A 70-plus-mile orange-blazed loop across Moshannon and Elk State Forests, starting and ending at Parker Dam State Park. About 34 miles cross the Quehanna Wild Area, Pennsylvania's largest.
“Traverse Quehanna Trail Thru-Hike (PA) on the Quehanna Trail.”
Plan your Quehanna Trail Thru-Hike (PA) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Quehanna Trail
Quehanna Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
More about Quehanna Trail Thru-Hike (PA)Planning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Quehanna Trail permit season
- route distance, loop
- 72.96mi
Quehanna Trail elevation profile
Parker Dam State Park (start/finish) to Chestnut Ridge-Clearfield County HighpointParker Dam State Park (start/finish)
Western-end trailhead where the Quehanna Trail's main orange-blazed loop begins and ends.
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈1,585 ft
Quehanna Trail landmarks
How to get a Quehanna Trail permit
As of September 2026, Quehanna Trail in Quehanna Trail Thru-Hike (PA), Pennsylvania requires a permit issued via walk-up. Quehanna Trail rates 3/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Quehanna Trail route covers 72.96 miles, rated moderate.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- PA
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at the managing agency's website before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on Quehanna Trail: Live availability activity
The Quehanna Trail hike
- Distance
- 72.96 miles
- Route Type
- Loop
- Duration
- 4-6 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
How hard the Quehanna 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.
When to hike Quehanna Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 65% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
64°
51°
65%
Mon
62°
55°
Tue
68°
52°
Wed
73°
53°
Thu
77°
55°
Fri
64°
49°
33%
Sat
62°
41°
24%
Quehanna Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Quehanna Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Quehanna Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Quehanna Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike the Quehanna Trail?
Check current Moshannon and Elk State Forest camping rules with the district office; no specific permit requirement was confirmed for short dispersed stays in this research pass.
How long is the Quehanna Trail?
About 70-74 miles depending on the source and current rerouting; starts and ends at Parker Dam State Park.
What is the Quehanna Wild Area?
A nearly 50,000-acre area, Pennsylvania's largest Wild Area, crossed for about 34 miles of the loop.
Where does the Quehanna Trail start?
Parker Dam State Park.
Are there shortcuts on the Quehanna Trail?
Yes, two blue-blazed cross-connector trails.
What counties does the Quehanna Trail cross?
Cameron, Clearfield, and Elk.
How is the Quehanna Trail marked?
Orange on the main loop, blue on connectors and side trails.
Quehanna Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
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