Category: Big Valley

Valley Vistas

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Photo by Stuck on the Go at Thousand Steps

Kishacoquillas Valley (Big Valley) is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the Juniata River Valley, and we’ve rounded up six spectacular vistas that showcase the region’s rolling farmland, rugged ridgelines, and wide-open skies. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply chasing a picture-perfect overlook, these stops offer unforgettable perspectives of one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful landscapes. Dive in and discover where your next adventure begins.

Thousand Steps– Known as one of the most famous hikes in Pennsylvania, this hike will challenge even the most experienced hiker, but the reward is in the incredible view of Mapleton, the Juniata River, and Route 22 and 655 from the top of the steps. Easily accessed from Route 22, between Mount Union and Huntingdon, the 1,000 steps trailhead starts at the parking area along the main highway. Use GPS coordinates, 40.39169, -77.91420 to find the parking area. This hike covers approximately 850 feet of elevation change over the course of .5 miles and technically, there are 1,037 steps! At the top, not only can you enjoy some fantastic scenic overlooks, but also an old stone quarry, and the ruins of a train shed.

Fun fact- Did you know that the steps were built by the men who worked in the Ledge Quarry at the top of the mountain so they could get to and from work every day?

Jack’s Mountain Overlook- This overlook gives you not only breathtaking view, but two magnificent views of the valleys below. This popular pull-off at the crest of the mountain for vehicles that have made the climb up the steep road from the valleys below affords views of Big Valley on one side of the road and Ferguson Valley on the other side. Starting every fall, volunteers from the Jack’s Mountain Hawk Watch are stationed at the overlook to count the migrating birds above. Stop by and chat with the friendly volunteers to learn about hawks and more!

Stone Mountain Hawk Watch -Located in the Rothrock State Forest near the Mifflin-Huntingdon County line. This scenic overlook features a platform constructed by volunteers from the State College Bird Club and Juniata Valley Audubon for the purpose of observing and recording the fall hawk migration. The hawk watch is located approximately a third of a mile from the parking area along Allensville Road. Use GPS coordinates, 40.56904, -77.82863 to find the parking area. This hike is also part of the Standing Stone Trail and uses orange-blazed markers. From the platform, enjoy views of Big Valley to the east, Rothrock State Forest to the west, and Standing Stone Trail to the south.

Sausser’s Stone Pile– This incredible rock formation and scenic overlook is just a mere .4 miles from Stone Mountain Hawk Watch. Continue north on Standing Stone Trail past the hawk watch sign to reach the stone pile. The 180-degree views when facing Huntingdon County and to the south, you’re facing in the direction of the Thousand Steps. To the north, you’re facing Greenwood Furnace State Park. Look west and look down about 50 yards to see the stacked-stone feature called “Indian Outlook.”

Big Valley Vista is located along Millheim Pike in Mifflin County in Bald Eagle State Forest. Use GPS coordinates 40.78464, -77.51479 to guide you to this excellent view 3 miles northeast of Siglerville. No hiking required!

New Lancaster Valley Vista is located along Locust Ridge Road in Snyder County in Bald Eagle State Forest. Use GPS coordinates 40.79362, -77.31011 to navigate to this extraordinary vista facing Milroy and Mifflin County in the distance. No hiking required!

Amish of the Kishacoquillas Valley

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Kishacoquillas Valley is unique in that there are three distinct Amish Groups with three different colored buggies.

Byler Amish

The Byler Amish, a small and conservative subgroup of the Amish, have their roots in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, where they formed after a division from the Lancaster County Amish in 1849. Known locally as “Alt Gemee,” meaning “Old Church,” this community is distinct for its adherence to traditional practices, including the unique yellow buggies that earned them the nickname “yellow-toppers.” Their commitment to simplicity is also reflected in their dress, with men wearing only a single suspender as part of their attire, which is unique to Kishacoquillas Valley.

Peachey (Renno) Amish

The Peachey, or Renno, Amish—often called the “black-toppers.” They follow traditional Amish customs, including shunning. Men may wear a single suspender, unique to Kishacoquillas Valley, and women wear black bonnets. Homes are often painted white with red barns, and carpets, curtains, and screens are commonly used. Indoor plumbing is also permitted. Their black buggies are square in shape and are closed in for daily life.

Nebraska Amish

The Nebraska Amish, known as the “white-toppers” for their white buggy covering, are  the most conservative Amish groups in the country. Despite their name, they are centered in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania.

Men wear white shirts, brown or denim trousers, and wide-brimmed hats, while women wear long dark dresses, with scarfs as head coverings. Their bishops, ministers and deacons ware gray coats and trousers.  Their buggies are open sided even during the winter.  Homes and barns are often left unpainted, and items like curtains, screens, and carpets are sometimes avoided to keep life simple.