Back by popular demand: Thousand Steps!

First, to clear up a popular myth or misunderstanding, there are actually MORE THAN 1,000 stone steps to climb at "Thousands Steps."

Thousand Steps refers to a steep segment of the Standing Stone Trail ascending from the Juniata River water gap carved through Jacks Mountain over the eons. The steps were constructed by hardy silica quarry workers in the 1930s, more than 80 years ago; like the Dwarves in JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, these skilled stalwarts and stonemasons laboriously and meticulously placed and stabilized more than 1,000 sturdy stone steps from the abundant rocks at hand to build a magnificent "stairway to heaven."

Did the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin check out the Thousand Steps before they wrote their most famous song half a century ago?

Needless to say, this is a strenuous, challenging hike, but only about 3 miles long (up and down). Once we ascend those rugged steps, we'll walk nearly horizontally along a ledge or old quarry road for awhile to take in various views, with a little additional climbing on the SST to reach the last one. While climbing tests the heart and lungs, descending is tough on the knees.

Stunning views await the hardy hiker in a couple of directions at the top of the Thousand Steps. At one, hikers gaze down upon the Juniata River a thousand feet below and on the village of Mapleton, as well as US 22 and railroad tracks bustling with freight trains.

FOR THOSE COMING FROM STATE COLLEGE, WE WILL MEET AT 12 NOON AT THE JO HAYS VISTA ON RTE 26 ON THE CREST OF TUSSEY MOUNTAIN ABOVE PINE GROVE MILLS AND CARPOOL TO THE STANDING STONE TRAILHEAD FROM HERE.

Alternatively, those wishing to drive straight to the trailhead along US 22 between Mapleton and Mt. Union can meet us there at about 12:45 p.m.

To get to the trailhead from Jo Hays Vista, we will drive along routes 26, 305 (through Greenwood Furnace State Park and up and over Stone Mtn) down into Big Valley to Belleville, then down 655 along the length of Big (Kish) Valley, to US 22, then head east to the parking area and trailhead on the left side.