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The trailhead parking lot is located on SR 666 west of Minister Creek Campground, 14.7 miles southwest of Sheffield, PA.
Minister Creek Driving Map
The "Minister Creek Trail" trailhead is clearly marked, and is located to the left of the entrance to the "Minister Creek Campground" as you leave the parking lot. The official trail bypasses the campground, but it routes you up the side of a steep hill.
If you plan to hike the eastern leg of the trail, and arrive after dark in the summer with young and inexperienced backpackers, it may be better to walk through the campground (see map below).
Minister Creek Campground Map
The "Self Service Pay Station" information booth (marked "?" on map, above) usually has a stock of good Minister Creek Hiking Trail maps, with the trail outline drawn on a topographical map background (see hiking trail map, below):
Minister Creek Trail
A large fresh water hand pump is located just past the information booth on the left, between campsites #2 and #4.
Proceed down the gravel road, which turns towards the left, between campsites #5 and #6. The unmarked foot trail begins at a point between the vaulted toilets on your left and a sign on your right which reads "Camping Permitted -- 300 feet behind this sign."
The trail leads up a steep incline for about 75 feet, levels off, and then descends back down to the creek level. Be aware that this short downhill stretch of the unmarked trail is icy, confusing, and treacherous in the winter.
At about 500 feet beyond the "Camping Permitted" sign, the trail levels out enough to pitch a few tents, but a much better campsite is located a few hundred yards further down the trail, on the right just at the point where the trail enters a very large open field on the left.
On the right are plenty of level spots on which to pitch a tent under the trees (rather than on the fragile plants in the open field). This camping area even features a large campfire pit.
In the middle of the open field are the remains of a large metal shed, which might offer shelter if you are caught in a downpour.
Continue through the field, and this unmarked trail eventually intersects (before you arrive at the first foot bridge) with the east wing of the official Minister Creek Trail, which is marked with gray diamond trail markers.
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