Kids have so much energy that it’s sometimes tough to tire them out. Add that to the fact that a lot of kids today would rather be using technology instead of playing outside, and we sometimes face a challenge when coaxing kids outdoors. Hiking is the perfect activity, any time of the year, for the whole family. It might even spark a lifelong love of the outdoors. Here are six kid-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania that the kids are sure to love.
- Cucumber Falls – Ohiopyle
All Trails/Alisha Fine Can you think of a better way to spend time with the kiddos than hiking to a beautiful waterfall? The hike to Cucumber Falls, tucked in Ohiopyle State Park, is more of a leisurely walk down a pair of stairs, but it’s well worth it for the views. The kids can admire the waterfall from above then go down the stairs for views of the base. You can even walk behind Cucumber Falls for a unique perspective. Here’s the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
- Chickies Rock Overlook Trail – Columbia
All Trails/Tara Griffin Clocking in at just under a mile, Chickies Rock Overlook Trail is short, sweet, and absolutely beautiful. It can also get really busy, so be prepared for crowds if you go on a nice day. The wooded path leads to an overlook, which boasts sweeping views of the Susquehanna River. Stop by All Trails for more information on Chickies Rock Overlook Trail.
- Beam Rock Trail – Somerset
All Trails/Casey R. Beam Rock Trail meanders .09 of a mile through Laurel Summit State Park. The trail leads to an overlook, where you can admire the view. Beam Rock, and the surrounding rocks, are also popular with kids, who like to climb on them. Check out the official website of Laurel Summit State Park.
- Ringing Rocks Trail – Upper Black Eddy
All Trails/Alison Crouse Don’t forget your hammer when you set off on the Ringing Rocks Trail, a fun trail for kids and adults. The .09 of a mile trail boasts a cascading waterfall, but the highlight is definitely the ringing rocks. Gently tap the rocks in the boulder field to hear them chime. Find more on the official website of Ringing Rocks County Park.
- Falling Run Nature Trail – Sandy Lake
All Trails/Nicole Shively Go for a hike in the woods when you follow the Falling Run Nature Trail. At less than a mile, the picturesque trail features footbridges, a waterfall, and even old ruins. It’s a fun and easy hike for the whole family. Stop by All Trails for more information on the Falling Run Nature Trail.
- Stony Creek Park Loop Trail – Lansdale
All Trails/Jessica McGrath Meander along a .08-mile wooded path on the Stony Creek Park Loop Trail. The picturesque trail features a meadow, wildflowers, and a boardwalk, offering something for everyone. Head over to All Trails for more information on the Stoney Creek Park Loop Trail.
Do you agree these are some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania for the little ones? Let us know in the comments! Looking for a fun activity you can do every month? Here are 12 hikes in Pennsylvania, one for every month of the year.
All Trails/Alisha Fine
Can you think of a better way to spend time with the kiddos than hiking to a beautiful waterfall? The hike to Cucumber Falls, tucked in Ohiopyle State Park, is more of a leisurely walk down a pair of stairs, but it’s well worth it for the views. The kids can admire the waterfall from above then go down the stairs for views of the base. You can even walk behind Cucumber Falls for a unique perspective. Here’s the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
All Trails/Tara Griffin
Clocking in at just under a mile, Chickies Rock Overlook Trail is short, sweet, and absolutely beautiful. It can also get really busy, so be prepared for crowds if you go on a nice day. The wooded path leads to an overlook, which boasts sweeping views of the Susquehanna River. Stop by All Trails for more information on Chickies Rock Overlook Trail.
All Trails/Casey R.
Beam Rock Trail meanders .09 of a mile through Laurel Summit State Park. The trail leads to an overlook, where you can admire the view. Beam Rock, and the surrounding rocks, are also popular with kids, who like to climb on them. Check out the official website of Laurel Summit State Park.
All Trails/Alison Crouse
Don’t forget your hammer when you set off on the Ringing Rocks Trail, a fun trail for kids and adults. The .09 of a mile trail boasts a cascading waterfall, but the highlight is definitely the ringing rocks. Gently tap the rocks in the boulder field to hear them chime. Find more on the official website of Ringing Rocks County Park.
All Trails/Nicole Shively
Go for a hike in the woods when you follow the Falling Run Nature Trail. At less than a mile, the picturesque trail features footbridges, a waterfall, and even old ruins. It’s a fun and easy hike for the whole family. Stop by All Trails for more information on the Falling Run Nature Trail.
All Trails/Jessica McGrath
Meander along a .08-mile wooded path on the Stony Creek Park Loop Trail. The picturesque trail features a meadow, wildflowers, and a boardwalk, offering something for everyone. Head over to All Trails for more information on the Stoney Creek Park Loop Trail.
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Address: Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USAAddress: Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, West Hempfield Township, PA 17512, USAAddress: Laurel Summit State Park, Linn Run Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USAAddress: Ringing Rocks Rd, Bridgeton Township, PA 18972, USAAddress: Sandy Lake, PA, USAAddress: 200 E Hancock St, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania March 11, 2022 Beth Price-Williams Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania? Get your kiddo’s love of hiking started early by hitting one of the many kid-friendly hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Bring your hammer along on the Ringing Rocks Trail that leads to some pretty cool natural wonders – a waterfall and ringing rocks. That’s right. The trail leads to a field of rocks. Tap on one with your hammer, and it will play music. The whole family will love the two-mile Ramble Trail, which will lead you through Caledonia State Park. The kid and dog-friendly path features picturesque footbridges, wildflowers, and a small but beautiful waterfall. Where can I find scenic hikes in Pennsylvania? Scenic hikes are really easy to find, especially in a state as beautiful as Pennsylvania. However, what if you’re a beginner when it comes to hiking? You’ll find countless easy treks that you’ll absolutely love. The Highland Trail, for example, runs through Blakeslee Natural Area and will lead you past a waterfall during your two-mile journey. Speaking of waterfalls, you can’t go wrong on the Dingmans Creek Trail, the Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail, and the Orchard Trail. Each leads to a gorgeous Pennsylvania waterfall. For some of the best views in the state, embark on the Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, which boasts stunning view of the landscape and the Susquehanna River. Why is Salt Springs State Park in Pennsylvania a hidden gem? A cozy state park that measures just 700 acres, Salt Springs State Park just might be Pennsylvania’s best kept secret, and it features a ton of natural beauty – waterfalls, hemlock trees that are more than 300 years old, and lush fern floors. For one of the prettiest hikes in Pennsylvania, follow the Fall Brook Trail. It will take you on a gorgeous boardwalk, past towering trees, and to a gorgeous waterfall. The park, in fact, boasts 16 miles of trails. Keep an eye out for local wildlife – deer, turkeys, and squirrels – during your visit, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania
March 11, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania? Get your kiddo’s love of hiking started early by hitting one of the many kid-friendly hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Bring your hammer along on the Ringing Rocks Trail that leads to some pretty cool natural wonders – a waterfall and ringing rocks. That’s right. The trail leads to a field of rocks. Tap on one with your hammer, and it will play music. The whole family will love the two-mile Ramble Trail, which will lead you through Caledonia State Park. The kid and dog-friendly path features picturesque footbridges, wildflowers, and a small but beautiful waterfall. Where can I find scenic hikes in Pennsylvania? Scenic hikes are really easy to find, especially in a state as beautiful as Pennsylvania. However, what if you’re a beginner when it comes to hiking? You’ll find countless easy treks that you’ll absolutely love. The Highland Trail, for example, runs through Blakeslee Natural Area and will lead you past a waterfall during your two-mile journey. Speaking of waterfalls, you can’t go wrong on the Dingmans Creek Trail, the Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail, and the Orchard Trail. Each leads to a gorgeous Pennsylvania waterfall. For some of the best views in the state, embark on the Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, which boasts stunning view of the landscape and the Susquehanna River. Why is Salt Springs State Park in Pennsylvania a hidden gem? A cozy state park that measures just 700 acres, Salt Springs State Park just might be Pennsylvania’s best kept secret, and it features a ton of natural beauty – waterfalls, hemlock trees that are more than 300 years old, and lush fern floors. For one of the prettiest hikes in Pennsylvania, follow the Fall Brook Trail. It will take you on a gorgeous boardwalk, past towering trees, and to a gorgeous waterfall. The park, in fact, boasts 16 miles of trails. Keep an eye out for local wildlife – deer, turkeys, and squirrels – during your visit, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Get your kiddo’s love of hiking started early by hitting one of the many kid-friendly hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Bring your hammer along on the Ringing Rocks Trail that leads to some pretty cool natural wonders – a waterfall and ringing rocks. That’s right. The trail leads to a field of rocks. Tap on one with your hammer, and it will play music. The whole family will love the two-mile Ramble Trail, which will lead you through Caledonia State Park. The kid and dog-friendly path features picturesque footbridges, wildflowers, and a small but beautiful waterfall.
Where can I find scenic hikes in Pennsylvania?
Scenic hikes are really easy to find, especially in a state as beautiful as Pennsylvania. However, what if you’re a beginner when it comes to hiking? You’ll find countless easy treks that you’ll absolutely love. The Highland Trail, for example, runs through Blakeslee Natural Area and will lead you past a waterfall during your two-mile journey. Speaking of waterfalls, you can’t go wrong on the Dingmans Creek Trail, the Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail, and the Orchard Trail. Each leads to a gorgeous Pennsylvania waterfall. For some of the best views in the state, embark on the Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, which boasts stunning view of the landscape and the Susquehanna River.
Why is Salt Springs State Park in Pennsylvania a hidden gem?
A cozy state park that measures just 700 acres, Salt Springs State Park just might be Pennsylvania’s best kept secret, and it features a ton of natural beauty – waterfalls, hemlock trees that are more than 300 years old, and lush fern floors. For one of the prettiest hikes in Pennsylvania, follow the Fall Brook Trail. It will take you on a gorgeous boardwalk, past towering trees, and to a gorgeous waterfall. The park, in fact, boasts 16 miles of trails. Keep an eye out for local wildlife – deer, turkeys, and squirrels – during your visit, too.
