Bear Creek Preserve Creek Trail Loop Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In Pennsylvania

Choosing a hiking trail to follow can be difficult sometimes because there are so many. One of the things I consider before hiking a trail is whether there's a waterfall along the path. If I'm mulling over two, the one with the waterfall wins every time. One of the best waterfall trails in Pennsylvania meanders past several waterfalls. If you follow it, see how many you count.

Be prepared for a bit of a workout - sturdy shoes and plenty of water are strongly encouraged - as you set off on the nearly six-mile Bear Creek Preserve Creek Trail Loop, which meanders through Natural Lands' Bear Creek Preserve.

More than nine miles of hiking trails make it easy to explore the 3,412-acre nature preserve that is open from Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.

The scenic trail scores a moderately difficult rating for its numerous challenges, including inclines, rocky terrain, and muddy conditions after it rains.

You'll cross two rather narrow bridges that might bring up memories of walking on a balance beam in gym class. This time, though, you'll pass over flowing streams dotted with tiny waterfalls.

Although you'll need to pay attention to the terrain as you're hiking, keep an eye out for those small waterfalls. You might even hear them before you see them.

Take a few minutes to admire and snap photos of the cascades you pass. The nature preserve is open year-round, so you might want to plan a visit in each season.

One of the highlights of the trail is, arguably, the tall waterfall that drops down over rocks and sits behind smaller waterfalls that tumble into a pool of clear water.

Despite its challenges, this scenic trail can get busy. You can even bring your leashed pup along.

You have a pretty good chance of spotting wildlife, too, including Northern flying squirrels, grey foxes, and coyotes. The nature preserve is also popular with birdwatchers.

From warblers to birds of prey, like bald eagles, several species of birds live in the nature preserve.

Before you set off on the Bear Creek Preserve Creek Loop Trail, keep a few things in mind. Stay on the path. Clean up after your pup if you bring him, and leave all flowers, plants, rocks, and animals as you found them.

Bear Creek Preserve has restrooms.

Learn more on the official website of Bear Creek Preserve. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this nature preserve in Pennsylvania.

What do you think? Do you agree that the Bear Creek Preserve Creek Trail Loop is one of the best waterfall trails in Pennsylvania? What are your favorite Pennsylvania waterfall trails? Let us know in the comments! Up for a few days of chasing waterfalls? Set off on this road trip to some of the best waterfalls in Pennsylvania.

Before you hit the road, though, take a peek at the OIYS road trip essentials packing list, so you don't forget anything.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/weekend-waterfalls-pa/