Mid State Trail Permit: Route
Mid State Trail permits are walk-up only in Rothrock State Forest (PA). The route covers 324.2 miles.
This guide covers the Mid State Trail Thru-Hike permit.
Free
Permit Cost
typically 3-4 weeks for a full thru-hike
Duration
324.22 miles
Distance
About Mid State Trail
The Mid State Trail is Pennsylvania's longest trail, running from the Maryland border to New York across Rothrock, Bald Eagle, and Tioga State Forests. It is free and walk-up with no permit; this page gives sourced trip info.
The Mid State Trail
- Distance
- 324.22 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- typically 3-4 weeks for a full thru-hike
Starts at Mason-Dixon Line trailhead
Appalachian Mountains and Allegheny Plateau, central Pennsylvania. Nearest town: Flintstone, MD (south terminus area); State College, PA (roughly midpoint)
Points along the route
- Mason-Dixon Line trailhead near Flintstone, MD (south terminus)Mile 0, 878 ft
- New York state line north of Cowanesque Lake (north terminus)
- Everett, PA regionMile 32.1, 1,012 ft
- Martinsburg, PA region
- State College region (Rothrock State Forest)
- RB Winter State Park area
- CarlimMile 78.8, 814 ft
- Beaver PondMile 107.8, 1,298 ft
- Stone GapMile 126.4, 1,615 ft
- Bake Oven MountainMile 171.8, 1,891 ft
- Woolrich, PA regionMile 207.4, 724 ft
- Tioga, PA region (Tioga State Forest, connects toward Pine Creek Gorge)
- English MillsMile 228.7, 704 ft
- AntrimMile 272, 1,653 ft
- Hills Creek LakeMile 294.6, 1,486 ft
Mid State Trail permit detailsandAll Rothrock State Forest (PA) permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Mid State Trail?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
How long is the Mid State Trail route?
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The route is 324.22 miles, as a point-to-point.
Where does the Mid State Trail route start?
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Mason-Dixon Line trailhead.
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