The 10 Best Hikes in Pennsylvania
Sep 14, 2020
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Spring is right around the corner. In Pennsylvania, that means it’s the perfect time for a hike. Whether you like to stay local or travel far away, there’s an adventure for everyone. Dust off your boots, pull out your pack and take a look at these magnificent trails that make up the 10 best hikes in Pennsylvania.
1. The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic routes on the East Coast. It’s more than 2,000 miles long and extends from Maine to Georgia. In Pennsylvania, you can hike nearly 230 miles of it. Start your hike in Chambersburg and end it just above Harrisburg – or vice versa. You’ll discover a variety of terrains that vary in difficulty, so both beginners and experts are welcome.
2. The Laurel Highlands
Trail
Located in southwestern
Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands Trail spans 70 miles. You can find entrances
between Ohiopyle State Park and Johnstown. Check out the beautiful sights of canyons
and rivers as you hike, and as a bonus, this trail is a major part of the
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. After you’ve finished, be sure to hit
the Fallingwater Loop Trail, which surrounds Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home.
3. The Fall Brook Trail
Salt Springs State Park in
Susquehanna County offers the Fall Brook Trail. At only a mile long, this trail
is an excellent option for those who don’t want to commit to a more strenuous
hike. On your journey, you’ll get up close and personal with three waterfalls.
4. The Standing Stone Trail
Central Pennsylvania boasts
the Standing Stone Trail where hikers can explore several valleys as they walk the 84-mile
expanse. In Mount Union, you can climb the Thousand Steps path – a
series of stone steps built into the mountainside. The Standing Stone Trail is
a section of the Great Eastern Trail, which starts in Alaska and ends in New
York.
5. The Great Allegheny
Passage
This route is a favorite
amongst cyclists around the country, beginning in Pittsburgh and concluding in
Washington, D.C. While many choose to ride their bikes on this 335-mile trail,
hikers are more than welcome.
6. The Falls Trail
The Falls Trail is one of
the most impressive in the state. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania at
Ricketts Glen State Park, it challenges hikers in the best way possible. You
can see over 20 waterfalls in the span of seven miles – which makes for an
incredibly special trip.
7. The Nottingham Serpentine
Barrens
Are you after a glimpse of
unique landscapes and wildlife? If so, the Nottingham Serpentine Barrens
offers rare serpentine
grassland fields and animals that you can’t find anywhere else. Located in
southeastern Pennsylvania, the 650-acre park provides a few different trails
that are all easy to navigate.
8. Presque Isle State Park
If you find yourself in Erie
for the day, be sure to check out Presque Isle State Park. The trails encompass
10 miles of this national natural landmark where you can walk alongside one of
the Great Lakes and see different birds in their natural habitats.
9. The Flat Rock Trail
Head to central Pennsylvania
to hike the Flat Rock Trail in Colonel Denning State Park. Though relatively
short, this trail offers rigorous ground that pushes the limits of even the
most seasoned adventurers. Nevertheless, the incredible view at the top of Blue
Mountain is worth the hard work.
10. The North Country Trail
In northwestern
Pennsylvania, you’ll discover a 175-mile long
section of
the North Country Trail. Check out the beauty of McConnell’s Mill State Park
and Cooks Forest State Park. This path extends from New York to North Dakota,
and you’ll find many scenic overlooks and spaces for camping.
Discover The Best Hikes in Pennsylvania
Start your spring off right with one of the 10 best hikes in Pennsylvania. From waterfalls to native wildlife, nature lovers will find everything they could ever dream of. Make a plan to get out and take a hike.
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