Little Painter Trail

Very peaceful, but much rockier than expected. Lots of spots where the trail becomes thin along the edges of the stream with pointy rocks and roots mixed in. Did this part during Saturday afternoon with nice weather and didn't pass a single person (though initial forecast was storms). Water level seemed to be normal or maybe less so was easy to do the multiple stream crossings without getting wet though. Noticed the wider eroded areas where the water must flow over when higher. Could make this into a large loop with more streams by continuing onto Loyalsock Trail at the end to connect to Red Ridge Rd (no sign post but is the wide forest road at end) and make a right on that to follow up about 1.5 miles to Red Run Trail and take that back down to Little Bear Creek Rd. Red Run Trail was shorter but I thought the stream was bit more scenic than Little Painter Run (larger rocks which the water streams over).

Short little hike if only doing this trail out and back. I did this one in connection to Smith's Knob. There are lots of wildflowers and moss covered rocks. Need to cross the stream a few times but that makes it more fun. Easy to follow with yellow blazes. Saw lots of families with small kids.

Beautiful trail along the creek offering a serene setting. The trail is very easy in regards to elevation. Hiking boots recommended as it was fairly muddy and you have to cross the creek.

Love this trail! Parking right off Little Bear Road. Trail begins out past a cabin to the right. Follow yellow blazes. Trail runs along the creek. I like the steady sound of the water, helps me clear my head. Slight incline on the way up but you don’t even notice the elevation gain! Bonus is it’s a steady decline coming back to Little Bear Creek Road. You will cross the creek a few times but I usually manage to keep dry if I want to. Some portions are a little rocky and there’s tree roots to be looking for. See if you can find - There’s a really neat big rock in the water that looks like a keystone! (: When you start following LT blazes (yellow with red stripe and yellow circles with red LT) you’ve gone too far. You can turn left and follow the LT to Smith’s Knob or turn right and continue on the LT if you want more miles. Otherwise, turn around and head back to Little Bear Creek Road.

It says there’s 715ft elevation... it’s basically flat so that was disappointing

Nice simple trail that's easy to follow. Really isn't much for views. But it's peaceful

Trail was easy to follow, really wet which like everywhere is right now. Nice little hike

This is a great way to get o. the LT and it makes a nice little through hike when combined with the hike up Smith's knob. It was majorly washed out as I'm writing this. Had to wade through 2' of water at one point.

Ok trail... be prepared and wear long pants because 75% of the trail is stinging nettles on both sides that are really unavoidable. I wish I would have know this before I went. Also, tons of gnats and mosquitos. The steam crossings can get problematic, resulting in you being soaked from mid-thigh down. I’d rate it as easy, ended up being a little less than 3.5 miles and 430 ft elevation gain.

Went for a good evening walk and we couldn’t make it the whole way and back in a decent time so we didn’t make it to the end. There’s a few moments when it’s difficult to cross the stream but it’s bearable. Pretty hike overall though! No good places to take a seat and have lunch but we took a blanket and stopped for it. Overall good hike, not the best in the area but not a bad day hike!