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Michaux State Forest

4.8 ★★★★★ 222 Google reviews · Running trail in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Michaux State Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicQuiet

Park with trails for biking and 4-wheeling, also featuring lakes, forests and camping.

What runners say about Michaux State Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (222 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 16 mentions

“There is something for everyone with beautiful scenery, miles of roads to drive, and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“Be smart so we can all enjoy this beautiful forest- trails clearly marked obviously well trafficked trail sideg”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Beautiful, scenic, and quiet forest.”

Michaux is huge but I couldn’t find a specific location to review for long pine. We typically enjoy this body of water and hiking area but very much during the week and not on weekends when it is very much mobbed.

★★★★★ — Emily , Feb 2024

The mountains in Michaux aren't the highest in the state, but the year-round green makes this forest unique. There are tons of trails with excellent views in a highland landscape that can't be found nearby.

★★★★★ — M , May 2022

A decent amount of gravel and dirt roads to explore on 4 wheels or 2. To many yellow gates, some opened some not. but worth the drive. Some good views when the leaves are down. Oh and rattle snakes too.

★★★★★ — Grady , Sep 2021

Some of the most amazing and beautiful wilderness I’ve seen before. The trees are healthy and bright with green! Fuller lake and laurel lake were full of visitors. Trails are super friendly and well marked. The PA DCNR staff at the visitor center was more than helpful and nice. Gave me maps to get my journey started.

★★★★★ — Kyle , Jun 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 222 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 20 mentions

“There is something for everyone with beautiful scenery, miles of roads to drive, and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Beautiful, scenic, and quiet forest.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Michaux State Forest

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitedcnr.pa.gov
  • Phone(717) 352-2211
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8:30 AM–4:15 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM–4:15 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM–4:15 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM–4:15 PM
Friday 7:30 AM–4:15 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Michaux State Forest

10099 Lincoln Way E, Fayetteville, PA 17222

Get directions

Running trails near Fayetteville

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Caledonia State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,449 reviews

Fayetteville, PA

ScenicDog-friendly

A 1,125-acre park nestled within South Mountain for hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking & camping.

under a mile away

Charcoal Hearth Hiking Trail

2.7 ★★★☆☆ 3 reviews

Fayetteville, PA

under a mile away

Locust Gap Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 21 reviews

Fayetteville, PA

LoopDog-friendly

1.6 miles away

Hosack Trail

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

Fayetteville, PA

2.0 miles away

Abigail Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 45 reviews

Fayetteville, PA

5.8 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

2.7 miles away

Beaver Trail Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 39 reviews

Fayetteville, PA

MixedScenic

Kid-friendly hiking area with a trail around a lake offering water views.

2.8 miles away

All running trails in Fayetteville, PA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.