If you’re seeking a hiking experience that blends nature, history, and mystery, consider exploring the Old Loggers Path in Lycoming County.
This 27-mile loop trail guides you through the Masten Ghost Town, a site revealing the remnants of a once-thriving logging community abandoned in the 1930s. The most intriguing segment of the hike is the Masten Cemetery, an isolated graveyard concealed deep within the woods.
The Masten Ghost Town
Established in 1905 by the Sones Brothers Lumber Company, the Masten Ghost Town housed a sawmill, a railroad, and a town for its workers and families. At its zenith, Masten accommodated around 300 residents along with a school, post office, general store, and hotel.
The town flourished until the 1920s when the lumber industry declined, and the Great Depression struck. By 1930, the sawmill closed, and the majority of residents departed. The last family vacated in 1941, rendering Masten a ghost town.
Today, remnants of the town, such as building foundations, the railroad grade, and the water tower, can be observed along the Old Loggers Path. The nearby Masten Campground offers primitive camping sites and a picnic area.
The Masten Cemetery
Situated approximately a mile south of the Masten Ghost Town, the Masten Cemetery overlooks Pleasant Stream on a hillside. Not featured on most maps, the cemetery lacks signage or a marked trail.
To reach it, follow a faint path through the forest, crossing a small creek and ascending a steep slope. Enclosed by a stone wall and wire fence, the cemetery houses about 40 graves, some unmarked or illegible. Graves date back to 1907, with the most recent one from 1938.
This haunting yet peaceful cemetery provides an opportunity to pay respects to Masten’s former residents. Enjoy the scenic views of the stream and mountains while immersing yourself in the sounds of nature. A hidden gem, the cemetery adds an element of mystery and history to the Old Loggers Path, known to only a few hikers.
How to Get There
Commencing and concluding at the Masten Trailhead on Pleasant Stream Road in Lycoming County, the Old Loggers Path is marked with orange blazes and follows a clockwise loop. The Masten Ghost Town is approximately 3.5 miles from the trailhead, and the Masten Cemetery is about 4.5 miles away.
Rated as moderate to difficult, the trail features steep climbs, descents, rocky sections, and stream crossings. Recommended as a two or three-day hike, designated campsites are available along the way. A permit for camping at the Masten Campground can be obtained from the Tiadaghton State Forest District Office in Waterville.
The Old Loggers Path promises an enriching adventure for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Revel in breathtaking scenery, encounter wildlife, and explore waterfalls alongside the vestiges of a forgotten town and a secluded graveyard. This hike ensures an experience that fosters an appreciation for both the past and present.
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