| John P. Saylor Trail | |
|---|---|
 Suspension bridge over Clear Shade Creek, between the two loops of the John P. Saylor Trail. | |
| Length | 17.5 mi (28.2 km) |
| Location | Somerset County, Pennsylvania, US |
| Trailheads | Pennsylvania Route 56 |
| Use | Hiking |
| Elevation change | Low |
| Highest point | 2,580 ft (790 m) |
| Lowest point | 2,180 ft (660 m) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | Year round |
| Hazards | Severe weather, poison ivy, ticks |
The John P. Saylor Trail is a 17.5-mile (28.2 km) hiking trail system in southwestern Pennsylvania, consisting of two loops with a short cross-connector trail, through Gallitzin State Forest in Somerset County.[1] The trail is named after Congressman John P. Saylor, who sponsored the National Scenic Trails Act[2] while supporting national wilderness preservation.[3] The main loop, which can be reached from the trailhead, is 12.0 miles around. The south loop, which cannot be reached directly by car, can be combined with the main loop and the short cross-connector, for a "figure-8" hike of 17.5 miles.[4][5]
- ^ "John P. Saylor Trail". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ Smith, Thomas G. (2006). Green Republican: John Saylor and the Preservation of America's Wilderness. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press. pp. 243–244. ISBN 9780822942832.
- ^ Cramer, Ben, ed. (2008). Pennsylvania Hiking Trails (13th ed.). Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. p. 92. ISBN 9780811734776.
- ^ Adams, Scott (2012). John P. Saylor Trail Guidebook. Spring Mills, PA: Scott Adams Enterprises. pp. 1–2. ISBN 9780985193904.
- ^ Mitchell, Jeff (2005). Backpacking Pennsylvania: 37 Great Hikes. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. pp. 203–204. ISBN 0811731804.