10 Best Hiking Trails in Pennsylvania
Take a Walk Around Pennsylvania’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
The best hiking trails in Pennsylvania traverse diverse and history-rich landscapes and are an inspired way to appreciate nature while getting a good workout. There are mountain ranges, forests, freshwater lakes, and waterfalls to explore. There are revolutionary fields and cityscapes to contemplate. You can walk riverside through downtown Philadelphia, find solitude in the wilderness, or birdwatch in unique and protected habitats.
Take minutes or days to wander along historic trails, up the Allegheny and Appalachian Mountains, and across the sandy shores of the Great Lakes. Check out our guide to Pennsylvania’s best hiking trails for some inspiration and planning tips.
1. Schuylkill River Trail
A trail in progress
适合： 经济, 冒险, 照片
The Schuylkill River Trail winds along the banks of the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania. Currently 30 miles (48 km) long, once completed it will run about 140 miles (225 km) from the river’s headwaters in Schuylkill County to Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia.
The riverside path is 15 ft (4.6 meters) wide and includes 4 scenic overlooks and spectacular waterfront views of the Philadelphia skyline. With up to 20,000 visitors a year, the riverside path can get very busy on weekends as it is a favorite with cyclists, families, runners, and walkers, so expect a lively, social atmosphere.
地址： Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
电话： +1 800-537-7676
Schuylkill River Trail
2. The Great Shamokin Path
Walking in the footsteps of Native American history
适合： 照片, 历史
The Great Shamokin Path was a major Native American trail. Long before the European colonization of Pennsylvania, the Great Shamokin Path connected Native American communities on both sides of the Allegheny Mountains for hundreds, possibly thousands of years.
Today it runs for 3.6 miles (5.8 km) between Yatesboro and Numine, PA. Follow the mostly grass-covered path as it meanders alongside Cowanshannock Creek. Visit in summer and the tree canopy will shade you from the intense sun. For the best time for wildlife spotting, consider hiking early in the morning.
地址： Eagle Valley Rd, Mill Hall, PA 17751, USA
电话： +1 570-726-4008
The Great Shamokin Path
3. Lake Scranton Trail
A picturesque lakeside hike
适合： 家庭, 照片
Just a 5-minute drive from downtown Scranton, PA you will find Lake Scranton Trail. At just under 4 miles (6.4 km), this lakeside loop is the perfect spot for a quick escape to nature and a brisk walk.
Partly gravel and partly paved, Lake Scranton Trail is well-maintained and family friendly. Most of the path is fairly flat but there are a couple of steeper sections that can make pushing a stroller or wheelchair a little challenging. Bikes and dogs are not allowed here so you can enjoy the peace and quiet at your own pace
地址： Scranton, PA 18503, USA
电话： +1 570-348-4100
Lake Scranton Trail
4. Standing Stone Trail
Challenging hike, rewarding views
适合： 冒险, 照片
The Standing Stone Trail (SST) is 85 miles (137 km) long and forms part of the Great Eastern Trail. It’s a huge new trail that runs the length of the country alongside the more famous Appalachian Trail. The SST combines traditional Native American routes with historic logging trails, and unusual landmarks like the Thousand Steps which was built in the 1950s by quarry workers.
The Standing Stone trail is considered challenging and can take between several days and a week to complete, so pack smart, with plenty of food and water. Popular with hikers, birders, and campers, it is also home to some larger wildlife, like black bears. Check the official website for suitable camping spots.
地址： William Penn Hwy, Mapleton, PA 17052, USA
Standing Stone Trail
5. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Highland hiking with scenic views
适合： 经济, 冒险
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a 70-mile-long (113 km) trail with a mix of challenging, steep sections around the mountains and pleasant, easy terrain between them. It’s part the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands.
If you have 6 hours to spare, try the loop that starts at Ohiopyle, PA. The trail is well marked and can get very busy between March and October. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes about 6 hours for well-prepares folks in good shape to complete. If you want an overnight experience, reserve in advance as there are 5 Adirondack shelters with fireplaces, toilets, and space for tents.
地址： Johnstown, PA 15905, USA
电话： +1 724-455-3744
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
6. Presque Isle State Park
A path for everyone
适合： 冒险, 与众不同
Presque Isle State Park is a sandy peninsula that arcs into Lake Erie, just 4 miles (6.4 km) west of downtown Erie. Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark and a favorite spot for migrating birds. Because of its many unique habitats, the park contains a greater number of the state’s endangered, threatened, and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania.
There are 11 miles (18 km) of trails you can follow across the sandy coastline and unique habitats. Most trails are easy to walk and have only slight changes in elevation, but depending on the season they may get flooded in spots. Do bring proper footwear.
地址： 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
开放时间 Daily from 5 am to 11 pm
电话： +1 814-833-7424
Presque Isle State Park
7. Ricketts Glen Falls Loop
The best waterfall hike in the Eastern USA
适合： 经济, 家庭, 照片
The Ricketts Glen Falls Loop is a 6-mile (9.7-km) loop near Sweet Valley, PA. You will love this picturesque route if you enjoy trail running and hiking, and depending on your speed you should budget a 3-hour roundtrip. The terrain is steep, full of old growth trees and wildflowers in addition to the waterfalls it’s named for.
If you are up for a challenge, grab a map at the trailhead and extend your day to cover the semi-loop through Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh. This is considered the most difficult route on the Ricketts Glen State Park website, but you will be rewarded with the spray of 21 waterfalls.
地址： Ricketts Glen Falls Trail, Benton, PA 17814, USA
电话： +1 888-727-2757
Ricketts Glen Falls Loop
8. Quehanna Trail
Multi-day solitude
适合： 冒险, 照片
The Quehanna Trail is a 73-mile (117-km) circular route through the Quehanna Wild Area, a protected space where beavers, deer, and bears are free to roam. Humans should stick to the trail. You’ll see plenty, crossing through Moshannon State Forest and Elk State Forest. It’s hard to believe this area was harvested for lumber, and a lot of work has been put in to restore the forest and reintroduce wild elk.
You will cover about 2 miles (3.2 km) per hour on this challenging route, so plan your trip in shorter sections or pack for a week in the wild, hiking up to 10 miles (16 km) a day. We recommend this trail for experienced hikers who can enjoy its natural wonders safely.
地址： Penfield, PA 15849, USA
电话： +1 814-765-0630
Quehanna Trail
9. Mount Joy Trail
The path of revolution
适合： 家庭, 历史, 情侣/夫妇
You can find the Mount Joy Trail on the west side of Valley Forge National Historical Park, near Chesterbrook, PA. The path for this 4-mile (6.4-km) hike is well maintained but it will still take you at least two hours with all its steep inclines.
Walking along Mount Joy Trail you will pass where General Washington and his Continental Army stayed during the long winter of 1777–78. If you are a hiker and a history buff, this an essential stop, especially for American Revolution enthusiasts. If that’s you, budget a little extra time for the diversion to Artillery Park to see cannons and soldier cabins.
地址： Phoenixville, PA 19460, USA
电话： +1 610-783-1000
Mount Joy Trail
10. Shades of Death Trail
Quick and popular waterfall trail
适合： 经济, 家庭, 冒险
Shades of Death is a 3-mile (4.8-km) out-and-back trail in Hickory Run State Park, in the Pocanos near Lake Harmony, PA. It is breathtaking at any time of year but may be best in winter when the trails are quiet and the waterfalls are full. You will need at least an hour to soak in the beauty.
Family and dog-friendly, there are lots of rocks on the trail once you get through the forest, so put on your grippiest shoes for this moderate-effort hike. You can blame the ominous name on the first colonists, who named the area for the unfarmable soil, swamps, and dark forests.
地址： PA-534, Albrightsville, PA 18229, USA
电话： +1 888-727-2757
Shades of Death Trail
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