The Enchanting Thick Mountain & Swift Run Trail In Pennsylvania Is Like Something From A Fairy Tale
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 07, 2020
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Hiking sometimes allows us to feel as though we’ve stepped into another world, one of tranquility, far from the noise of everyday life. This trail in Pennsylvania promises a little bit of everything. You’ll discover breathtaking natural beauty and receive a reminder that life really is short. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll likely find the experience a rewarding one.
A scenic adventure awaits when you embark on Thick Mountain and Swift Run Trail, in Snyder Middleswarth Natural Area, a 3.3-mile trail that might make you feel as though you've stepped into a fairy tale at times.
However, before you set off on the picturesque hike, make sure you're up for the challenge. While the trail is usually quite quiet, it does pose some difficulties.
The trail travels to the top of Thick Mountain, so expect to climb uphill and for the downhill descent to be fairly steep. (It's not a trail that's recommended for children.)
If you're up for the challenge, you'll journey past such scenic beauty as flowing streams, fairy tale footbridges, and old growth hemlock and white pine trees.
Be careful as you descend down the mountain on this loop trail, as the descent is quite steep. Once you reach the bottom, you can have a picnic at the picnic area near the parking lot.
Have you been on the Thick Mountain and Swift Run Trail in Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments! If you’re still rather new to hiking, you might also want to check out seven of the greatest hiking trails for beginners in PA.
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