Squak Mountain’s trail can look like a spider web on a map, but the park’s signs make it pretty easy to navigate.  If running a steady climb and descent, running a loop around the summits might be the best option.  For an 8.5 mile loop, start at the main entrance on May Valley.  Head up the May Valley Loop Trail for a steep two-mile, 1500′ ascent.  Take a left at the Perimeter Loop-Bullitt Gorge junction and continue climbing on Perimeter Loop Trail for another half of a mile.  Most of the clamber on this loop is now done. Descend for another quarter of a mile and continue down Chybinski Loop and Bullitt Fireplace Trail.  The halfway point of the run is at the East Side Trail junction.

 

Zach Knabe at the halfway point of the loop around Squak Mountain from May Valley Trailhead.

 

 

Turn right on East Side Trail for one and a half miles of easy downhill to the East Side Ridge Trail junction. Continue right for a tough uphill to the Phil’s Creek Trail.  Turn left to descend on Phil’s Creek.  Continue on Phil’s Connector for half a mile, then turn left on the Equestrian Loop Trail.  Take the switchbacks down Equestrian Loop Trail to May Valley Loop Trail to finish the loop.