Bear Run Nature Reserve - Mill Run, PA -

Bear Run Nature Reserve is managed by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and is over 5,100 acres, with 28.5 miles of hiking trails, backcountry campsites, and hunting and fishing opportunities. It also features the World Heritage Site of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater (please note, you must book a tour to visit Fallingwater). Visit the Reserve’s site for all the information you may need including camping reservations and hunting permits.

The first time I hiked at Bear Run, I spent an embarrassing amount of time cross-referencing a few hiking books I had to plan a hiking route for my family. You can avoid this step and save yourself some time!

The color-coded trail system is incredibly user-friendly, essentially creating a sort of park-and-go situation, even if you are unfamiliar with the area. Simply stop at the kiosk and pick a color-coded trail based on distance, estimated time of completion, and difficulty, then hit the trail.

Directions: From Ohiopyle, head north about 4 miles on Route 381 and make a right when you see a barn at the Bear Run Nature Reserve sign. The entrance is located about 3 miles south of Mill Run, PA on Route 381 South. There is a large parking area behind the barn.

If you are like me and probably have a bladder full of coffee before a hike, you may want to access the public restrooms in Ohiopyle located at the main visitor center and at the visitor center near the Great Allegheny Passage. There may be bathroom facilities in the Barn at Fallingwater, but I’m unsure of their availability.

Stop at the kiosk in the parking lot to review the information and the trail system.

Choose a hike that is right for you. We love the yellow loop for young children. There are maps in the kiosk, but it never hurts to print a copy of the map at home to have on hand, just in case the maps are gone.

Colored Loop	Mileage	Estimated Time	Difficulty
White	.8	20 min	Easy
Yellow	1.8	40 min	Easy
Orange	4.1	2 hrs	Moderate
Red	5.1	2.5 hrs	Moderate
Blue	5.7	3.5 hrs	Difficult
Black	11.9	6.5 hrs	Difficult

Begin your hike at the trailhead located at the far end of the parking lot and simply follow the corresponding colored trail markers.

There are some picnic tables in the parking lot if you are planning a picnic. Also, be mindful that this area is open to hunting. Be sure to wear bright orange when necessary.

Here are a few breakdowns of hikes for reference. Go enjoy this beautiful area. Leave a comment to share your adventures or tag your adventures on Instagram (@adventureswkelly). I want to see your adventures at Bear Run Nature Reserve.