Challenge at Crystal Lake

The Challenge at Crystal Lake is a 15-mile endurance hike/trail run in Northcentral Pennsylvania designed to appeal to the hard-core trail runner, dedicated hiker or those who are reasonably fit and out for a real challenge. The course stretches up and over the Endless Mountains, through Crystal Lake's country ski trails on 960 wooded acres with two lakes. The trails range from easy to difficult.

For a more modest challenge, enjoy the beauty of Crystal Lake and walk our new 5K Health Hike. This hike is designed for the beginner/intermediate person with a moderate level of physical fitness.

Course Description (all distances are approximate)

Miles 0 – 2.2: The race starts with a dash down the main road and then a sharp right that will take you behind Crystal Lake. You then head up the mountain side and loop back around to the lake, past the tennis courts and into the first aid station.

Miles 2.2 – 5: You again pass behind Crystal Lake but continue on a straight course that will eventually cross the main camp road. You will run on cross country ski trails that parallel the camp road before making a left that will take undulating trails that include a climb up two ski slopes. You will emerge into a grassy field and arrive at the second aid station.

Miles 5 – 7: Taking a left at the second aid station and the next left past a remote cabin you will again find yourself on undulating trails that take you to the course’s higher elevations and aid station number three.

Miles 7 – 9: You will continue straight from the aid station to complete a clockwise loop that descends at first and then climbs back to the previous aid station. 

Miles 9 – 11: Again you will travel straight and run a counter clockwise loop that at first climbs, then drops and climbs again to the upper aid station for the last time.

Mile 11 – 14: You will take a right out of the upper aid station and run a switchback trail that leads to a long downhill to a creek. After crossing the creek you will ascend and make a right that takes you past beautiful Wild Rice Lake and brings you again to the aid station in the grassy field.

Miles 14 – finish: Make a left after leaving the last aid station and run past some cabins before making the final turn at the tennis courts to the finish.

Register online at www.parunners.com.

View Course Map