This was a short essay, published in the Lock Haven University Hemlock, in the Hikes of the Month column. I don’t honestly remember the date/year of publication at this point, but it was during my undergrad in the last 00’s/early 10s.

The immediate Lock Haven area has a great deal to offer in terms of hiking, but there are also a vast number of trails both serene and primal that can be accessed within an afternoon’s traveling. One such is a favorite of mine that I have been visiting for several years now: Sandy Bottom. Located on Route 87 just past Barbours, Sandy Bottom lies along the Loyalsock Creek as it winds its way through the Endless Mountains.

To reach it from Lock Haven, head north on Route 220 towards Williamsport. Keep going past Montoursville, until you see the sign for Route 87 North — take that exit, and turn left onto 87. From there, drive about twenty-five to thirty-five minutes until just past Barbours. Although there is a sign, it can be a little tricky to find the turn-off, as it is located around a sharp bend in the road…it’s very easy to drive right by. The best advice I can give is to look for a teal/silver colored trailer on the left in a pine forest. When you see that trailer, slow down and get ready to turn to the left. At that point, a short forest road replete with dodge-able potholes is all that stands between you and the trailhead.

The trail itself is rather easy. It’s mostly flat creekside walking, and the trail is made up primarily of a sandy loam that can make you feel as though you’re at the beach. When the creek is low, there are a number of islands that one can easily fjord out to, and the water is deep enough in places to swim, if that’s to your liking.

Also of note at Sandy Bottom is a gigantic walnut tree, which is where I traditionally end my hike. There is more trail beyond it, but as I am usually a solo hiker, and the further trail gets pretty rough, I haven’t actually attempted it. In theory, it is supposed to cross 87 and then scale the mountainside until you reach an overlook from which you can observe a significant amount of the creek, and the valley that it is located within. Be warned that I have heard tell that the upward trail is not well maintained, and it can be challenging to find the way up in places.

Sandy Bottom is a great place to go for an afternoon trip away from the worries of classes, papers, and — dare I say it — social obligations. It is one of the peculiar spots all along Route 87 that is at once park-like and very wild. As with all of nature, it merits respect; but it can be a wonderful region to visit.