Nothing really compares to spending time outdoors, taking deep breaths of the fresh air. That’s just one of the reasons hiking is one of the best outdoor activities. If you’ve never really hiked before or it’s been a while, you’ll find an abundance of beginner-friendly hiking trails in Pennsylvania, each of which boasts spectacular natural beauty.
- Dingmans Creek Trail – Dingmans Ferry
All Trais/Talia Aesir Bring the whole family along for this beautiful and easy trail that leads straight to Dingman Falls. The scenic trail spans 1.4 miles and can get really crowded with foot traffic. However, it’s definitely worth the crowds to see the waterfall.
- Tucquan Glen Loop Trail – Holtwood
All Trails/Stephanie Swavely Tucked in Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve, the Tucquan Glen Loop Trail appeals to hikers of all ages and skill levels. The 2.6-mile trail, which welcomes both dogs and horses, features a beautiful waterfall and a flowing creek. Just be prepared as the trail can get muddy after a rainfall.
- Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail – Philadelphia
All Trails/Jamie Goldsman If you’re in the mood for spending the day outdoors, check out the Wissahickon Creek Gorge Trail. The beginner-friendly hiking trail spans just over nine miles. You’ll run into some rocky spots, but it’s all worth it for the breathtaking waterfall, arguably the highlight of the trail.
- Highland Trail – Blakeslee
All Trails/Regina Willis The Highland Trail in Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area promises an abundance of beauty. Spanning 2.2 scenic miles, the popular hiking trail can get pretty busy, especially when it’s warm. Highlights of the trail include a gushing waterfall and a flowing river.
- Orchard Trail – White Haven
All Trails/David Garfinkel The Orchard Trail meanders along three miles in Hickory Run State Park. Rated easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels, the picturesque trail offers a little bit of everything – from a flowing waterfall to towering hemlock trees.
- Chickies Rock Overlook Trail – West Hempfield Township
All Trails/Mindy M. Stroll through a forested area on the Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, which is just under a mile long. The beginner-friendly trail is also ideal for the kiddos and leads to an overlook with sweeping views of the landscape.
- North Shore Riverfront Trail – Pittsburgh
All Trails/Sam G. Winding through Pittsburgh, the North Shore Riverfront Trail is part of the larger Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The North Shore Riverfront Trail stretches just over 10 miles and boasts sensational views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline as you meander alongside the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers.
What are your favorite beginner-friendly hiking trails in Pennsylvania? Join the conversation in the comments! If you’re up for another easy hiking trail, set off on the three-mile North Warwick Trail in Pottstown.
All Trais/Talia Aesir
Bring the whole family along for this beautiful and easy trail that leads straight to Dingman Falls. The scenic trail spans 1.4 miles and can get really crowded with foot traffic. However, it’s definitely worth the crowds to see the waterfall.
All Trails/Stephanie Swavely
Tucked in Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve, the Tucquan Glen Loop Trail appeals to hikers of all ages and skill levels. The 2.6-mile trail, which welcomes both dogs and horses, features a beautiful waterfall and a flowing creek. Just be prepared as the trail can get muddy after a rainfall.
All Trails/Jamie Goldsman
If you’re in the mood for spending the day outdoors, check out the Wissahickon Creek Gorge Trail. The beginner-friendly hiking trail spans just over nine miles. You’ll run into some rocky spots, but it’s all worth it for the breathtaking waterfall, arguably the highlight of the trail.
All Trails/Regina Willis
The Highland Trail in Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area promises an abundance of beauty. Spanning 2.2 scenic miles, the popular hiking trail can get pretty busy, especially when it’s warm. Highlights of the trail include a gushing waterfall and a flowing river.
All Trails/David Garfinkel
The Orchard Trail meanders along three miles in Hickory Run State Park. Rated easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels, the picturesque trail offers a little bit of everything – from a flowing waterfall to towering hemlock trees.
All Trails/Mindy M.
Stroll through a forested area on the Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, which is just under a mile long. The beginner-friendly trail is also ideal for the kiddos and leads to an overlook with sweeping views of the landscape.
All Trails/Sam G.
Winding through Pittsburgh, the North Shore Riverfront Trail is part of the larger Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The North Shore Riverfront Trail stretches just over 10 miles and boasts sensational views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline as you meander alongside the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers.
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Address: State Rte 3017, Holtwood, PA 17532, USAAddress: Wissahickon Creek, Pennsylvania, USAAddress: Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, 20 PA-115, Blakeslee, PA 18610, USAAddress: Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USAAddress: Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, Columbia, PA 17512, USAAddress: North Shore, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA
