This week we are going to tackle the Musser Gap Short Loop. This is a slightly more difficult trail due to the elevation changes. The trail is beautiful and there is a lovely creek with little water falls. You can do this out and back for a shorter hike or you can do the full short loop. There are also options to extend the hike further by connecting to the Mountain Mist Trail and/or going a short distance to the relatively newish Lion’s Valley Vista.
Week 8 Hike: Musser Gap Short Loop
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/musser-gap-small-loop
Distance: 2.8 mile loop, 698 elevation change
Directions: Take Science Park Rd. south toward West College Ave. Turn right onto W. College Ave./PA 26 South for about 2 miles. (If you get to the Naked Egg Cafe, you’ve gone too far ~ turn around.) Turn left onto PA-45 East. Continue on PA-45E for about a mile. The parking area will be on your right-hand side back a dirt road. It is not the easiest to see from the main road so go slowly when approaching it.
Bonus: If you want to challenge yourself, you can extend your hike an additional 1.1 miles on to the Mountain Mist Trail by linking up with that trail and extending your loop. You can also hop off the main loop to enjoy a break at the Lion’s Valley Vista.
