The Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Hike Challenge begins on May 1st! It’s time to start planning your first hike. While there are many potential routes you can take on the Highlands Trail, but we have some favorite spots.
Morlatton Village to French Creek State Park via Schuylkill River Trail and Big Woods Trail (10 miles)
This hike begins at the Morlatton Village Trailhead on the Schuylkill River Trail in Douglassville, PA. Spend some time walking through the historic Colonial-era Morlatton Village. The four stone houses at this location date back to the 1700s. Nearby restaurants like Michael’s Restaurant and Brooks Breakfast & Lunch Cafe offer pre-hike breakfast options for those travelling from out of town, and are worth a visit even for locals. This trailhead offers no restrooms, so be prepared before you hit the trail. There is limited parking at this trailhead, accessible from Routes 100 and 422.
Once you’ve taken in the scenery, head west (upriver) along the trail towards Union Meadows Park. This section of trail is surrounded by trees, and offers beautiful views of the Schuylkill River. Shortly after leaving Morlatton Village, you’ll cross the Schuylkill River and continue through the wooded area towards the Fred J. Doberstein Overlook Campsite. This is a primitive campsite perched above the river just over a mile from the Morlatton Village Trailhead. This site is open for camping, but operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and only has space for up to 4 tents. So, if you’re planning to stay overnight, try to get there early!
Continue another mile and a half down the Schuylkill River Trail and you will reach the intersection with the Big Woods Trail, which splits off from the SRT and heads south, towards French Creek State Park. To stay on the PA Highlands Trail, take the left turn and follow the Big Woods Trail as it winds through the Hopewell Big Woods, the largest contiguous forest in Southeast Pennsylvania.
The Hopewell Big Woods encompasses a large area of land, some of which is privately owned, in addition to the municipal, county, state, and federal land in this forested area. The Big Woods Trail offers a connection to the expansive trail network and camping area at French Creek State Park, which is worth its own visit.
Once you reach the end of the Big Woods Trail at Crusher Road, you will have hiked just over 5 miles from your starting point at Morlatton Village. French Creek State Park offers a perfect midday rest area. Head back towards the trailhead to complete your 10 mile day!
As you plan your hike, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, and to bring enough food and water for your adventure. Find more information about the route on our PA Highlands Trail Interactive Map, and on the Schuylkill River Trail website.
Don’t forget to share your stories on social media – use the #HighlandsTrailChallenge to stay connected. We want to hear how it goes! Find more information about the Hike Challenge here.
Happy hiking!