Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 40.28800°N / 78.562°W
Additional Information Elevation: 3146 ft / 959 m
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Blue Knob is Pennsylvania's second highest peak to Mt. Davis and is located between Altoona and Johnstown. It is sixty-seven feet shorter than its' larger neighbor. This mountain, although not the highest in the state, is a gigantic peak for Pennsylvania. There are only a few points in the state that rise above 3,000 ft. with Mt. Davis and Blue Knob being the highest of the points. Blue Knob is home to the Blue Knob State Park as well as the Blue Knob Ski Resort. It is one of the best places to ski in PA. As for trails, this mountain is full of them. Seventeen miles of trails stretch around the summit and many other trails branch into different directions on the mountain. One of the most popular routes to the 3,146 foot summit, is the Three Sisters Trail. From the top, views extend up to forty-two miles on a clear day in many directions. Also, the Allegheny Font Trail is nearby and that provides many scenic vistas all along its' path. The trails to the summit all provide a little bit of rugged terrain, but for the most part are easy class one trails. This mountain is well worth a summit bid just for the views alone.

Getting There

From east and west get onto the PA Turnpike/I-76 and get off at the Bedford exit. Follow the signs to the park.
Check out this map!

Red Tape

There are no permits required to summit this mountain unless you intend to ski. Since this is a PA state park, all rules for conservation apply. Follow the "LEAVE NO TRACE" system and you'll be fine. Pack it in and pack it out.

When To Climb

This mountain is climbable anytime of year. In winter snow shoes will be needed depending upon snowfall conditions. Fall is a good time to hike this mountain because of the foliage.

Camping

There is camping in the area since it is a state park. For more information go to:
areas.wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaID=PASPBK&CU_ID=1

Mountain Conditions

For up to date weather condtions go to:
weather.com
For your region type in:
Blue Knob, PA

Ski Resort Information/Links

Bedford County Information on Blue Knob
Blue Knob Skiing
Central PA skiing at Blue Knob
Trailsource.com skiing
Blue Knob Ski Resort




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calzarette

calzarette - Feb 23, 2008 9:12 pm - Hasn't voted

Blue Knob Trails

Mountain View Trail This trail is 5 miles in length and one of the more difficult on the mountain. It is marked with a double red blaze and the trailhead can be found on the Tower Road just below the summit. The Mountain View Trail begins at about the 3,000 ft. contour and begins by looping around a gentle grade on the upper portion of the mountain's east shoulder. This part of the mountain is marked by stunted and wind deformed trees, mainly scrub oak and striped maple. Also large slabs of the conglomerate rocks that form this mountain may be seen strewn about on these upper slopes. This trail passes two lookouts, the Pavia Overlook and the Queen Overlook before desending into the Beaverdam Creek drainage and the lowest portion of this trail at the 2,000 ft. contour. The trail then traverses the east face of the mountain to the Willow Springs picnic area before it begins its steep ascent on the west face of the mountain and back to the trailhead. Three Springs Trail This trail is 2 miles in length and follows and old roadbed. The trail is wide and good for snowmobiles and horseback riding. This trail can be accessed from the Mountain View Trail at about the 3,050 ft. contour and generally runs downslope before it bisects the east face, and ends at the 2,500 ft. contour where it junctions once again with the Mountain View Trail. Along its length you can see how the trail got its name by the number of springs that are used for supplying water to the villages below the mountain. Rock N' Ridge Trail This trail begins at the 1,550 ft. contour just above the gated entrance to the park headquarters. It is 2.8 miles in length and marked by an inverted blue "T". The trail is located on the west side of the mountain and begins by following a ridge that abutts the main dome of the mountain. On this trail you may see mountain laurel which is the Pennsylvania State Flower. When the mountain laurel blooms in June it makes for a very scenic hike. The trail eventually junctions into the Sawmill trail at the 2,400 ft. contour, before this however, the trail has a turnoff which will descend down the Pavia Run drainage and end at the Mowry Hollow Picinc Area. Sawmill Trail The Sawmill Trail crosses the west face of the mountain and is 3 miles in length marked by yellow blazes. This is another wide trail that follows an old roadbed and is conducive to snowmobiles and mountain biking. The trailheads are located at either end of the trail off the Knob Road or on State Route 403 on Ickes Hill. If you begin on Ickes Hill, you will begin ascending the southwest buttress of the mountain to the Willow Springs Picinic Area at the 2,250 ft. contour. From there you will navigate shortly on the Mountain View Trail before you again pick up the Sawmill Trail. The trail moves across the hollows of the moutain at approximately the 2,400 ft. contour before it ends at that north end of Chappel Field and the trail head on the Knob Road. This hike takes you through rich hardwoods and passes over mountain seeps which drain from the upper slopes of the mountain, it is one of the easier hikes in the park. Homestead Trail This trail is a small loop at 1.8 miles in length and marked by orange blazes. The Homestead Trail may be gained by access off the Whysong Road or by a connector trail off the Sawmill Trail. The hike is on the lower portions of the mountain and only gains to the 2,100 ft. contour. The trail is easy and wide open and as its name suggests, marks the site of an old settlers house site. Hiking along this pathway affords good opportunities for viewing wildlife. Chappell's Field Trail The Chappell's Field Trail is accessible at points on the Knob Road and campground areas. The trail is located on one of the main ridges that are found on the west side of the mountain. On the top of this ridge, which is over 2,400 ft., Chapell's Field holds one of the best views in the park as it looks up at the main summit of Blue Knob and down on the valley below. The trail encircles the top of this ridge and is 2.5 miles in length, a loop marked by inverted orange "V" blazes. Crist Ridge Trail The 1.9 mile orange blazed trail connects to the Chappell's Field Trail at the 2,250 ft. contour and winds its way down the ridge ending on the Knob Road. This trail had large areas of blowdowns on it following the wind events in September of 2004. Since then the trail has been cleared and is a good trail for mountain biking and cross country skiing. In the winter with the foliage down, views of Blue Knob Mountain can be seen through the trees. Lost Turkey Trail This is the longest and most difficult trail at 26 miles long. The trail begins on 3,034 foot Herman Point and is marked by red blazes. The trail crosses over both public and private lands as it eventually ends in neighboring Somerset County. To begin this hike you must proceed up the Tower Road and pass by the gated road which leads to Herman Point and the transmitter towers on its summit. Just behind the fenced in towers, you can see the trail which proceeds down the steep face of the mountain into the Rhodes Run drainage. From here the trail follows Ciana Run before crossing Hogback ridge, then beginning its steep ascent up Forks Ridge and the Allegheny Front beyond. Once on top of the Allegheny Plateau it winds its way through high elevation forests and mountain bogs. Proper footwear is recommended for this hike as it is steep in some areas and stream crossings are required along its length. Connector Trails There are several connector trails that make up the remaining mileage on Blue Knob's trails system. They are double blue blazed markings and vary in length and difficulty.

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Parents 

Parents

Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports.