Trailhead information
Mathews Arm Campground area, Shenandoah National Park (south terminus)
Primary- No restrooms
- No water
252 miles from Mathews Arm in Shenandoah National Park to Blue Mountain near Duncannon, Pennsylvania, an alternate, quieter route to the Appalachian Trail it parallels. Built from the historic Big Blue Trail in Virginia and the Pennsylvania sections of the original Tuscarora Trail; no permit is required outside Shenandoah's southern approach.
“Walk 252 miles on the Appalachian Trail's quieter alternate, from Shenandoah National Park through Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland to Pennsylvania's Blue Mountain.”
Plan your Tuscarora Trail trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Tuscarora Trail
No permit is needed for almost all of the Tuscarora Trail. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, which built and maintains it, describes it as an alternate route with no permit of its own; only overnight camping in Shenandoah National Park near the southern approach needs the park's own backcountry permit.
More about Tuscarora TrailPlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Tuscarora Trail permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 252mi
The four passes of the Tuscarora Trail
252 miles from Mathews Arm Campground area, Shenandoah National Park (south terminus) to Blue Mountain (north terminus, near Duncannon, PA), over four passes.
Mile 0 at Mathews Arm Campground area, Shenandoah National Park (south terminus)
Pass
Shawl Gap
- MILE
- ≈20.9
- ELEVATION
- ≈1,708 ft
From Mathews Arm Campground area, Shenandoah National Park (south terminus) · mi 0−1,012 ftover 20.9 mi
MILE ≈20.9 OF 252
Tuscarora Trail key landmarks
Zones on the route
Tuscarora Trail elevation
MILES 0 TO 252 · 405 TO 3,474 FTHow to get a Tuscarora Trail permit
As of September 2026, the managing agency does not require a permit for Tuscarora Trail in Tuscarora Trail, Virginia. Tuscarora Trail rates 2/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Tuscarora Trail route covers 252 miles, rated moderate.
- Permit required
- No
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- VA
How this permit is issued
More on Tuscarora Trail: Live availability activityTuscarora Trail Thru-Hike permit itinerary
The Tuscarora Trail hike
- Distance
- 252 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 2-3 weeks
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Walk 252 miles on the Appalachian Trail's quieter alternate, from Shenandoah National Park through Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland to Pennsylvania's Blue Mountain.
About this permit
The Tuscarora Trail is a 252-mile blue-blazed alternate to the Appalachian Trail, maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, running from near Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park through Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland to Blue Mountain, about 10 miles south of Duncannon, Pennsylvania. Its Virginia and West Virginia half was originally the separate Big Blue Trail before PATC connected it to the Pennsylvania sections. It is split into 22 sections and crosses a patchwork of land managers, most importantly Pennsylvania State Game Lands, where primitive camping is banned outright, alongside Buchanan State Forest and other national forest land where a free permit allows it. It is also part of the longer Great Eastern Trail system.
The route
From Mathews Arm in Shenandoah National Park, the trail runs west through Virginia's Massanutten area, past Signal Knob, Elizabeth Furnace and Veach Gap, then crosses into West Virginia at Wolf Gap and continues north through the Eastern Panhandle toward Great Cacapon. In Pennsylvania it passes through Buchanan State Forest and Pennsylvania State Game Lands #124 before finishing at Blue Mountain, near Duncannon.
Why it matters
The Tuscarora Trail was built as a lower-elevation bypass so hikers could keep walking if the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah ever closed. Its southern half began as the separate Big Blue Trail before the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club connected it to the Pennsylvania sections and renamed the whole route Tuscarora.
How hard the Tuscarora Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
Trailhead information
Blue Mountain (north terminus, near Duncannon, PA)
- No restrooms
- No water
When to hike Tuscarora Trail
Best time to visit
Spring and fall, matching typical Mid-Atlantic Appalachian hiking seasons.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Wind gusts to 41mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
Today
🌧️
59°
52°
23%
Mon
🌧️
60°
52°
Tue
🌧️
71°
54°
Wed
☁️
78°
51°
Thu
☁️
82°
55°
Fri
☁️
82°
54°
Sat
☁️
54°
47°
30%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Tuscarora Trail rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01No primitive camping is allowed on Pennsylvania State Game Lands #124.
- 02Primitive camping is allowed throughout Buchanan State Forest with a free permit.
- 03Shenandoah National Park requires its own backcountry permit for overnight camping near the southern approach.
Hazards & considerations
- Camping legality changes abruptly by land manager along the route: banned on Pennsylvania State Game Lands, permitted for free on national forest and state forest land.
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Tuscarora Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Tuscarora Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Tuscarora Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike the Tuscarora Trail?
No single permit. Buchanan State Forest requires a free camping permit; Pennsylvania State Game Lands #124 bans primitive camping outright.
How long is the Tuscarora Trail?
252 miles, from near Shenandoah National Park's Mathews Arm to Blue Mountain near Duncannon, Pennsylvania.
What states does the Tuscarora Trail cross?
Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Can I camp on Pennsylvania State Game Lands along the Tuscarora Trail?
No, primitive camping is not allowed on State Game Lands #124.
Is the Tuscarora Trail part of the Appalachian Trail?
No, it is a separate blue-blazed alternate and part of the Great Eastern Trail.
Who maintains the Tuscarora Trail?
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
Are there shelters on the Tuscarora Trail?
Yes, including Big Mountain Shelter, Reese Hollow Shelter, Basore Ridge, Barclays Run, Pinnacle Shelter, and Lucas Woods Hiker Camp.
Tuscarora Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Tuscarora Trail permit
Where to stay near Tuscarora Trail
- Mathews Arm CampgroundShenandoah National Park
- Shenandoah River State Park Cabins and LodgeShenandoah River State Park
- Shenandoah River State Park Ew CampgroundShenandoah River State Park
- All Virginia campgrounds
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