Route: Bear Run Nature Reserve Black Loop (PA)

The Black Loop at Bear Run Nature Reserve, rated difficult by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC), runs through pines, rhododendrons, maples and oaks, crosses and parallels creeks, and consists mostly of technical, rocky paths with some soft conifer-covered ground, wide double track and large boulder gardens in places. The fist seven miles travels on the parking lot side of the reserve (beginning at the parking lot trail head), while the final (and rockiest) four miles run across the road (Rt. 381), above the train tracks with views of the Lower Yough River. Elevation gain: 1,864 ft; elevation loss: 1,837 ft. Mileage: 11.9 according to the WPC map, 11.5 according to my Garmin fenix 5.
--submitted by Brynn Cunningham