We can all probably agree that hiking’s one of the best outdoor activities, no matter the time of the year. We’ve lucky enough to live in a state that’s brimming with trails – ranging from easy to difficult – that run through large cities, small towns, forest, and state parks. Hiking is a fun way to spend time with family, friends, or to unwind by yourself. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
- Fern Rock Nature Trail, Sullivan County
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Found near Worlds End State Park, Fern Rock Nature Trail is a high altitude mountain trail sure to thrill. It clocks in at just over two miles and boasts a ton of beautiful scenery, including lush hemlock trees and ferns. The trail is rated easy, making it ideal for hikers with kiddos and pets. Find more information and a trail map on All Trails.
- Black Forest Trail, Lycoming County
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Most likely you will not hike the entire Black Forest Trail in one trip– it’s 43 miles long. If you’re up for a challenge, this is it. The trail is both long and rated difficult. However, it offers some spectacular rewards, including a gorgeous waterfall. Learn more on All Trails.
- Golden Eagle Trail, Lycoming County
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Located in Tiadaghton State Forest, Golden Eagle Trail is located mainly within Wolf Run Wild Area, one of 16 wild areas in Pennsylvania. The 10.6-mile trail is rated difficult and proves challenging for even the most experienced hikers. You will be rewarded with beautiful views if you’re up for the challenge. Learn more on All Trails.
- Appalachian Trail, Monroe County
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Truth be told, there are many points at which you can hike the Appalachian Trail. In Monroe County, the trail will have you walking along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you’ll have some excellent views. You can learn more about hiking the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania by visiting the official website of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
- Glacier Pools Preserve, Lycoming County
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Glacier Pools Preserve is known for its Mount Laurel, which are gorgeous white flowers that bloom along the trails. You can choose from one of several trails, the shortest tallying just .01 of a mile and the longest spanning 1.9 miles. Head over to the official website of Glacier Ponds Preserve for more information, including trail maps.
- Pinchot Trail, Lackawanna County
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Located in Lackawanna State Forest, the Pinchot Trail is a 23-mile footpath. Follow the orange blazes on the trail that’s rated moderate and that’s popular with hikers with dogs. Be prepared to get a bit muddy, especially if you’re visiting after a rainfall. Find a trail map and more information on the Pinchot Trail on All Trails.
- Frances Slocum State Park, Lucerne County
Flickr/Bri This park surrounds Frances Slocum Lake, which is a horseshoe-shaped manmade lake popular for recreation such as fishing and boating. The park boasts nearly 14 miles of hiking trails, rated easy to difficult. If you’re up for a short hike, head out on the half-mile Bluebird Trail, where you’ll trek through forests and fields. Head over to the official website of Frances Slocum State Park.
- Ringing Rocks County Park Trails
Flickr/Gavin M. Moore Ringing Rocks County Park is a popular destination for its unique ringing rocks, but it also has gorgeous trails on which you can spend a leisurely afternoon. Follow the .09-mile Ringing Rocks Trail, which is rated easy, to reach the musical rocks (don’t forget your hammer). Along the way, you’ll pass a waterfall. Find a map and more information on the Ringing Rocks Trail on All Trails.
- Alan Seeger Natural Area, Huntingdon County
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Alan Seeger Natural Area is super cool, because it is mostly untouched by humans. Follow the .08-mile Alan Seeger Trail, rated moderate, that’s particularly pretty in the spring when it’s flanked by wildflowers. Learn more about the Alan Seeger Trail on All Trails.
- Ralph Stover State Park, Bucks County
Josh Delp/ Flickr Ralph Stover State Park is not only a popular destination for hiking, but also for whitewater kayaking on Tohickon Creek. However, if it’s hiking you’re after, you’ll have a single mile trail to follow. The trail will take you along the flowing creek and to an historic bridge. Head over to the official website of Ralph Stover State Park to learn more.
Do you agree that these are some of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania? What trails would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments! Then check out these nine hiking trails in Pennsylvania, also among the state’s best.
Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr
Found near Worlds End State Park, Fern Rock Nature Trail is a high altitude mountain trail sure to thrill. It clocks in at just over two miles and boasts a ton of beautiful scenery, including lush hemlock trees and ferns. The trail is rated easy, making it ideal for hikers with kiddos and pets. Find more information and a trail map on All Trails.
Most likely you will not hike the entire Black Forest Trail in one trip– it’s 43 miles long. If you’re up for a challenge, this is it. The trail is both long and rated difficult. However, it offers some spectacular rewards, including a gorgeous waterfall. Learn more on All Trails.
Located in Tiadaghton State Forest, Golden Eagle Trail is located mainly within Wolf Run Wild Area, one of 16 wild areas in Pennsylvania. The 10.6-mile trail is rated difficult and proves challenging for even the most experienced hikers. You will be rewarded with beautiful views if you’re up for the challenge. Learn more on All Trails.
Truth be told, there are many points at which you can hike the Appalachian Trail. In Monroe County, the trail will have you walking along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you’ll have some excellent views. You can learn more about hiking the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania by visiting the official website of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Glacier Pools Preserve is known for its Mount Laurel, which are gorgeous white flowers that bloom along the trails. You can choose from one of several trails, the shortest tallying just .01 of a mile and the longest spanning 1.9 miles. Head over to the official website of Glacier Ponds Preserve for more information, including trail maps.
Located in Lackawanna State Forest, the Pinchot Trail is a 23-mile footpath. Follow the orange blazes on the trail that’s rated moderate and that’s popular with hikers with dogs. Be prepared to get a bit muddy, especially if you’re visiting after a rainfall. Find a trail map and more information on the Pinchot Trail on All Trails.
Flickr/Bri
This park surrounds Frances Slocum Lake, which is a horseshoe-shaped manmade lake popular for recreation such as fishing and boating. The park boasts nearly 14 miles of hiking trails, rated easy to difficult. If you’re up for a short hike, head out on the half-mile Bluebird Trail, where you’ll trek through forests and fields. Head over to the official website of Frances Slocum State Park.
Flickr/Gavin M. Moore
Ringing Rocks County Park is a popular destination for its unique ringing rocks, but it also has gorgeous trails on which you can spend a leisurely afternoon. Follow the .09-mile Ringing Rocks Trail, which is rated easy, to reach the musical rocks (don’t forget your hammer). Along the way, you’ll pass a waterfall. Find a map and more information on the Ringing Rocks Trail on All Trails.
Alan Seeger Natural Area is super cool, because it is mostly untouched by humans. Follow the .08-mile Alan Seeger Trail, rated moderate, that’s particularly pretty in the spring when it’s flanked by wildflowers. Learn more about the Alan Seeger Trail on All Trails.
Josh Delp/ Flickr
Ralph Stover State Park is not only a popular destination for hiking, but also for whitewater kayaking on Tohickon Creek. However, if it’s hiking you’re after, you’ll have a single mile trail to follow. The trail will take you along the flowing creek and to an historic bridge. Head over to the official website of Ralph Stover State Park to learn more.
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Address: Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USAAddress: Slate Run, PA 17769, USAAddress: Golden Eagle Trail, State Rte 414, Cammal, PA 17723, USAAddress: Appalachian Trail, Pennsylvania, USAAddress: 757 Pine Tree Rd, Hughesville, PA 17737, USAAddress: Lackawanna State Forest, Buck River Rd, Thornhurst Township, PA 18424, USAAddress: 567 Mt Olivet Rd, Wyoming, PA 18644, USAAddress: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USAAddress: Alan Seeger Natural Area, Huntingdon, PA 16652, USAAddress: 6011 State Park Rd, Pipersville, PA 18947, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking Trails In Pennsylvania March 23, 2021 Beth Price-Williams What are the most beautiful hikes in Pennsylvania? We have no shortage of places to hike in Pennsylvania – from trails that wind through big cities and small towns to those that meander through forests and state parks. The two-mile Hector Falls Trail, for example, runs through Allegheny National Forest and boasts such natural beauty as a waterfall, lush forest trees, and a boulder. At just under two miles, the Stairway Lake Trail in Delaware State Forest clocks in at just shy of three miles, and a lot of beauty is packed in those short miles. Journey through the forest, over picturesque footbridges, and to a shimmering lake. Which hikes in Pennsylvania are short and sweet? On the lookout for outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania? You’ll find plenty of them in some of the most unique short and sweet hikes the state has to offer. Seven Tubs Nature Area in Wilkes-Barre, for example, is an idyllic destination for an adventure, any time of the year. Follow the 1.8-mile trail that will lead you past a series of natural tubs, a waterfall, and even a fairy house. Angel Falls Trail in Loyalsock State Forest is another short and sweet hike. The trail clocks in at just under 2.5 miles and leads to the 70-foot Angel Falls. What are the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania? Spend time among Pennsylvania nature on one of the best waterfall hikes in the state, maybe even the country. Falls Trail winds over seven miles through Ricketts Glen State Park and boasts 21 waterfalls. It’s a challenging hike, but well-worth it if you’re up for that challenge. The highlight of the trail is, undoubtedly, the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. For an easy waterfall trail, follow Pigeon Run Falls Trail in Allegheny National Forest. The trail spans just two miles and is rated easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Natural features include Pigeon Falls and babbling brooks.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking Trails In Pennsylvania
March 23, 2021
Beth Price-Williams
What are the most beautiful hikes in Pennsylvania? We have no shortage of places to hike in Pennsylvania – from trails that wind through big cities and small towns to those that meander through forests and state parks. The two-mile Hector Falls Trail, for example, runs through Allegheny National Forest and boasts such natural beauty as a waterfall, lush forest trees, and a boulder. At just under two miles, the Stairway Lake Trail in Delaware State Forest clocks in at just shy of three miles, and a lot of beauty is packed in those short miles. Journey through the forest, over picturesque footbridges, and to a shimmering lake. Which hikes in Pennsylvania are short and sweet? On the lookout for outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania? You’ll find plenty of them in some of the most unique short and sweet hikes the state has to offer. Seven Tubs Nature Area in Wilkes-Barre, for example, is an idyllic destination for an adventure, any time of the year. Follow the 1.8-mile trail that will lead you past a series of natural tubs, a waterfall, and even a fairy house. Angel Falls Trail in Loyalsock State Forest is another short and sweet hike. The trail clocks in at just under 2.5 miles and leads to the 70-foot Angel Falls. What are the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania? Spend time among Pennsylvania nature on one of the best waterfall hikes in the state, maybe even the country. Falls Trail winds over seven miles through Ricketts Glen State Park and boasts 21 waterfalls. It’s a challenging hike, but well-worth it if you’re up for that challenge. The highlight of the trail is, undoubtedly, the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. For an easy waterfall trail, follow Pigeon Run Falls Trail in Allegheny National Forest. The trail spans just two miles and is rated easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Natural features include Pigeon Falls and babbling brooks.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We have no shortage of places to hike in Pennsylvania – from trails that wind through big cities and small towns to those that meander through forests and state parks. The two-mile Hector Falls Trail, for example, runs through Allegheny National Forest and boasts such natural beauty as a waterfall, lush forest trees, and a boulder. At just under two miles, the Stairway Lake Trail in Delaware State Forest clocks in at just shy of three miles, and a lot of beauty is packed in those short miles. Journey through the forest, over picturesque footbridges, and to a shimmering lake.
Which hikes in Pennsylvania are short and sweet?
On the lookout for outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania? You’ll find plenty of them in some of the most unique short and sweet hikes the state has to offer. Seven Tubs Nature Area in Wilkes-Barre, for example, is an idyllic destination for an adventure, any time of the year. Follow the 1.8-mile trail that will lead you past a series of natural tubs, a waterfall, and even a fairy house. Angel Falls Trail in Loyalsock State Forest is another short and sweet hike. The trail clocks in at just under 2.5 miles and leads to the 70-foot Angel Falls.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania?
Spend time among Pennsylvania nature on one of the best waterfall hikes in the state, maybe even the country. Falls Trail winds over seven miles through Ricketts Glen State Park and boasts 21 waterfalls. It’s a challenging hike, but well-worth it if you’re up for that challenge. The highlight of the trail is, undoubtedly, the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. For an easy waterfall trail, follow Pigeon Run Falls Trail in Allegheny National Forest. The trail spans just two miles and is rated easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Natural features include Pigeon Falls and babbling brooks.
