Much of the trail follows old logging railroad grades, and one section follows the Towanda Path used by Native Americans.

The trail then descends a bit but remains in high plateau areas for a significant distance.

[7] Starting at 13.1 miles, the trail descends steeply along Hessler Run but then climbs to the top of the plateau again.

At 18.3 miles the trail passes above the small Highland Lake then turns to the north and enters Sullivan County.

[9] Starting at 25.0 miles, the trail becomes particularly rugged as it skirts High Knob and then climbs in and out of several different side canyons formed by tributaries of Loyalsock Creek.