Pennsylvania · Hiking

Challenger Loop Hiking

4.9 mi
loop
232 ft
climb
1,839 ft
high point
Loop
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Challenger Loop Hiking open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Allegheny National Forest. It doesn't name Challenger Loop Hiking, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Allegheny National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Challenger Loop Hiking is a 4.9-mile loop in the Marienville Ranger District of Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest. It rises from about 1,640 feet to about 1,840 feet, with a total elevation gain of 232 feet, and is rated moderate. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and is accessible by bike, while horses are not allowed and the route is not accessible. Summer and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Kane show July highs around 79°F and September highs around 71°F, with lows in the mid-40s. The station sits about 89 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the loop run slightly cooler. The loop stays open from April 15 through October 15. Other hikes lie close by: Mill Creek Hiking is about 0.3 miles away, Brush Hollow Hiking about 0.4 miles, and Red Mill Campground about 3.9 miles. The Knox & Kane Rail Trail is about 3.5 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Challenger Loop Hiking

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      30° / 13°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 13°

      16 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 20°

      15 wet

    4. Apr

      56° / 30°

      14 wet

    5. May

      67° / 40°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 49°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      79° / 53°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 52°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 45°

      12 wet

    10. Oct

      59° / 35°

      14 wet

    11. Nov

      46° / 28°

      15 wet

    12. Dec

      35° / 20°

      19 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Kane 1nne, PA, 9 mi away at 1,750 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.