The Mocanaqua Loop Trail System consists of four individual looping trails that together comprise about 15 miles of varying terrain along the northern reach of Penobscot Mountain. All the trails take hikers along a natural unimproved trail that traverses the mountainside as well as the ridgetop area, where there are several scenic overlooks.  All trails are emblazoned with color-coded directional blazes: Orange Loop, 2 miles, Brown Loop, 6 miles; Green Loop, 7 miles; Blue Loop, 8 miles. The trails vary in challenge levels, from easy to moderately difficult terrain. 

It is important to remember that appropriate clothes and shoes/hiking boots and socks be worn for any trail hiking and that hikers be prepared for quick changes in weather by bringing rain gear.  Hydration and energy are also keys to successful hiking. Always bring bottled water and easy trail foods like granola bars to keep in pockets or backpacks. Check out www.americantrails.org for more information on hiking dos and don’ts.

The trailhead and access to the trails are located off Main Street in Mocanaqua, near the Shickshinny Water Treatment Facility.  Located at the trailhead are: a restroom, picnic tables, grills and benches, bicycle racks and a water fountain.  Conyngham Township generously assists Earth Conservancy with maintenance of the trailhead area.

The Moc Loop was openend on National Trail Day, June 7, 2003. 

Getting to the Mocanaqua Loop Trail System:

From U.S. Route 11:  Turn onto the Shickshinny Bridge (Route 239) going to Mocanaqua and take the first left after crossing the bridge.  This will be a short, dead-end street with only a few houses on the left-hand side.  The trailhead is located at the end of the street, as well as a parking area. 

From Interstate 81:  Take Exit 164 (Nanticoke/Ashley -- Old Exit 44), which puts you on Route 29.  Take Exit 2 (Wilkes-Barre Alden exit) and turn left onto Middle Road.  Follow Middle Road past Luzerne County Community College until you come to a stop sign.  Turn left at stop sign.  The road will curve to the right (there is a stop sign, but you do not have to stop if proceeding right).  You will immediately come to another stop sign.  Turn left onto Kirmar Parkway.  Follow Kirmar Parkway through Newport Township, Wanamie, Glen Lyon, Lee and Mocanaqua. After entering Mocanaqua, you will come to a stop sign; there is a church on the right.  This road becomes Route 239.  Proceed straight.  Follow Route 239 down a hill; it then curves sharply to the right.  After turning right, proceed straight, toward the Shickshinny Bridge.  You will drive under a concrete overpass.  Make the right turn immediately after the underpass.  There will be a few houses on the left and the trail will be straight ahead. 

From the Nanticoke area: Follow Middle Road past Luzerne County Community College until you come to a stop sign.  Turn left at stop sign.  The road will curve to the right (there is a stop sign, but you do not have to stop if proceeding right).  You will immediately come to another stop sign.  Turn left onto Kirmar Parkway.  Follow Kirmar Parkway through Newport Township, Wanamie, Glen Lyon, Lee and Mocanaqua. After entering Mocanaqua, you will come to a stop sign; there is a church on the right.  This road becomes Route 239.  Proceed straight.  Follow Route 239 down a hill; it then curves sharply to the right.  After turning right, proceed straight, toward the Shickshinny Bridge.  You will drive under a concrete overpass.  Make the right turn immediately after the underpass.  There will be a few houses on the left and the trail will be straight ahead. 

Click HERE to get a printable copy of the Mocanaqua Loop Trail System map.