Pinchot Trail, Lackawanna State Forest

The Pinchot Trailhead can be found on Bear Lake Rd immediately West of the intersection with Pittson Rd. A map is provided at the parking lot to chart a course on the figure-8-shaped trail linking two sections of the forest.The trail passes through a lush deciduous forest thick with undergrowth. Masses of low wintergreen shrubs cover the ground with waxy leaves which, when crushed, release a minty scent. In late May-mid June, their fruiting bodies-- teaberries, which taste of candy hearts with a fleshy texture-- are at their peak and can be picked and eaten. Mountain Laurel, the Pennsylvania state flower, grows in abundance along the trail and blooms in a profusion of delicate, shapely pink-and-white blooms.There are a number of creeks and swamps along the trail, as well as changes in terrain from wooded to open and rocky to pebbly.Unmarked campsites appear at intervals. Most can be found by following side trails off the main Sassafras or Powder Magazine branches of the trail. Of the campsites that we encountered, most had flat clearings for tents or cowboy camping and stone-ringed fire pits, and several had trees well-spaced for pitching tarps or hanging hammocks.While the trail crosses several burbling creeks, water level and movement may vary seasonally. Gathered water likely would require reliable filtration in order to be potable. Pack water accordingly.