The official start of the trail is a short distance from the village of Slate Run on Slate Run Road. The trail can also be accessed from Pennsylvania Route 44, which it crosses twice, north of Waterville, Pennsylvania. In addition the trail crosses several dirt forest roads.
Description
This is a brief description starting counter-clockwise from the main trailhead at Slate Run. From the trailhead walkers take a short route through a pine plantation. The beginning of the trail crosses the Slate Run stream which is about 30 feet wide and has a foot bridge dedicated on October 24, 2014. Walkers then climb about in a mile and a half. Part way up visitors come across an old quarry that has views of the valley carved by Slate Run Creek. Then next several miles the trail cross the plateau that is the Alcinda wilderness area. This section is generally level. About mile walkers descend along the Red Run, passing several campsites, recrossing the Slate Run around mile. Walkers then have another gradual climb, part of which is on an old logging road. The trail once again follows the plateau to the west, with level hiking for the next several miles. The Sentiero Di Shay ski trail cross the BFT twice in this section and can be used to make alternative loops. Around the mark the trail crosses Pennsylvania Route 44 in a stand of hemlocks. The trail slowly descends and for the next several miles and follows the County Line Branch stream. This section has several water crossings that can be difficult in high water; campsites can be found in this section. Around mile the trail makes a steep climb to the plateau again. For the next the trail follows the plateau with views to the west. The hiking in this section is generally mostly level with a few minor climbs, as well as several campsites, especially around mile. This section of trail also crosses several cross country ski trails that can be used to access Pennsylvania Route 44. Finally around mile the BFT recrosses Pennsylvania Route 44. Following the crossing walkers have another couple miles of level hiking before taking on the much more rugged eastern section of the trail. Around mile the trail drops down to Callahan Run, one of many runs that flow into Pine Creek. After dropping down walkers immediately climb back up. After climbing up the trail heads to Hemlock Mountain. At the top around mile there is a wonderful, dry, mountaintop campsite with views of Pine Creek. Once again the trail drops down to Naval Run and follow this for a little less than a mile before climbing again up to the plateau.
Hazards
Hazards on the trail include the timber rattlesnake which are found in reasonable numbers in the area. Although the chances of getting bitten are small, as a matter of caution hikers should pay attention to where they place their hands and feet, especially when scrambling over rock. The trail also includes several very steep climbs. Hikers should be certain they are in the proper physical shape to handle the strenuous terrain. Finally the trail has many unbridged stream crossings, especially on the County Line Branch stream. In periods of high water some crossings require fording. Alternative footwear for crossing streams and other possible water crossings is advisable.
