I have been exploring this area, which is between Somerset and Ohiopyle, for about a month now. This was the second time I hiked in this area but the first time I made the descent to Sandy Creek. To see the specifics of my trip check it out HERE! This was a beautiful hike along Sandy Run and Laurel Hill Creek. I started on Doc Ferguson Road and hiked for a mile or so along a logging road. There is a sign that documents the area as the Barren Tract, which is state game lands. Activities in this area include and are not limited to Mtn. Biking, off roading, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and more. I provided pictures at transition points along the journey. A lot of what I traveled on is not a marked trail. I ventured off the logging road where the road opens up and seems to wrap back around the mountain. (see photos) Sandy Run is in the valley below. Take caution while descending cross country. There are a lot of loose rocks. I joined up with another trail about a third of the way down the hill. I hiked south on that trail for a few hundred yards and decided to continue cross country down the hill further in hopes of reaching Sandy Run. I explored a large expanse of tire size boulders before reaching Sandy Run. It was very beautiful. I decided to cross Sandy Run by dropping trousers and forgoing boots upon finding it because I thought there may be a trail on the other side. I was indeed wrong and about 200 yards down stream I had to cross back. I crossed about three times over the course of the trip. This is not required but it made the trip more adventurous. We have had a lot or rain recently, otherwise there would have been some places shallow enough to cross in my boots. Near where Sandy Run meets Laurel Hill Creek their is a jeep trail which runs parallel to Laurel Hill Creek. After some exploring I ended up following the jeep trail until I was near Doc Ferguson road and where I parked. I ended up following a creek which led me to the white bridge (see picture) that is located on Doc Ferguson Road. Overall an adventurous trip with lots of views and no people.
I suggest either taking a good detailed topo map, compass, and/or a GPS device. I used gaia gps for my iPhone and it worked very well. You can improvise your own version of this trip simply by following the natural lay of the land. This hike has difficult sections due to the exploratory nature of the hike and requires some intermediate level orienteering and land navigation skills. It also helps to familiarize yourself with the topography before you start your trip. Otherwise have tons of fun and feel free to contact me for questions.
