What exactly is the Hyner View Trail Challenge? It is what ever you make it! It would be quite a run if you did it nonstop. Many will combine hiking and running while others will simply enjoy the hike. All will welcome the finish and the post event activities. Emphasis is not on time or place obtained but rather the pride to say you finished! Read Another article by: Eric Long of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.
| Mile 0-4 First mile is a short jaunt over the Susquehanna River via Hyner Bridge. Get warmed up because Huff Run awaits. Huff Run is almost 2 miles of uphill climbing with no breaks. Parts of the trail do get a little congested here since it’s a narrow path. This year we anticipate a bottle-neck to get on the trail. We have widened the lower portion. (Front runners won't be as affected as much as the hikers.) No worries, you’ll need that saved energy later. Near the top of Huff a new added trail will take over to the Hyner View, one of PA’s finest vistas. There will be a water station as well as some bathrooms. Enjoy the view!! |
| Mile 4-6 Follow the Hyner View Trail downhill along several switchbacks to the escarpment overlooking the river below. Since there are no leaves on the trees in April so take in the views. The footing is fast and sure. There will be another water station at the end of the ridge before the plung into Johnson Run hollow. PLEASE utilize this stop. Get some carbs and hydrate. You’re going to need it. Fly down the remaining switchbacks through a stand of old Cedars. |
| Mile 6-9 Johnson Run Trail is another Huff Run only a mile longer! The first section will climb along the side of the mounain on a sixteen inch path to avoid the spring run offs. You will be surrounded by tall hard woods. After you drop back down onto the Johnson Run, White Pine and Hemlocks will give you some cover from the sun in case of another warm day like last year. This trail is remote as it follows the stream the entire way. Larger crossings make use a few natural log bridges. In other places stepping stones are abundant. Be prepared to get your feet wet. It might be a good idea to pack an extra pair of woolen sport socks. It’s a gut-check to get to the top of this trail. Make sure you utilize checkpoint #2 because there will be no support in this gorge. Put the head down and chop up this beast. The steepest section is at the end, a section called "Psycho Path". |
| Mile 9-14 Johnson Run ends with a meandering path that brings you out to a gravel forest road that you cross to get to the head of Post Draft Hollow. There will be a much needed water/food station here. If you feel cramped up here, take a few minutes and get some fluids, salt and rest. Post Draft is a side hill trail that traverses the mountain down to the base of the hollow. Enjoy the relaxing run before taking a hard left and start up the infamous “Cleveland Hollow.” This trail know as the GARBY Trail, offers some grinding switchbacks and great views of the area, but the only good thing about it is the fact that it is near the end. It is a grueling climb that will drain the last drop of energy from you. Near the top is a kicker called the S.O.B. (We call it a challenge for a reason.) Be careful as you go up S.O.B..... Potato sized rocks tumble down from contestants above. Try not to kick out these clunkers and keep an eye up-hill in case one is aimed at your head. |
| Mile 14-Finish. Leaving Cleveland Hollow , contestants will return to the top of Huff Run via a forest road to a new trail that travels through thick Mountain Laurel. Well, we’re giving you a chance for some payback when you get back on Huff Run. First, get a drink from the fourth and last water station. Now is the time to get even with the hill that started it all. Be careful with your speed because this trail reads totally different going down. That switchback you crawled up earlier becomes a very slick hairpin turn. Tired legs may just land you on the floor of the forest with some dirt sticking to your front teeth. Not to worry, it is all downhill to the bottom and a short sprint over Hyner Bridge to the finish line. Make sure to follow the orange flags after the bridge because we’re going to bring you in a different way to the finish chute. Just follow the orange. No excuses if you make a wrong turn. We’ll have it marked well. Enjoy the course!! |
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***Take the Fitness Unlimited Double Challenge!***
Carey of Fitness Unlimited is a returning sponsor as well as a contestant. She has offered to give anyone who enters the event $10 off a paid in-full membership to Fitness Unlimited just for participating in the Hyner View Trail Challenge. If you beat Carey you will recieve an additional $10 off your membership from Fitness Unlimited!
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Haven Shoes
Supplier of all your Trail Hiking and Running Needs
115 E. Main St
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Phone: 570-748-6006
Fax: 570-748-6606
www.havenshoes.com
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