of Greenwood Furnace to see the amazing views of Big Valley off the side? If the rocky mountaintop doesn’t deter hikers, they can keep pushing to some really great views from Sausser’s Stones and Hawk Watch, each with a family-sized wooden seating area!
If people keep moving south, there are additional hikes through areas like the Rocky Ridge Natural Area, which just so happens to offer a boulder playground for the young and old alike. This leads hikers to the long stretches of wide-open hiking that connects to the Thousand Steps and back out to Route 22. Nevertheless, the trail doesn’t stop there.; in fact, there are still several other fantastic vistas to come.
Butler Knob features an expansive view of the surrounding countryside. Monument Rock, the image that the Standing Stone Trail Club emblazons on its logo, also provides an incredible view from the top of the central Pennsylvania mountains. Additionally, the view from the Throne Room is among the best in the entire state! From there, you can see back to the Thousand Steps. But if you get bored with looking straight ahead, there are great views to the left and right from the catbird seat you’ll have at the top of the rock pile. You can then walk across a couple more boulder fields—the King’s Chambers and the Hall of the Mountain King—to take in their vistas as well.
On most days, you’ll have these places all to yourself, because so many other people are visiting the “major attractions” highlighted in all the guidebooks. Those attractions may be beautiful, but there’s something truly special about the sweeping views from the Standing Stone Trail. It’s not very long (just under 80 miles), but it’s full of magic. Experience it for yourself—you’re sure to fall in love with it, just like I did!
A great chance to check out the Standing Stone Trail is right around the corner. Join the KTA Standing Stone Trail Slackpack from August 15 to 20!