We all probably have our favorite hikes that we turn to when we want to get outdoors. However, sometimes we need to mix things up and to explore new paths. These seven hikes – predominately little-known, hidden gems – are some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania, because they offer something for every hiker, whether you’re looking for an easy, leisurely hike or a challenging trail.
- Hidden Lake Loop – Bushkill
All Trails/Colin Whitesall Clocking in at just under two miles, Hidden Lake Loop Trail is rated easy, making it a picture-perfect trail for those with children and with dogs. If you prefer a quiet trail with a ton of gorgeous scenery, you’ll love Hidden Lake Loop, which features beautiful lake views and local wildlife. Find more information on Hidden Lake Loop Trail.
- Little Falls Trail – Greentown
All Trails/Paul Lewis Tucked in Promised Land State Park, Little Falls Trail spans just 2.7 miles. Although it’s rated easy, the trail does feature some rocky terrain. (Keep an eye out for roots sticking out of the ground, too.) The highlight of the pretty trail is the small waterfall that cascades into a pool of clear water. View more photos and a trail map of Little Falls Trail on All Trails.
- Little Painter Trail – Williamsport
All Trails/Rebecca Spencer If you’re up for a challenge that boasts some beautiful views, follow the three-mile Little Painter Trail. The trail, which winds through Loyalsock State Forest, features a flowing stream and a waterfall. Expect plenty of quiet, but make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots as the terrain can get rocky. Here’s more information on Little Falls Trail.
- Abigail Trail – Fayetteville
All Trails/Tom Moul Winding nearly six miles through Michaux State Forest, the easy Abigail Trail offers an abundance of natural beauty – from lush, towering trees to a crystal clear lake. The trail is usually quiet, but you’ll definitely want to lather on the bug spray before setting off. Visit the All Trails page for Abigail Trail for more information.
- Evergreen Loop Trail – Benton
All Trails/Matt Roberts Most people know about the challenging Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, which provides sensational views of 21 waterfalls. However, the Evergreen Loop Trail, which spans less than a mile, is a little less well-known. The easy trail leads to Adams Falls and is the perfect warm-up for a trek along Falls Trail. Learn more about the Evergreen Loop Trail.
- Panther Run Trail – Waterville
All Trails/Tony Riggle A challenging hike that totals seven miles, Panther Run Trail features quite a few steep climbs. However, if you like unique rock formations, you’ll probably love the trail. Just keep an eye out for rattlesnakes along the path. Get more details on the Panther Run Trail.
- White Tail Trail – Cook Township
All Trails/Edward Henning Be prepared for a challenge when you set off on the 10-mile White Tail Trail that winds through Forbes State Forest. Follow the blue blazes that will lead you to Quebec Run Wild Area, by flowing streams, and past colorful wildflowers. Here’s more information on the White Tail Trail.
What are your favorite little known hikes in Pennsylvania? Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! For an easy trail in Pennsylvania that leads to a waterfall, follow the Logan Falls Trail.
All Trails/Colin Whitesall
Clocking in at just under two miles, Hidden Lake Loop Trail is rated easy, making it a picture-perfect trail for those with children and with dogs. If you prefer a quiet trail with a ton of gorgeous scenery, you’ll love Hidden Lake Loop, which features beautiful lake views and local wildlife. Find more information on Hidden Lake Loop Trail.
All Trails/Paul Lewis
Tucked in Promised Land State Park, Little Falls Trail spans just 2.7 miles. Although it’s rated easy, the trail does feature some rocky terrain. (Keep an eye out for roots sticking out of the ground, too.) The highlight of the pretty trail is the small waterfall that cascades into a pool of clear water. View more photos and a trail map of Little Falls Trail on All Trails.
All Trails/Rebecca Spencer
If you’re up for a challenge that boasts some beautiful views, follow the three-mile Little Painter Trail. The trail, which winds through Loyalsock State Forest, features a flowing stream and a waterfall. Expect plenty of quiet, but make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots as the terrain can get rocky. Here’s more information on Little Falls Trail.
All Trails/Tom Moul
Winding nearly six miles through Michaux State Forest, the easy Abigail Trail offers an abundance of natural beauty – from lush, towering trees to a crystal clear lake. The trail is usually quiet, but you’ll definitely want to lather on the bug spray before setting off. Visit the All Trails page for Abigail Trail for more information.
All Trails/Matt Roberts
Most people know about the challenging Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, which provides sensational views of 21 waterfalls. However, the Evergreen Loop Trail, which spans less than a mile, is a little less well-known. The easy trail leads to Adams Falls and is the perfect warm-up for a trek along Falls Trail. Learn more about the Evergreen Loop Trail.
All Trails/Tony Riggle
A challenging hike that totals seven miles, Panther Run Trail features quite a few steep climbs. However, if you like unique rock formations, you’ll probably love the trail. Just keep an eye out for rattlesnakes along the path. Get more details on the Panther Run Trail.
All Trails/Edward Henning
Be prepared for a challenge when you set off on the 10-mile White Tail Trail that winds through Forbes State Forest. Follow the blue blazes that will lead you to Quebec Run Wild Area, by flowing streams, and past colorful wildflowers. Here’s more information on the White Tail Trail.
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Address: Bushkill, PA 18302, USAAddress: Promised Land State Park, 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426, USAAddress: Loyalsock State Forest, Fox Township, PA 18616, USAAddress: Michaux State Forest, 10099 Lincoln Way E, Fayetteville, PA 17222, USAAddress: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USAAddress: Waterville, PA 17776, USAAddress: Forbes State Forest, Cook Township, PA 15677, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania March 20, 2022 Beth Price-Williams Are there many kid-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania? We can all probably agree that it’s impossible to get bored with hiking. Every hike is a new adventure, and there’s plenty of adventure to be had right within our borders. After all, Pennsylvania boasts more than 12,000 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to hard. All offer a unique glimpse into our beautiful state, and many are kid-friendly. Introduce the kiddos to hiking – and perhaps ignite a lifelong passion – along such kid-friendly trails in Pennsylvania as Ringing Rocks Trail in Bucks County (bring a hammer; the rocks make music!), Chickies Rock Overlook Trail in Columbia (don’t forget your camera) and Beam Rock Trail in Somerset (the whole family can climb massive boulders). Find a kid-friendly hiking trail near you. What are the most scenic hikes in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania’s drenched in natural beauty – from stunning mountain ranges to rolling farmland – and much of it we can admire on the many hiking trails that dot the state. For some of Pennsylvania’s best views, go to Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. Both offer jaw-dropping views of Pine Creek Gorge, popularly known as The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Follow one of the scenic hikes that lead to the bottom of the canyon or to a scenic overlook. While the gorge is absolutely gorgeous in all four seasons, make it a point to visit during the peak of the fall foliage. What is the oldest state park in Pennsylvania? With 121 state parks in every corner of Pennsylvania, it’s natural that we’ll overlook a few. We probably all have our favorite Pennsylvania state parks, too. Each state park has its own major selling point. Ricketts Glen State Park, for example, is home to 21 waterfalls, all along a single trail. Erie Bluffs State Park boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania, and Mont Alto State Park is Pennsylvania’s oldest state park. The tiny state park measures just 24 acres, but you’ll still have plenty to explore by hiking or snowmobiling in the winter. For more outdoor adventure, head just a few miles from Mont Alto State Park, where you’ll find Caledonia State Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania
March 20, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
Are there many kid-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania? We can all probably agree that it’s impossible to get bored with hiking. Every hike is a new adventure, and there’s plenty of adventure to be had right within our borders. After all, Pennsylvania boasts more than 12,000 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to hard. All offer a unique glimpse into our beautiful state, and many are kid-friendly. Introduce the kiddos to hiking – and perhaps ignite a lifelong passion – along such kid-friendly trails in Pennsylvania as Ringing Rocks Trail in Bucks County (bring a hammer; the rocks make music!), Chickies Rock Overlook Trail in Columbia (don’t forget your camera) and Beam Rock Trail in Somerset (the whole family can climb massive boulders). Find a kid-friendly hiking trail near you. What are the most scenic hikes in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania’s drenched in natural beauty – from stunning mountain ranges to rolling farmland – and much of it we can admire on the many hiking trails that dot the state. For some of Pennsylvania’s best views, go to Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. Both offer jaw-dropping views of Pine Creek Gorge, popularly known as The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Follow one of the scenic hikes that lead to the bottom of the canyon or to a scenic overlook. While the gorge is absolutely gorgeous in all four seasons, make it a point to visit during the peak of the fall foliage. What is the oldest state park in Pennsylvania? With 121 state parks in every corner of Pennsylvania, it’s natural that we’ll overlook a few. We probably all have our favorite Pennsylvania state parks, too. Each state park has its own major selling point. Ricketts Glen State Park, for example, is home to 21 waterfalls, all along a single trail. Erie Bluffs State Park boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania, and Mont Alto State Park is Pennsylvania’s oldest state park. The tiny state park measures just 24 acres, but you’ll still have plenty to explore by hiking or snowmobiling in the winter. For more outdoor adventure, head just a few miles from Mont Alto State Park, where you’ll find Caledonia State Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We can all probably agree that it’s impossible to get bored with hiking. Every hike is a new adventure, and there’s plenty of adventure to be had right within our borders. After all, Pennsylvania boasts more than 12,000 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to hard. All offer a unique glimpse into our beautiful state, and many are kid-friendly. Introduce the kiddos to hiking – and perhaps ignite a lifelong passion – along such kid-friendly trails in Pennsylvania as Ringing Rocks Trail in Bucks County (bring a hammer; the rocks make music!), Chickies Rock Overlook Trail in Columbia (don’t forget your camera) and Beam Rock Trail in Somerset (the whole family can climb massive boulders). Find a kid-friendly hiking trail near you.
What are the most scenic hikes in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s drenched in natural beauty – from stunning mountain ranges to rolling farmland – and much of it we can admire on the many hiking trails that dot the state. For some of Pennsylvania’s best views, go to Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. Both offer jaw-dropping views of Pine Creek Gorge, popularly known as The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Follow one of the scenic hikes that lead to the bottom of the canyon or to a scenic overlook. While the gorge is absolutely gorgeous in all four seasons, make it a point to visit during the peak of the fall foliage.
What is the oldest state park in Pennsylvania?
With 121 state parks in every corner of Pennsylvania, it’s natural that we’ll overlook a few. We probably all have our favorite Pennsylvania state parks, too. Each state park has its own major selling point. Ricketts Glen State Park, for example, is home to 21 waterfalls, all along a single trail. Erie Bluffs State Park boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania, and Mont Alto State Park is Pennsylvania’s oldest state park. The tiny state park measures just 24 acres, but you’ll still have plenty to explore by hiking or snowmobiling in the winter. For more outdoor adventure, head just a few miles from Mont Alto State Park, where you’ll find Caledonia State Park.
