Grand Opening of Trailhead at Sideling Hill
- Date: Sept. 20, 2025
- Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon hike!
2:00 p.m. | ~6 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Meet at our new trailhead to explore the beauty of Buchanan State Forest with Keystone Trails Association hike leader Tony Barr. Note: this moderate hike begins and ends with a 1.5-mile roadwalk before connecting to the trail system. Registration is required - details and final instructions will be emailed to you prior to the event.
Trailhead at Sideling Hill Service Plaza
Coming Fall 2025!
Soon, you’ll be able to turn a trip on the Turnpike into an outdoor adventure. Our trailhead will offer access to 600+ miles of recreational trails, a picnic area, a bike wash station, as well as the following:
- Expanded parking areas.
- Pavilion with seating
- Wayfinding signage
- Bike racks
- Secure, well-lit walkway
Local Trail Maps
To access the start of the TOPP Trail, use North Hess Road to Pump Station Road. Please note, 1.5 miles of paved roadway precedes the start of off-road trails.
Buchanan State Forest:
While the following maps are not specific to biking, they can be used to zoom in to see trails vs. gravel roads.
Sideling Hill Map for ATVs
View the link below to see a list of rules and regulations before planning an ATV excursion in the Sideling Hill area.
Sideling Hill Campsites
Sideling Hill offers plenty of camping opportunities in the area. Be sure to view the link below for a detailed map of what is available.
Sideling Hill Snowmobile
View the link below to see a list of rules and regulations before planning a snowmobile excursion in the Sideling Hill area.
Notice:
TOPP Trail:
- Is only available for use between dawn and dusk (absolutely no night time use)
- Is restricted to pedestrian, electric bicycle and mobility device users.
- Presents the usual risks and hazards to users associated with outdoor recreation.
- Has special hazards particularly in and around two abandoned tunnels.
Users must:
- Stay on former travel lanes when in or around the tunnels;
- Use lighting to safely navigate through tunnels;
- Not disturb threaten/endangered bat habitat in and near tunnels.
Bedford Fulton Joint Regional Authority
Learn more about the Sideling Hill Trailhead
Amenities such as restrooms, meals, and drinks are all located within a short walking distance to the Trailhead, making your trip comfortable and accessible to all. Enjoy the freedom of exploring the outdoors while not having to worry about the best place to rest and refuel afterwards.
Parking at the Trailhead has been expanded to provide more room and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking for new and exciting outdoor pursuits. Visiting this part of the Commonwealth helps support local municipalities and increases awareness of the vast outdoor pursuits available in this region.
The Sideling Hill Trailhead not only provides services and amenities to Turnpike customers, but also other guests traveling to the trailhead from an off-Pike location. The walking path that connects the trailhead to the Service Plaza allows seamless use of the Trailhead amenities by all visitors.
This location provides access to over 600 miles of recreational trails within a 25-mile radius including the TOPP Trail, Buchanan State Forest, Bicycle PA Route S, and Raystown Lake. Explore PA with easy access to trails and sights along the Turnpike with added comfort and style found at the Sideling Hill Service Plaza.