Hiking the Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County

A collage of four images depicting the natural beauty of the Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County, PA. The top left image shows a rustic wooden bridge spanning a small creek in a forested setting. The top right image features a peaceful stream surrounded by dense rhododendron and tall trees. The bottom left image captures a calm woodland scene with a creek reflecting the autumn foliage. The bottom right image displays the Quebec Run Wild Area entrance sign, indicating management by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, with colorful fall trees and a gravel road in the background. The collage showcases the area's rustic charm and scenic landscapes.

If you’re looking for information about hiking the Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County, you’re in the right place!

A wooden trail sign marks the intersection of the Miller Trail and Mill Run Trail in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA. The sign is surrounded by a forested landscape with tall trees and a mix of autumn foliage. The forest floor is covered with fallen leaves, and patches of ferns add to the natural setting. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the ground, while a narrow trail leads off into the woods, inviting hikers to continue their journey.

Spanning approximately 7,400 acres within the Forbes State Forest, the Quebec Run Wild Area lies just north of the Pennsylvania/West Virginia border.

A tranquil stream winds through the forest in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA, with tall trees lining both sides. The water reflects the surrounding trees and soft sunlight, creating a mirror-like effect. The forest floor is covered in a layer of leaves, and the path along the stream is shaded by the dense canopy overhead. The scene is peaceful and secluded, showcasing the natural beauty of the woodland setting. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled light onto the water and trail.

Hikers will find around 25 miles of interconnected trails to explore, catering to outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy rugged, forested landscapes.

A forest trail covered in fallen leaves winds through the Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County, PA. The path is surrounded by tall trees with a mix of green and golden foliage, indicating early autumn. Ferns and dense underbrush line the edges of the trail, adding to the lush woodland atmosphere. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light on the ground and enhancing the natural beauty of the scene. The setting feels peaceful and inviting, perfect for a hike in the woods.

Directions to the Quebec Run Wild Area

While there are multiple parking areas from which to access the Quebec Run Wild Area, one of the most popular is the Mill Run Trail parking lot, shown on the map below.


To view/download/print the official Quebec Run Wild Area trail map, which includes ALL the existing parking areas/trailheads, CLICK HERE.

A small gravel parking area at the Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County, PA, with several vehicles parked along the edge. The lot is surrounded by tall trees displaying autumn colors, creating a scenic backdrop. A metal guardrail and a small bridge are visible in the background, leading to a forested trail. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the ground and adding to the natural setting. The area appears to be a popular access point for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

What You’ll See in the Quebec Run Wild Area

The forest here is primarily third-growth, resulting from heavy timber harvesting in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and evidence of old logging roads can still be seen throughout.

A narrow, leaf-covered trail winds through the dense forest in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA. The path is lined with moss-covered logs and lush greenery, creating a natural and inviting woodland setting. Tall trees surround the trail, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and casting a mix of light and shadows. The thick underbrush and scattered foliage add to the secluded, peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for hiking and nature exploration.

Quebec Run’s secluded trails provide a sense of solitude, with no amenities such as bathrooms, shelters, or designated rest areas.

A narrow wooden footbridge spans a small ravine in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA, surrounded by tall trees and thick underbrush. The bridge is covered with fallen leaves, adding a touch of autumn to the scene. The surrounding forest is filled with a mix of green foliage and early fall colors, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and illuminating the path. The bridge’s rustic wooden railings blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, inviting hikers to continue their journey deeper into the woods.

Cell reception is minimal to non-existent, so if you’re planning to use a hiking app like AllTrails, be sure to download the offline version of your map BEFORE visiting the area.

A wooden footbridge with diagonal supports spans a small creek surrounded by dense forest in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA. The bridge is nestled among tall trees and rhododendron bushes, creating a secluded and natural setting. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting shadows and highlighting the rustic texture of the wooden structure.

The area’s varied topography includes gentle valleys, rocky slopes, and small creeks, offering a mix of challenge and beauty.

A peaceful stream flows through the forest in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA, surrounded by thick rhododendron and tall trees. The water reflects the greenery and the sky above, while large rocks and fallen branches dot the streambed. The forest canopy allows sunlight to filter through, illuminating patches of the water and creating a serene atmosphere. Dense foliage lines both sides of the stream, enhancing the secluded and natural feel of the woodland setting.

Many trails follow old logging roads, making navigation straightforward while still providing a rustic feel.

A trailhead information board at the Mill Run parking lot in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA, featuring maps, rules, and regulations for visitors. The sign is surrounded by tall trees with autumn foliage, creating a natural woodland setting. A nearby wooden sign indicates the location of the Mill Run Trail and the parking lot. The ground is covered with fallen leaves, and sunlight filters through the trees, casting light and shadows on the forest floor. This spot serves as an entry point for hikers exploring the state forest lands.

First-time visitors often explore the Mill Run and Grist Mill trails to create an introductory loop hike of approximately 2.5 miles in length, featuring diverse terrain and stunning woodland views.

A wooden trail sign marks the intersection of the Mill Run Trail and Grist Mill Trail in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA. The sign is weathered and rustic, blending into the forest surroundings. Tall trees and thick underbrush fill the background, with a small stream visible through the dense foliage. The forest floor is covered with fallen leaves, adding to the natural and secluded atmosphere of the area. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the trail.

Those seeking a longer treks can connect several trails for an all-day or multi-day hike.

A rustic wooden footbridge crosses over a small stream in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA, surrounded by dense forest. The bridge has a weathered appearance, with diagonal supports and a narrow wooden deck covered in scattered fallen leaves. Tall trees and thick underbrush line the path on both sides, and sunlight filters through the canopy, casting shadows and light onto the bridge. The tranquil setting reflects the natural, untouched beauty of the woodland area.

Fall is an especially popular time to visit the Quebec Run Wild Area, when the forest bursts into brilliant colors.

A serene creek flows through the Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County, PA, surrounded by dense forest with trees displaying vibrant autumn colors. The water reflects the golden and green hues of the foliage, creating a picturesque scene. The forest floor is covered with leaves and patches of grass, adding to the natural charm of the setting. Tall trees and thick underbrush border the creek, while sunlight filters through the canopy, illuminating the landscape and enhancing the fall atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

With its remote charm and miles of paths, Quebec Run Wild Area is perfect for adventurers looking to get off the beaten path and reconnect with nature.

A narrow wooden footbridge crosses a small stream in the Quebec Run Wild Area, Fayette County, PA, surrounded by dense forest and lush greenery. The bridge is framed by tall trees and thick underbrush, with a red trail marker visible on a nearby tree trunk. Fallen leaves are scattered across the bridge, adding to the natural and rustic atmosphere of the woodland setting. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light onto the trail.

This secluded section of Forbes State Forest provides a peaceful escape, surrounded by natural beauty in a rugged wilderness setting.

A weathered sign marks the entrance to the Quebec Run Wild Area in Fayette County, PA, displaying the name and indicating management by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry. The sign is mounted on a stone base near a gravel road, with a metal guardrail visible to the left. Surrounding the sign are trees displaying fall foliage, adding a colorful and natural backdrop. The area has a rustic, forested appearance, welcoming visitors to this remote and scenic section of the Forbes State Forest.

Nearby Attractions

21 Must-See Attractions in Fayette County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near the Quebec Run Wild Area.

Collage of four seasonal outdoor scenes in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a hiker photographing the autumn foliage, Fallingwater house surrounded by winter snow, a photographer capturing a frozen waterfall, and a person jogging on a wooden bridge amidst vibrant fall colors.

9 Must-See Attractions in the Forbes State Forest is your guide to more outdoor adventures in this state forest which spans over 50,000 acres in Westmoreland, Somerset, and Fayette counties.

Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!


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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.