Nothing quite compares to getting outdoors among nature. Breathing in the fresh air. Feeling the golden sunshine on our skin. Listening to nature’s harmony. Fortunately, we live in a state that’s brimming with hiking trails – no matter where you live in the state. You’ll find hiking trails for beginners, and you’ll discover trails that will test your skills. Here, in fact, are nine of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
- Quehanna Loop Trail
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli Keep an eye out for elk as you hike through Moshannon and Elk State Forests on the Quehanna Loop Trail. The epic 70-mile trail boasts spectacular natural scenery, including forests, lush meadows, and picturesque streams. Start your hike at the Parker State Dam Trailhead. Click here for a map.
- Falls Trail
Flickr/Bobo Uzula A trip to Ricketts Glen State Park would certainly be incomplete without a hike along Falls Trail. Home to a stunning 22 waterfalls, the park’s popular Falls Trail leads you past 21 of them, including the jaw dropping 90-foot Ganoga Falls (pictured above). The epic hiking trail is recommended for hikers in good shape as the terrain is often rough and wet. Find a map here.
- Golden Eagle Trail
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli Drink in unforgettable views of Pine Creek Gorge when you hike along the Golden Eagle Trail. The trail spans just about nine miles, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Be sure you wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water as you embark on this challenging yet epic trail. Find the map here.
- Thousand Steps Trail
Flickr/David Fulmer Test your stamina when you embark on the Thousand Steps Trail. Yes, there really are 1,000 steps for you to climb along this unforgettable trail that’s part of the award-winning Standing Stone Trail. The nearly 10-mile hike will take you to several vistas, including Mount Union Incline Vista and Mapleton Overlook. Click here for more information.
- The Appalachian Trail
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli Part of the world-famous Appalachian Trail runs right through PA. The trail passes through such Pennsylvania towns as Boiling Springs, Duncannon, and the Delaware Water Gap. The trail spans 229 miles in Pennsylvania with many of those miles considered easy hiking. However, be prepared for some challenges, including steep drops near rivers. Learn more here.
- Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Trail Loop
Flickr/Joe Coyle Also a part of the Appalachian Trail, the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Trail Loop spans nearly nine miles. The moderately difficult trail is one of the most popular trails in the state because of its breathtaking vistas. Drink in jaw dropping views from Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle. Customize your directions here.
- Hickory Creek Wilderness Area Trail
Flickr/The Cut Discover the pure beauty of nature along the Hickory Creek Wilderness Area Trail. At just over 12 miles, the moderate loop trail promises plenty of opportunities to see native wildlife. Follow the signs along the trail to guide you. Click here for more information.
- Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Flickr/Wally Gobetz The 24 miles of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail will take you through the diverse neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, including the North Side and Oakland. The picturesque trail connects to the Great Allegheny Passage which leads to Maryland. Find a map here.
- Canyon Vista Trail
Flickr/Jim Rhoades Nestled in Worlds End State Park, the Canyon Vista Trail loop spans four miles and promises spectacular views of Loyalsock Creek Gorge. Hikers, however, should be in good shape and wear sturdy hiking boots. The trail is considered challenging, dotted with rock gardens and steep hills. Here’s a map of Worlds End State Park.
What do you think are some of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania? Which hiking trails would you add to a part two of this list? Let us know in the comments! Here are 10 other epic hiking spots in Pennsylvania you’ll definitely want to check out.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Keep an eye out for elk as you hike through Moshannon and Elk State Forests on the Quehanna Loop Trail. The epic 70-mile trail boasts spectacular natural scenery, including forests, lush meadows, and picturesque streams. Start your hike at the Parker State Dam Trailhead. Click here for a map.
Flickr/Bobo Uzula
A trip to Ricketts Glen State Park would certainly be incomplete without a hike along Falls Trail. Home to a stunning 22 waterfalls, the park’s popular Falls Trail leads you past 21 of them, including the jaw dropping 90-foot Ganoga Falls (pictured above). The epic hiking trail is recommended for hikers in good shape as the terrain is often rough and wet. Find a map here.
Drink in unforgettable views of Pine Creek Gorge when you hike along the Golden Eagle Trail. The trail spans just about nine miles, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Be sure you wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water as you embark on this challenging yet epic trail. Find the map here.
Flickr/David Fulmer
Test your stamina when you embark on the Thousand Steps Trail. Yes, there really are 1,000 steps for you to climb along this unforgettable trail that’s part of the award-winning Standing Stone Trail. The nearly 10-mile hike will take you to several vistas, including Mount Union Incline Vista and Mapleton Overlook. Click here for more information.
Part of the world-famous Appalachian Trail runs right through PA. The trail passes through such Pennsylvania towns as Boiling Springs, Duncannon, and the Delaware Water Gap. The trail spans 229 miles in Pennsylvania with many of those miles considered easy hiking. However, be prepared for some challenges, including steep drops near rivers. Learn more here.
Flickr/Joe Coyle
Also a part of the Appalachian Trail, the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Trail Loop spans nearly nine miles. The moderately difficult trail is one of the most popular trails in the state because of its breathtaking vistas. Drink in jaw dropping views from Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle. Customize your directions here.
Flickr/The Cut
Discover the pure beauty of nature along the Hickory Creek Wilderness Area Trail. At just over 12 miles, the moderate loop trail promises plenty of opportunities to see native wildlife. Follow the signs along the trail to guide you. Click here for more information.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
The 24 miles of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail will take you through the diverse neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, including the North Side and Oakland. The picturesque trail connects to the Great Allegheny Passage which leads to Maryland. Find a map here.
Flickr/Jim Rhoades
Nestled in Worlds End State Park, the Canyon Vista Trail loop spans four miles and promises spectacular views of Loyalsock Creek Gorge. Hikers, however, should be in good shape and wear sturdy hiking boots. The trail is considered challenging, dotted with rock gardens and steep hills. Here’s a map of Worlds End State Park.
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Address: Elk State Forest, Benezette Township, PA 15868, USAAddress: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USAAddress: Pine Creek Gorge, Watson Township, PA 17740, USAAddress: Thousand Steps - Standing Stone Trail, William Penn Hwy, Mapleton, PA 17052, USAAddress: Appalachian Trail, United StatesAddress: Reservoir Rd, Hamburg, PA 19526, USAAddress: State Rte 2002, Tidioute, PA 16351, USAAddress: Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh, PA, USAAddress: PA-154, Muncy Valley, PA 17758, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Pennsylvania May 09, 2020 Beth Price-Williams Are there any other places I should go hiking in Pennsylvania? You’ll find a ton of places to go hiking in Pennsylvania, no matter what corner of the state you live in. If you’re in the mood for an enchanting hike, follow the Thick Mountain and Swift Run Trail. The fairy-talesque trail spans just 3.3 miles and features such scenic beauty as footbridges, a flowing stream, and old growth trees. You’ll even pass the remains of a long-ago plane crash. If you’d like to embark on a Pennsylvania hike specifically to see the remains of a plane crash, set off on the James Cleveland Memorial Trail on Mount Nittany. At the top of the mountain, you’ll see a memorial which includes some wreckage from the crash that occurred in 1931. The trail also boasts spectacular views of the landscape below. You might even want to bring a picnic to enjoy at the trailhead, which features picnic tables. What are the best outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania? Outdoor adventures abound in Pennsylvania. You’ll find everything from tubing on a river to ziplining. If it’s river tubing you enjoy during the summer, look no further than the Delaware River. Bucks County River Country offers tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting adventures. Trips last between two and four hours. For an unforgettable day of non-stop thrills, make a beeline for Camelback Mountain Adventure Park. The park offers a fast-paced mountain coaster, ziplining, and the Euro Bungee. You can even go rock climbing and go on a ropes course. What are the most remote places in Pennsylvania? One of the most remote places in Pennsylvania, Hammersley Wild Area doesn’t allow motor vehicles and boasts the largest section of land without a road in the state. You can explore the remote, breathtaking setting by following the Twin Sisters Trail. The eight-mile hike, which is rated moderate, features such spellbinding natural beauty as forests, meadows, and flowing water. Be prepared for spotty cell service along the predominately flat trail.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Pennsylvania
May 09, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
Are there any other places I should go hiking in Pennsylvania? You’ll find a ton of places to go hiking in Pennsylvania, no matter what corner of the state you live in. If you’re in the mood for an enchanting hike, follow the Thick Mountain and Swift Run Trail. The fairy-talesque trail spans just 3.3 miles and features such scenic beauty as footbridges, a flowing stream, and old growth trees. You’ll even pass the remains of a long-ago plane crash. If you’d like to embark on a Pennsylvania hike specifically to see the remains of a plane crash, set off on the James Cleveland Memorial Trail on Mount Nittany. At the top of the mountain, you’ll see a memorial which includes some wreckage from the crash that occurred in 1931. The trail also boasts spectacular views of the landscape below. You might even want to bring a picnic to enjoy at the trailhead, which features picnic tables. What are the best outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania? Outdoor adventures abound in Pennsylvania. You’ll find everything from tubing on a river to ziplining. If it’s river tubing you enjoy during the summer, look no further than the Delaware River. Bucks County River Country offers tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting adventures. Trips last between two and four hours. For an unforgettable day of non-stop thrills, make a beeline for Camelback Mountain Adventure Park. The park offers a fast-paced mountain coaster, ziplining, and the Euro Bungee. You can even go rock climbing and go on a ropes course. What are the most remote places in Pennsylvania? One of the most remote places in Pennsylvania, Hammersley Wild Area doesn’t allow motor vehicles and boasts the largest section of land without a road in the state. You can explore the remote, breathtaking setting by following the Twin Sisters Trail. The eight-mile hike, which is rated moderate, features such spellbinding natural beauty as forests, meadows, and flowing water. Be prepared for spotty cell service along the predominately flat trail.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You’ll find a ton of places to go hiking in Pennsylvania, no matter what corner of the state you live in. If you’re in the mood for an enchanting hike, follow the Thick Mountain and Swift Run Trail. The fairy-talesque trail spans just 3.3 miles and features such scenic beauty as footbridges, a flowing stream, and old growth trees. You’ll even pass the remains of a long-ago plane crash.
If you’d like to embark on a Pennsylvania hike specifically to see the remains of a plane crash, set off on the James Cleveland Memorial Trail on Mount Nittany. At the top of the mountain, you’ll see a memorial which includes some wreckage from the crash that occurred in 1931. The trail also boasts spectacular views of the landscape below. You might even want to bring a picnic to enjoy at the trailhead, which features picnic tables.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania?
Outdoor adventures abound in Pennsylvania. You’ll find everything from tubing on a river to ziplining. If it’s river tubing you enjoy during the summer, look no further than the Delaware River. Bucks County River Country offers tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting adventures. Trips last between two and four hours.
For an unforgettable day of non-stop thrills, make a beeline for Camelback Mountain Adventure Park. The park offers a fast-paced mountain coaster, ziplining, and the Euro Bungee. You can even go rock climbing and go on a ropes course.
What are the most remote places in Pennsylvania?
One of the most remote places in Pennsylvania, Hammersley Wild Area doesn’t allow motor vehicles and boasts the largest section of land without a road in the state. You can explore the remote, breathtaking setting by following the Twin Sisters Trail. The eight-mile hike, which is rated moderate, features such spellbinding natural beauty as forests, meadows, and flowing water. Be prepared for spotty cell service along the predominately flat trail.
