Hiking just might be the best way to get outdoors and to explore all that Pennsylvania has to offer – from jaw-dropping natural landscapes to wildlife. One of the top trails in the state is, arguably, the Mid State Trail, an epic trail that also holds the distinction of being the longest hiking trail in Pennsylvania. The trail is divided into four regions, making it a bucket-worthy hike.
Embark on an epic adventure along the Mid State Trail, which spans more than 325 miles through Central Pennsylvania, touching both the Maryland and the New York borders.
All Trails/Jennifer Ulmer Expect a challenge whether you plan on hiking some or all of the Mid State Trail, as you’ll encounter some rough terrain.
Although called a trail, the Mid State Trail is technically a footpath, which simply means only walkers – no bikers or horseback riders, for example – are allowed on the trail.
All Trails/Diman Tootaghaj The majority of the Mid State Trail sits on public land. However, some spots are located on private property. The Mid State Trail Association cautions all hikers to behave appropriately on private land.
The longest trail in Pennsylvania is divided into four regions – Everett, State College, Woolrich, and Tioga (from south to north). If you’re up for an unforgettable challenge, consider setting off on what’s known as…
All Trails/Diman Tootaghaj
The Wildest Trail in Pennsylvania. If you start in the Everett Region, which consists of six distinct sections, you’ll pass through Buchanan State Forest, several sections of State Game Land, Williamsburg, and Bedford, Huntington, and Blair Counties.
All Trails/Shawn Staub
Once you’ve made it through Everett, you’ll arrive in the State College Region. If it’s solitude you crave, you’ll find it along this footpath. The Mid State Trail Association, in fact, asserts that you’re likely to meet more bears than people on your hike.
All Trails/Connie Summers
Meander through two forests – Rockrock and Bald Eagle – and several state parks and natural areas, including Poe Valley State Park and Detweiler Run Natural Area.
All Trails/Sandy Wagner
Four sections comprise the Woolrich Region, which will take you through several state forests, state parks, and natural areas. The footpath, in fact, winds through Tioga State Forest, Little Pine State Park, and Wolf Run Wild Area.
All Trails/Allison Sicoli
The final region, the Tioga Region, wanders through Tioga State Forest, several State Game Lands, and Cowanesque Lake.
Flickr/Gerry Dincher
Regardless of which region you hike, you’ll follow the orange rectangular blazes that lead the way. The Mid State Trail also branches off into quite a few other trails, including Standing Stone Trail, Pine Creek Trail, and West Rim Trail.
All Trails/Jeremy Dobrosky
Click here for the official website of Mid State Trail Association, which provides all the information you’ll need to plan your hike. It also features updates on sections of the trail that might be closed.
All Trails/David Bradley
What’s your favorite hiking trail in Pennsylvania? Join the conversation in the comments! The Mid State Trail earned props as Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year in 2019. That title goes to The Ghost Town Trail for 2020
All Trails/Jennifer Ulmer
Expect a challenge whether you plan on hiking some or all of the Mid State Trail, as you’ll encounter some rough terrain.
All Trails/Diman Tootaghaj
The majority of the Mid State Trail sits on public land. However, some spots are located on private property. The Mid State Trail Association cautions all hikers to behave appropriately on private land.
All Trails/Shawn Staub
All Trails/Connie Summers
All Trails/Sandy Wagner
All Trails/Allison Sicoli
Flickr/Gerry Dincher
All Trails/Jeremy Dobrosky
All Trails/David Bradley
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Address: Mid State Trail, Southampton Township, PA 15535, USAAddress: Centre Hall, PA 16828, USAAddress: Mid State Trail, Milroy, PA 17063, USAAddress: State Rte 287, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USAAddress: Mid-State Trail, Tioga, PA 16946, USA
