The Rocky Knob Trail in Michaux State Forest is a challenging and rewarding hike featuring a towering hill of boulders, rhododendron forest, and scenic views.
The Rocky Knob Trail Loop in Michaux State Forest is an engaging hike offering a variety of landscapes and terrain. The trail begins at 39.95041, -77.44499, near where Birch Run flows into the picturesque Long Pine Run Reservoir. There is pull-off parking that can accommodate about six vehicles at the trailhead. Additional parking is available at the Abigail Trail on the other side of the bridge over Birch Run at 39.95067, -77.44361.
The orange blazed trail crosses Knob Run as shown above shortly after beginning the hike. Rhododendron grows thick through the hollow. It must look amazing when they are in bloom. Although level (for now), the trail is quite rocky in spots.
After about half a mile, the trail departs from the hollow and ascends a pass between Rocky Knob to the south and Seir Hill to the north. Despite its name, the trail never climbs Rocky Knob; rather, it leads up Seir Hill. The best and most challenging part of the adventure is the off-trail excursion to Rocky Knob. We turned off the main trail to a path marked by a post with the number “8” at 39.95913, -77.44173. The numbered posts refer to stations on the Rocky Knob Trail Map.
We quickly lost any semblance of a path navigating the boulder field up the side of the hill. The beautifully rugged terrain made for an invigorating hike. The boulders are smaller on the northwest side of the point for a more manageable trek. The terrain levels off on the pine-crowned ridge. There are a few windows giving narrow views of the adjacent ridge to the east in the neighborhood of 39.95746, -77.44099.
When descending the hill, we found the tower-like formation above at 39.95867, -77.44068. Be especially careful in this area where the boulders are larger and more difficult to navigate.
After exploring the aptly named Rocky Knob, we returned to the trail and made the moderate climb up Seir Hill. There is a bench with a scenic view of the knob and a portion of the Long Pine Run Reservoir at 39.96578, -77.43585. The window is narrow on account of the vegetation. The rocky trail follows the edge of the ridge through a brushy section dominated by mountain laurel, huckleberry, and various other shrubs and grasses. This section had a large amount of standing dead trees, with very few live, probably due to fire. Here the sun beat down on us with little to no shade.
We got relief from the sun when the trail turned sharply away from the rim into the woods. The trail changed character from rocky to much easier packed earth cushioned with pine needles as it cut across the plateau. We turned left at the intersection at 39.97436, -77.43590 to descend back to Knob Run Hollow. This was by far the easiest part of the trail being the remains of an old dirt road.
In the photo above, Rocky Knob is the prominently triangular hill in the center. The trail through Knob Hollow runs to the left of Rocky Knob then ascends to the plateau behind it.
Overall, the loop we took was 4.5 miles, not including the short but challenging excursion to the top of Rocky Knob.
Birch Run Road Trailhead parking is at 39.95041, -77.44499.
There is another trailhead at Ridge Road as shown in the map above.
This excursion is noteworthy for the variety of terrain and landscapes; it is like hiking four trails in one loop. The views were just OK because of the small windows. The best part was actually off trail: the side excursion to the prominent Rocky Knob itself. However, the boulder scramble was difficult and should only be done when completely dry. Even on trail, parts were quite rocky. You will also want sun protection since much of Seir Hill is unshaded. This is just part of the massive network of trails through Michaux State Forest, so there are many options for extending and customizing your adventure.
While you’re here, visit these nearby outdoor adventure destinations:
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
