Anyone who loves beautiful scenery and shimmering lakes knows that Pennsylvania is paradise. If you love spending time on or near the water, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Pennsylvania boasts more than 2,500 lakes, all waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to admire the beauty of our lakes is to go on a hike. Here are seven Pennsylvania trails that lead to simply spectacular lake views.
- Stairway Lake Trail – Westfall Township
All Trails/Justin Duda Stairway Lake Trail meanders just under three miles and leads to a beautiful blue lake. The trail is rated moderate, due to the rocky terrain, but you’ll be rewarded with sensational views. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, as there is a stream crossing. Here’s more information on the Stairway Lake Trail. Westfall Township, PA, USA
- Lake Galena Hike & Bike Trail – Doylestown
All Trails/Stephen Schwartz For an easy yet picturesque journey, set off on the Lake Galena Hike and Bike Trail - perfect if you feel like walking or biking. The six-mile trail wanders through Peace Valley Park and features such scenery as colorful wildflowers and lush foliage. Drink in the stellar lake views from one of the park’s benches. Find a map and more photos of Lake Galena Hike and Bike Trail on AllTrails. Doylestown, PA 18901, USA
- Lake Scranton Loop Trail – Scranton
All Trails/Michael Yurcho Bring the whole family along on this 3.9-mile trail that offers spellbinding views of Lake Scranton. The trail is paved, which means it’s doable for families with strollers. (Bikes, however, are not permitted along the path.) If you’re hiking during the warmer months, be prepared for a lot of bugs, including flies. Visit AllTrails for more information on Lake Scranton Loop Trail. Scranton, PA, USA
- Sunken Garden Trail – Portersville
All Trails/Paul Charles Although it’s rated easy, Sunken Garden Trail does have some uneven terrain, so be prepared for that. The popular trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park. Hikers give it high ratings all year around. If you want to venture into a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall, you won’t find a better trail at this state park. Find more information on the Sunken Garden Trail on AllTrails. Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
- John Heinz Lake Loop – Philadelphia
All Trails/Rueben Robinson An easy, family-friendly trail, John Heinz Lake Loop trail travels 3.5 miles through the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Beautiful water views await along the path. Keep an eye out, too, for local wildlife - from bald eagles circling overhead to egrets perched by the lake. Here’s more information on John Heinz Lake Loop Trail. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA
- Tobyhanna State Park Loop Trail – Tobyhanna
All Trails/Jess Myers Tobyhanna State Park Loop Trail promises an easy five miles, brimming with natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking or cross-country skiing after a winter’s snowfall, you’ll find a ton to love along this picturesque path. The highlight of the trail, of course, is the view of Tobyhanna Lake. Be prepared to deal with an abundance of mosquitoes during the warmer months. Stop by AllTrails for more information and photos of Tobyhanna State Park Loop Trail. Tobyhanna, PA 18466, USA
- Ranger Trail – Hanover
All Trails/Roger Anderson Embark on the picturesque Ranger Trail at Codorus State Park. The 6.9-mile trail, which earns a moderate rating, boasts stellar views of Lake Marburg. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll likely find just that during the colder months. Be prepared in the summer to deal with an abundance of gnats and other insects. Here’s more information from AllTrails on Ranger Trail. Hanover, PA 17331, USA
What are your favorite Pennsylvania trails? Tell us about them in the comments! On the lookout for more beautiful trails? Check out these 12 scenic trails in Pennsylvania – one for each month of the year.
All Trails/Justin Duda
Stairway Lake Trail meanders just under three miles and leads to a beautiful blue lake. The trail is rated moderate, due to the rocky terrain, but you’ll be rewarded with sensational views. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, as there is a stream crossing. Here’s more information on the Stairway Lake Trail.
Westfall Township, PA, USA
All Trails/Stephen Schwartz
For an easy yet picturesque journey, set off on the Lake Galena Hike and Bike Trail - perfect if you feel like walking or biking. The six-mile trail wanders through Peace Valley Park and features such scenery as colorful wildflowers and lush foliage. Drink in the stellar lake views from one of the park’s benches. Find a map and more photos of Lake Galena Hike and Bike Trail on AllTrails.
Doylestown, PA 18901, USA
All Trails/Michael Yurcho
Bring the whole family along on this 3.9-mile trail that offers spellbinding views of Lake Scranton. The trail is paved, which means it’s doable for families with strollers. (Bikes, however, are not permitted along the path.) If you’re hiking during the warmer months, be prepared for a lot of bugs, including flies. Visit AllTrails for more information on Lake Scranton Loop Trail.
Scranton, PA, USA
All Trails/Paul Charles
Although it’s rated easy, Sunken Garden Trail does have some uneven terrain, so be prepared for that. The popular trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park. Hikers give it high ratings all year around. If you want to venture into a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall, you won’t find a better trail at this state park. Find more information on the Sunken Garden Trail on AllTrails.
Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
All Trails/Rueben Robinson
An easy, family-friendly trail, John Heinz Lake Loop trail travels 3.5 miles through the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Beautiful water views await along the path. Keep an eye out, too, for local wildlife - from bald eagles circling overhead to egrets perched by the lake. Here’s more information on John Heinz Lake Loop Trail.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA
All Trails/Jess Myers
Tobyhanna State Park Loop Trail promises an easy five miles, brimming with natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking or cross-country skiing after a winter’s snowfall, you’ll find a ton to love along this picturesque path. The highlight of the trail, of course, is the view of Tobyhanna Lake. Be prepared to deal with an abundance of mosquitoes during the warmer months. Stop by AllTrails for more information and photos of Tobyhanna State Park Loop Trail.
Tobyhanna, PA 18466, USA
All Trails/Roger Anderson
Embark on the picturesque Ranger Trail at Codorus State Park. The 6.9-mile trail, which earns a moderate rating, boasts stellar views of Lake Marburg. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll likely find just that during the colder months. Be prepared in the summer to deal with an abundance of gnats and other insects. Here’s more information from AllTrails on Ranger Trail.
Hanover, PA 17331, USA
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