The Summit Loop
Important Information
We’re making progress! Due to the construction of the permanent driveway, the Summit Loop trail is temporarily CLOSED. Please check back here for the most updated information regarding when the trail will reopen.
Closing the trail is a temporary measure to keep hikers safe. The permanent driveway project is critical in moving The Summit: Center for Wellness forward, and we appreciate your understanding over the next few months as the trail will be closed periodically.
Reach out to us with any questions at info@loyalsockfoundation.org.
Welcome to Sullivan County’s newest trail! The Summit Loop is approximately 1 mile in length, with benches and chairs along the path for resting. The trail is open daily from dawn to dusk*.
Note: The permanent driveway will be constructed later this summer, possibly impacting the trail. Refer back to this page for updates. Questions? Email info@loyalsockfoundation.org.
Trail Information
Trail location: Google Maps; Apple Maps: Coordinates: 41.42376° N, 76.50622° W
Parking is available at the trail entrance on SR 42 just outside of Laporte (0.65 miles from the courthouse going towards Eagles Mere).
Trail maps and doggie bags are available at the trail entrance.
Please pack out what you pack in, and leave the Summit Loop how you found it for the next hikers to enjoy.
Hike at your own risk.
Stay on the designated trails and within The Summit: Center for Wellness campus.
Need a quiet place to gather your thoughts? See if you can find your way to Meditation Ledge - a hidden gem along the trail.
Official eBird Hot Spot!
If you are a fan of birding, the Summit Loop is now an officially recognized eBird Hot Spot. Created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird is a way for anyone around the world to store birding observations, photos, and sound recordings and make them available to educators, scientists and birders. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world are using eBird and it continues to grow.
For more information and to see what birds have been spotted on the Summit Loop, click here.
Join in the birding fun by creating your own eBird account here - it’s free!
Trail Map
The Summit Loop: From Idea to Reality
Loyalsock Foundation was one of 11 organizations from Sullivan, Bradford, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties to receive a mini-grant from the Endless Mountains Heritage Region in 2022. The Sullivan County Recreational Association generously decided to match the grant. Sue Mullen, SCRA president, said, “The goal of SCRA has been from the beginning to aid the Loyalsock Foundation in any way we could to begin the goal of a centralized recreational area so the matching money was the perfect place to begin our endeavor of supporting the Summit!”
With approximately $16,000 in funding from the two groups, the grants were used to design and purchase outdoor trail and site signs for The Summit: Center for Wellness campus. In addition, benches and chairs were placed along The Summit Loop to accommodate those with less mobility and stamina. The Summit Loop is approximately 1 mile long and of moderate ability.
The purpose of creating this path is to build awareness of the opportunities Loyalsock Foundation is planning for the wellness center. Furthermore, while the capital campaign and funding strategies are being developed to raise the funds necessary to construct the physical facility, Loyalsock Foundation is committed to promoting fitness and outdoor recreation for the Sullivan County community, including seasonal residents and visitors. The trail showcases the beauty of the site, provides a safe recreational opportunity for everyone, and highlights the natural features of Sullivan County’s forests.
Volunteers have been instrumental in bringing the trail to life, with over 600 volunteer hours spent clearing the trail, installing signs, spreading wood chips, and more. Site work was also done by County Line Property Worx and JMR Contracting.
The Summit Loop Opening Celebration
Close to 100 people gathered on May 26, 2023 to officially open The Summit Loop trail. Mary Blondy, president & founder of Loyalsock Foundation, kicked off the festivities with a brief background on The Summit Loop and the overall vision for The Summit: Center for Wellness. Additional speakers included Rep. Tina Picket, Rep. Joe Hamm, Matt Wise from Senator Yaw’s office, Sullivan County Commissioner Darlene Fenton, Endless Mountains Heritage Region executive director Cain Chamberlain, and Sullivan County Recreational Association president, Sue Mullen.
After the ribbon cutting, Mary led the crowd on the inaugural walk with water and trail mix available at the trailhead and at the peak. BeST Transit generously offered shuttle service from the Sullivan County Courthouse to the trail entrance.
