[1] The trail features relatively little elevation gain, but the surface is challenging due to wet, uneven, and rocky terrain.

[2][3] The main loop of the Thunder Swamp Trail can be reached at a trailhead with a large parking area on Pennsylvania Route 402 in southern Pike County.

The trail then turns north; at 4.2 miles it crosses the paved Snow Hill Road near a parking lot and secondary trailhead.

After departing from Luke Road, the trail turns southwest and walks alongside Red Rock Run for a significant distance, passing a large slide waterfall at 16.8 miles.

[9] For the next 3.6 miles, the mini-loop encircles, but does not encounter, the extensive Big Bear Swamp which displays evidence of glacial patterns and relatively rare flora and fauna.