Pennsylvania · Hiking

Sparrow Nest Loop Hiking

4.1 mi
loop
91 ft
climb
1,719 ft
high point
Loop
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Sparrow Nest Loop Hiking open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Allegheny National Forest. It doesn't name Sparrow Nest 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.

Sparrow Nest Loop Hiking is a 4.1-mile moderate loop in the Marienville Ranger District of Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 1,633 feet to about 1,719 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 0.14 miles in, where the grade reaches 10 percent. The climb is low, with a total gain of 91 feet, so the route stays close to its starting elevation. The most comfortable months for a visit are late spring through early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Ridgway, about 3.5 miles away, show highs around 70°F in May and 74°F in September, with July peaking near 81°F. That station sits roughly 360 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the loop run a little cooler. The trail is open from about April 15 to October 15. Bikes and horses are not allowed, and the route is not accessible. Several other loops lie close by, including One Mile Loop Hiking at 0.3 miles and Perseverance Loop Hiking at 1.1 miles. Red Mill Campground is about 6.8 miles away for an overnight stay.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Sparrow Nest 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

      34° / 16°

      17 wet · 9 snow

    2. Feb

      37° / 16°

      14 wet · 8 snow

    3. Mar

      45° / 23°

      14 wet · 5 snow

    4. Apr

      59° / 33°

      14 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      70° / 43°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      77° / 52°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      81° / 57°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      80° / 55°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      74° / 49°

      11 wet

    10. Oct

      62° / 38°

      14 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 30°

      14 wet · 2 snow

    12. Dec

      38° / 23°

      17 wet · 6 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Ridgway, PA, 3.5 mi away at 1,360 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.