Bells Gap Trail

The full Bells Gap Trail is approximately 6.3 miles (10.1 km) one way, making it a 12.6-mile (20.2 km) out-and-back journey. While the komoot tour is shorter, covering about 3.4 km, a complete hike of the entire trail can take several hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. The consistent uphill grade on the way out means the return trip is largely downhill and often quicker.

Yes, the Bells Gap Trail is generally considered easy, especially the first 2.1 miles from the Bellwood trailhead. This initial section features a smooth, crushed limestone surface and is even described as wheelchair accessible, making it ideal for beginners and families. Beyond this point, the trail becomes a bit rougher, transitioning to an unimproved access road, which might be more challenging for some but still manageable for most hikers.

The trail offers varied terrain. The first 2.1 miles from the Bellwood trailhead are smooth, tree-lined, and composed of crushed limestone. After this, it transitions into a rougher, unimproved Pennsylvania State Game Land access road, consisting of packed dirt with a grassy median and occasional gravel. While the grade is consistent and generally not steep, some sections might have washout gullies filled with crushed limestone, which can make the ascent feel tougher.

The primary access point and trailhead for the Bells Gap Trail is located in Bellwood, Pennsylvania. There is parking available at the Bellwood trailhead. It's important to note that while the trail officially terminates near Lloydsville, there is no trailhead or parking at that end, making the Bellwood side the practical starting point for an out-and-back experience.

The Bells Gap Trail offers beauty in every season. Spring brings an abundance of wildflowers like purple, sweet white, and Canada violets, as well as mayapples, columbine, and jack-in-the-pulpits. Autumn is particularly picturesque with vibrant fall colors. In winter, snow and ice can transform the trail into a 'winter wonderland.' The trail is well-shaded, making it comfortable even on sunny days in summer.

Yes, the Bells Gap Trail is dog-friendly. It's a popular multi-use trail, and many visitors enjoy bringing their canine companions. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access and hike the Bells Gap Trail. It is a public multi-use trail, freely accessible for activities like hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding.

The trail offers opportunities for wildlife observation, especially as it ventures into the game lands. Visitors have reported seeing hawks, turkeys, porcupines, opossums, deer, and foxes. Depending on the season, you can also spot various wildflowers such as purple, sweet white, and Canada violets, mayapples, columbine, and jack-in-the-pulpits.

Yes, the Bells Gap Trail provides beautiful and scenic overlooks throughout its length. You can enjoy views of the eastern ridges, the Tuckahoe Valley, and the Bellwood Reservoir. The trail also crosses pretty mountain streams. Along the smoother initial section, you'll find benches, some with canopy roofs, perfect for resting and taking in the surroundings.

The Bells Gap Trail is primarily an out-and-back experience. While it extends for about 6.3 miles one way, there is no trailhead or parking at its official end near Lloydsville, making it most practical to hike from the Bellwood trailhead and return the same way.

The Bells Gap Trail is a notable 'rails-to-trails' conversion, following the historic right-of-way of the former Bells Gap Railroad. This railway was engineered with a consistent grade of 4% or less to ascend the Allegheny Front, which explains the trail's manageable and gradual uphill climb. This history gives the trail its unique character and consistent, hiker-friendly incline.