Cherry Run

Cherry Run leads visitors to a beautiful hike on an abandoned railroad bed paralleling Penns Creek. Famous for trout fishing, Penns Creek is a travel corridor for migrating songbirds. The railroad grade is at treetop level, which affords good views of warblers and other small migrants. The railroad bed, an easy walk, allows attention to focus on birds instead of the ground. From the parking area, walk the railroad bed west. The trail eventually leads to an abandoned tunnel and bridge that crosses Penns Creek with access to Poe Paddy State Park (O12 Centre County).

Birds in spring migration include Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Pine, Blackpoll, and Black-and-white warblers; and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The trail is a nice place to see summer resident birds such as American Redstart, Ovenbird, Red-eyed Vireo, and Northern Parula. The Louisiana Water- thrush, known to nest along clean, fast flowing streams, can be heard singing its bouncy song. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, mink, and black bear.

Directions: Take Route 45 west from Lewisburg to the town of Hartleton. In Hartleton, turn left onto SR 3002. Follow SR 3002 through Laurelton, across Route 235, and about 3.5 miles past the town of Weikert to where Cherry Run Road turns north. Continue down the road marked "dead end, no outlet" to the parking lot. The railroad bed adjoins the parking area on the uphill side. Gazetteer page 63.

Contact: Bureau of Forestry, Bald Eagle State Forest, Box 14, Laurelton, PA. (570) 922-3344. www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/baldeagle.aspx

Property Hours: 24/7 year round

Visitor Center Hours: N/A

Time of Day: AM

Time of Year: March-November