Switchback, Abby, Haul, and Van Gorder Trails Loop

This loop is located within Hillman State Park in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. You can find parking areas within the park that provide access to the interconnected trail network. Specific trailhead parking details are usually available on the park's official website.

Yes, the trails in Hillman State Park are generally dog-friendly. However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and for the safety of other trail users. Always practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your pet.

Spring and fall are often considered the best times to hike this loop, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. However, be aware that the trails are multi-use and may be closed to bicycles and horses during specific fall and spring big game hunting seasons. Always check the park's official website for current conditions and seasonal closures before you go.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required for hiking the trails within Hillman State Park. It's a publicly accessible park for outdoor recreation.

While the overall loop is rated as 'moderate', it includes sections that are individually rated as 'more difficult', such as Abby's Trail, Van Gorder Trail, and Switchback Trail. These sections feature steeper grades, narrower paths, and embedded rocks or roots, with Van Gorder Trail specifically noting two very steep climbs. Haul Road is an easier section. Beginners should be prepared for varied terrain and some challenging ascents.

The loop offers diverse terrain. You'll traverse through pine and hardwood forests, open meadows with wildlife food plots, and along a ridge on the Van Gorder Trail. Expect varied surfaces, including singletrack paths, and be prepared for both gentle grades and very steep climbs, particularly on the Van Gorder Trail.

The diverse habitats, especially the transitional areas and meadows with food plots, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot various bird species, and other local wildlife common to Pennsylvania forests.

The Van Gorder Trail, which runs along a ridge, offers pleasant vistas. You'll also pass by wildlife food plots maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, particularly visible along Abby's Trail. The trails themselves are notable for their historical naming, with Van Gorder Trail named after a local family and Abby's Trail after a beloved volunteer's dog.

Yes, this loop is part of a larger network of nearly 30 miles of single-track trails in Hillman State Park. The route specifically incorporates sections of the Switchback Trail, Van Gorder Trail, Gelding Trail, and Abby's Trail, offering a comprehensive experience of the park's diverse paths.

On average, hikers can expect to complete this 12.3 km (7.6 mile) loop in approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes. This duration can vary based on your pace, the number of stops you make, and current trail conditions.

Yes, the trails in Hillman State Park are multi-use, accommodating hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and share the trail respectfully with others. During specific fall and spring big game hunting seasons, the trails are closed to bicycles and horses, so always check park advisories.