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“Loyalsock State Forest: Wild, Quiet, Unforgettable” with Rich Glinski
Manage episode 489253404 series 3658690
“It’s embracing the solitude of the forest that I think brings the most amount of reward to people.”
Nestled in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains, Loyalsock State Forest spans 115,000 acres across Sullivan, Bradford, and Lycoming counties. Our host, Marci Mowery, talks with District Forester Rich Glinski, who calls Loyalsock “rugged, pristine, and beautiful”—an apt summary for a forest full of remote waterfalls, cliff overlooks, and legacy trails like the 59-mile Loyalsock Trail and the historic Old Loggers Path.
Named 2025’s Forest of the Year, Loyalsock is more than scenic; it's a dynamic landscape balancing recreation with energy development, timber management, and environmental conservation. Visitors hike, rock climb, fish, paddle, hunt, and drive along 130 miles of well-maintained forest roads. Popular sites include the Haystacks, Angel Falls, and High Knob Overlook, while lesser-known gems like Yellow Dog Falls reward the adventurous.
Rich makes sure to highlight the deep-rooted human connection to the forest. Generations of families return here, often aided by decades of stewardship from volunteers like the Alpine Club of Williamsport. Rich histories, including Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) legacy sites and Indigenous trails such as the Sheshequin and Towanda Paths, quietly shape the terrain.
Floods, wild weather, and even the occasional llama on a trail are all part of the forester’s unpredictable job. Still, seeing visitors having the time of their lives as they experience Loyalsock makes it all worth it for Rich. He urges newcomers to come prepared: maps over phones, water in the pack, and a plan shared with friends.
Key Topics:
- Hidden Gems and Trails at Loyalsock State Forest (01:41)
- Forest of the Year and Resource Management (03:31)
- Historic Flooding and Climate Challenges (06:35)
- Loyal Sock and Old Loggers Path Trails (08:00)
- CCC History and Local Culture (14:36)
- Careers in Forestry (17:58)
- Volunteerism and Trail Clubs (25:39)
- Safety and Map Reading Tips (29:05)
- Recreation Opportunities (36:13)
Resources:
- Loyalsock State Forest
- Alpine Club of Williamsport
- Loyalsock State Forest Facebook
- Loyalsock Trail
- State Forest Hiking Trail Maps
- Song mentioned: Let’s Work Together - Canned Heat
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🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau
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