Surprises on the Rugged-Stone Cabin Trail Loop

The Rugged-Stone Cabin Trail loop in Dauphin County is a fun day hike through mountain and glen with surprises hidden in the woods.

The Rugged-Stone Cabin Trail is a loop featuring high ridge and deep glen hiking in Dauphin County, PA. Located in Pennsylvania’s remarkable ridges and valleys belt this hike explores a fascinating region where the mountain doubles back on itself in a “V” shape. We parked in a very large gravel lot off of Glen Park Road at 40.54453, -76.68928, about two miles south of Lykens, PA. There is an information kiosk with trail maps. This is also a popular trailhead for exploring the adjacent Weiser State Forest Haldeman Tract and State Game Lands 210.

Our plan was to hike a circuit on the tops of two mountain ridges, separated by glen. This would take us east on the rim of Peters Mountain and cross over Rattling Creek Glen to ascend Berry Mountain to the north. From there we would loop back east on the Berry Mountain ridge then cross back over Rattling Creek Glen by the Lykens Reservoir and return up Peters Mountain to complete the circuit.

From the trailhead, we crossed Glen Park Road following the Stone Cabin Trail to the intersection with the Rugged Trail. Although the trails are not blazed, the paths are clear. Posts with the trail names are present at the major intersections. If you want a more direct route, you can take the Stone Cabin Trail down to the glen. However, we opted for the more circuitous and rewarding Rugged Trail that follows the rim giving views through the trees of the glen below and Berry Mountain across the way. In either case, both routes pass through the peaceful Stone Cabin Glen pictured above.

After the Rugged Trail returns to the Stone Cabin Trail, the wooded landscape morphs into more open shrubby woods. The narrow network of trails felt like a corn maze. Winding through, we encountered a surprise at 40.55032, -76.67271. A strange structure known as “The Hut”.

We double checked to confirm that we weren’t trespassing someone’s private property then took a closer look at the interesting find. The Hut is a roofed, open-sided shack with benches and a well-constructed fireplace. There was dry cut wood, cooking utensils, tools, and it was even adorned with deer antler decor. We were shocked by how well-maintained and stocked the shelter was. And even more that, it wasn’t at all vandalized.

A plaque in The Hut shown above gives some explanation. What a cool find. There is also a visitor’s log with entries going back to 2013. We were very impressed with the respect and stewardship. It is a sad commentary how surprised we were that a place like this for public enjoyment wasn’t robbed or vandalized. We commend those involved in building and maintaining The Hut and the respectful visitors. We made our entry in the log and continued on our journey.

From the Hut, the Stone Cabin Trail descended the glen and crossed Rattling Creek via a wooden foot bridge. On the way up Berry Mountain, it met with the dirt Berry Road which continued up the slope then followed the ridge top. There were several side trails passing through new growth forest that we noted for future exploration. At 40.55933, -76.68173, we departed from Berry Road to follow the rocker Reservoir Run path to search for scenic views from the tip of the mountain above Lykens Glen. Although there were no views, we did find another surprise: a cool balanced rock overhang at 40.56040, -76.69050.

From the balanced rock overhang we descended the switchbacks down Berry Mountain to Lykens Reservoir. The reservoir is ringed by prolific “No Trespassing” signs, so we proceeded east for a short distance through the glen along Rattling Creek. The trail crosses the creek at a sketchy rope bridge at 40.55300, -76.68699. We typically count rope or cable bridges as a bonus, but this was little more than thick clothesline. It held our weight but was loose and the top rope on the north side of the creek (our side) was too high to reach. The lower rope must have stretched and slid down the tree. We walked about a minute upstream and crossed via an ample fallen white pine trunk.

After crossing Rattling Creek we hiked back up Peters Mountain. The ascent was moderately steep but short. We reconnected with the rim running Rugged Trail, then returned on to the trailhead.

Overall, the hike was 9.7 miles.
The route we took is given above. The red lines are the Rugged-Stone Cabin Trial. Orange is Berry Road. The green lines are shortcuts. Dashed lines are alternate routes.
Parking is at 40.54453, -76.68928.
The Hut is at 40.55032, -76.67271.
The balanced rock overhang is at 40.56040, -76.69050.

Although no trails were blazed, most were obvious and clear. However, some of the side trails and shortcuts shown on the map above were overgrown. Because the trails are also used for mountain biking, the slopes are generally gradual and use switchbacks. The exception is the short portion up the side of the glen between the sketchy rope bridge over Rattling Creek and the rim of the Rugged Trail. There are numerous unmarked side trails and paths, so be sure to bring a GPS/map and compass. The Rugged-Stone Cabin loop is a fun trail. The variety of landscapes, terrain, and surprises keep it interesting. And there is more to explore, so stay tuned for future explorations of the area.

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