Located on the eastern slope of Chestnut Ridge, Quebec Run Wild Area in Forbes State Forest offers 7,441 acres to explore. There are many miles of trails with opportunities for hiking, backcountry camping, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hunting, and fishing.

Quebec Run Wild Area is definitely less crowded than other nearby hiking areas, such as Ohiopyle State Park. It is a more rustic experience. To my knowledge, there aren’t any restrooms and the trails might not be as well maintained, but it’s still a beautiful and quiet place to spend some time in nature.

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website for more information and maps for Forbes State Forest and Quebec Run Wild Area.

The Hike Summary

  • Loop Hike- Mill Run Trail to Grist Mill Trail
  • Parking- Mill Run Lot
  • Bathrooms- No bathrooms at the trailhead.
  • Distance- about 2.6 miles
  • Difficulty- It’s not indicated from what I see. I would describe it as moderate. There are wide, flat areas and some areas with elevation change. There are rocks, roots, water crossings, and bridges. Check out the Strava breakdown below for more information.
  • Kids Ages- 2 1/2 years and 10 months
  • Taking the Kids- We carried the baby in a forward-facing child carrier. Our toddler walked a good bit, but we used a child carrier hiking backpack for when he got tired.

Directions and Parking

To Mill Run Lot– From Uniontown, take Route 40 East (National Pike). Take the second right past the Summit Inn on Wharton Furnace Road toward Ellitosville. Continue for about 6.0 miles then turn right on Quebec Road. The parking lot is on the left after about 2.5 miles. You can also get there from Skyline Drive, but parts of the road are gravel and bumpy.

The Hike

For no particular reason, we tend to hike in a counterclockwise direction, starting with the Mill Run Trail on the right side of the parking lot and coming out on the Grist Mill Trail.

You can easily go in the other direction. The Grist Mill Trailhead is about 0.10 miles back on Quebec Road (over the stream).

Along the way, there are a few trail intersections with signs and we basically took a left at any opportunity to form a loop. It can be confusing, and we have gotten turned around in here before. You definitely want to have a map with you (click here for the map).

The trail runs parallel along a stream at times. It’s really pretty.

If you have young children with you, I would not recommend trying to take a stroller.

We took a break for lunch by the bridge near the Grist Mill Trail at a primitive campsite having the usual, pepperoni rolls. This is a really nice open, beautiful, peaceful area. My son enjoyed playing in the stream.

After the bridge, there is a short, steep section.

As you continue, you will find the grist mill on your right. There is a geocache nearby to explore. My dad was there to help me find it. I couldn’t quite get to it while wearing the baby in the child carrier.

Then, the trail continues to a “T” intersection. Make a sharp left on the Grist Mill Trail to return to your vehicle.

Here is a breakdown with more information.

This hike is one of our favorites. I hope you go check it out. Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram (@adventureswkelly). I want to hear about or see your adventures in Quebec Run Wild Area.

Nearby Attractions