This is a very easy hike. People can just go to Bake Oven Knob viewpoint then go back for a very quick hike that is less than a mile. The loop is also pretty quick that is only 3 miles. The views are amazing and the parking lot is very big. The terrain is not that hard and there are a lot of picture opportunities or angles that people can do. Overall, the hike is very good and I highly recommend this hike if you are ever in Pennsylvania.
Bake Oven Knob Loop Important Information
Trail Map: Trail Map 1
Suggested Phone GPS Apps: Alltrails.com, Avenza Maps, Google Maps
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3 Miles
Elevation Gained: 600 ft
Portable Toilet At Parking: None
Trail Breakdown
Appalachian Trail
Bake Oven Knob Outlook
Appalachian Trail
Hawk Outlook
Appalachian Trail
Blue Trail
Dirt Road
Main Road
https://www.mapmyhike.com/workout/1202894287
Note: The information is just an approximation.
Parking
Start Of The Hike
The footpath flowed easily into the forest, the flat terrain was so gentle that I almost forgot that I was deep inside the woods where wild animals have made their home. I walked slowly as my feet fell to the soil rather softly, with each step barely making any noise that the sound of birds chirping and chipmunks scurrying in the background cancelled it out.
Rocky Ascent
White boulders of different sizes blanketed the footpath. I hiked my way up very carefully as I didn’t want any loose rocks to roll downward and hit someone. The ascent was relatively easy as it was very short but as I looked behind me, I discovered that some hikers were having a hard time with the trail. They groaned and stopped a few times to catch their breaths as if the ascent was way too much for their bodies.
Right Of The Trail
By looking at my right, I could see a viewpoint in the distance.
Bake Oven Knob
All the angles and corners in this lookout were beautiful and it was very easy to come up here. There were a few girls with their notebooks just chilling in a corner, studying for an exam while enjoying the view. There were a few hikers that were very old sitting under a shade of a big tree. It was a great viewpoint, and every hiker of all shapes and sizes were enjoying it.
Bake Oven Knob Outlook
I felt my lungs inflate with the sudden rush of fresh air blowing in from the horizon. It was crisp and chilly, stealing all of my fatigue and washing away the exhaustion that I was feeling. I was mesmerized at the beauty of this valley as I could see so much of nature’s beauty at the top of this ledge. I rested for a few minutes, not caring whether I should go or not. Just appreciating the peacefulness and calm that I have found while it lasts.
The Left Of The Viewpoint
There was so much peace and beauty coming in from the landscape. Such feelings seeped deep into my body, filling me up with serenity and tranquility, hoping that such feelings would last for a long time. All of my worries and fears seemed to have melted away. All I cared about was staying here, being one and at peace with nature. Hoping that I would remember such feelings even when I go back home and go back to work.
The Opposite Side Of The View
Lots of graffiti and the vista was blocked by trees.
Continuing The Appalachian Trail
I went back to the rocky trail filled with boulders of different sizes. It was easy to follow, just a straight forward path towards another viewpoint. The morning light peeked through the forest, illuminating the way as I took my time moving forward. I knew that this trail wasn’t long and I had all day to hike to this place.
A Group Of Hawk Onlookers At The Next Viewpoint
I came upon another viewpoint and in this one, there were three people that were obviously not hikers but bird watchers. They were wearing outdoor gear for the sun and binoculars to be able to watch the hawks that were flying by. I do not blame them, these hawks were magnificent and beautiful. There was something amazing and elegant at the way the hawks fly. I could see myself watching these hawks all day long just admiring the beautiful way they live their lives.
Hawk Outlook Vista
The left side of the lookout is blocked by trees.
Hawk Outlook Viewpoint
The right side of the vista was very beautiful. The leaves were starting to change colors as a few trees were adorning the colors of yellow and orange. The vista was beautiful and various hawks could be seen flying around. It was a great viewpoint to look at the valley and watch the hawks at the same time. The vista was a little bit small though and I didn’t want to bother the people that were already there, so I packed up my things then moved on to the next.
Hawk Outlook Second Viewpoint
After a short walk, I was all alone at another lookout. This one had a lot of big rocks and boulders but there were no trees that would give me any shade. I stayed for a few just to enjoy the solitude that I have found. There was no one here, just me and the rocks. It was always a blessing to be able to enjoy a beautiful viewpoint all by myself.
Hawks Flying
A few hawks graced me with their presence as they glided by the lookout. They circled around and went near me, perhaps curious about who I was. They flew over my head and came very close to me, in that moment it occurred to me that they were a lot bigger that I thought they were. They were massive. If I was a chipmunk, squirrel or even a cat, I would be afraid of these birds.
Appalachian Trail – Forest
I found myself in the middle of densely packed trees as I continued walking the Appalachian trail. It was a sea of green leaves wherever I looked, even the footpath could barely be seen as there were plant life everywhere. I took my time, looking for the turn on the right, making sure I did not miss it. I didn’t want to get lost and spend the whole day looking for a way out or a way back to the parking lot.
Lean-to
After making a right turn, I stumbled upon a lean-to.
Blue Trail
The blue trail looked horrible as there were grass, plants, and branches all over the place. The narrow footpath would disappear at times and I had to search for the markers always. It was a trail that was not maintained all the time and from the looks of it, hardly anyone ever comes here. I took out my phone, looked at the GPS, making sure I was at least moving in the right direction and not getting deeper into the forest.
No Trespassing Signs
There were a lot of “no trespassing” signs posted at the trail. They were parallel to the footpath and I did not dare to cross the sign. People could be hunting on this side of the forest and I didn’t want any accidents to happen that would involved me.
Blue Trail
Spiders made their home in this part of the forest and there were a lot of them in here. I tried to avoid the spider webs and did not want to disturb the insects. They are at least controlling the mosquito population in this area and as such, I wanted them to thrive as much as possible. However, it was unavoidable, there was too many webs on the trail that I had to destroy some of the nests or else, I wouldn’t be able to get through.
Dirt Road
A small dirt road could be found at the end of the blue trail. It was too small for cars but maybe bikes, and ATVs would use this road a lot. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a single vehicle nor soul that came my way so there was no way for me to know what this road was used for. All I knew was that it was flat, easy and it would lead me back to the main road.
End Of Hike
The main road was at the end, and this will lead me back to the parking lot. However, the path to the parking lot was an uphill trek. It was not hard but it was not easy either as I was very thirsty and used up all my water already. A few cars passed me by as I pushed myself uphill, not a single one offered a ride. As I reached the parking lot, I opened the car doors and quickly opened a few bottles of water. Never thought that drinking water could be so satisfying.
I looked at the park one last time, then I went to my car and proceeded to go home. It was a very long drive to get to NY from this place, and I didn’t want to be stuck in traffic. It was a great hike, a great park with great viewpoints, I hope that I come back here again at some point in my life.
For More Hikes
For more hikes similar to this one, you can go to my Best Hikes In Pennsylvania page.