Loyalsock State Forest Miller Run Road
Technical forest road through wild Loyalsock drainage
Miller Run Road cuts through the heart of Loyalsock State Forest, following an old logging route that parallels Miller Run before climbing toward High Knob. The trail starts near the Loyalsock Creek and immediately challenges drivers with loose shale climbs and three creek crossings that can turn nasty after spring melt. Rocky outcrops force careful line choices around Miller Run Falls, where the old CCC bridge foundations still mark the halfway point.
This is moderate 4×4 territory requiring high clearance and decent approach angles for the steeper climbs. Creek crossings are typically knee-deep but can surge after heavy rain. Best tackled late spring through early fall when creek levels drop. No permits needed, but carry recovery gear and extra water. The payoff is solitude in some of Pennsylvania’s wildest forest, plus killer views from High Knob if you push the full route.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2240 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Dushore, PA |
| Land manager | Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run Miller Run Road without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Wrangler or 4Runner will handle it, but rock sliders and skid plates are worth having — the rocky climbs will test your undercarriage. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires will have more margin on the rougher sections.
When does Miller Run Road typically open for the season and is it passable after heavy rain?
The trail is generally accessible May through October once spring mud season settles out. After heavy rain the creek crossings rise fast and the rocky climbs turn slick — check conditions before you go, especially early and late in the season.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on Loyalsock State Forest?
No permit is required to drive or disperse camp on Loyalsock State Forest lands managed by Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry. Standard PA forest rules apply — pack it in, pack it out, no fee required.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I expect?
The rocky climbs out of the Miller Run drainage are the crux — loose embedded rock with limited line choice and limited room to recover if you stuff a wheel. The creek crossings themselves are typically manageable but vary with water levels, so read them before you commit.
Is there any gas or cell service near the trailhead, and how far is Dushore?
There is zero cell service on this trail — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you leave. Dushore is the closest town for fuel, roughly 10-15 minutes from the trail, so top off there before you head in.
Trail track
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