20 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Pennsylvania Should Take

Looking for the best hikes in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania has some beautiful (and LONG) trails, but when you are looking for a day hike rather than an epic excursion, there are hundreds of short hiking trails that still lead you somewhere amazing!

Not all of us can conquer the Appalachian Trail (2,189 miles), the Allegheny Trail (330 miles), or even the Loyalsock Trail (59 miles)...but it's time to dust off your hiking boots because we found 20 incredible hikes around the state that almost anyone can do!

All of these hikes are five miles or shorter, but that doesn't mean they are a walk in the park! Here are 20 of the best hikes in PA.

1. Bushkill Falls, Stroudsburg

There are four awesome hiking trails at Bushkill Falls.

The shortest, the Green Trail, will take you directly to the main falls (about a 15-minute walk, with no steps). The Yellow Trail, which takes about 45 minutes to walk, will take you by the main falls, as well as the Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen, and Upper Canyon.

The Blue Trail takes you up to Pennell Falls, an hour-long walk. The longest trail, the Red Trail, is about two miles long and takes you to Bridal Veil Falls, as well as all eight of the other falls. Get more details on visiting Bushkill Falls.

2. The Shawmut Trail, Kinzua Bridge State Park

Kinzua Bridge was constructed in 1882 as a viaduct - the highest and longest in the world at the time (301 ft. tall and 2,053 ft. long). It was reinforced and used by Erie Railroad between 1882 and 1959 when it was abandoned.

The Kinzua Bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003.

In 2009, reconstruction began to turn the bridge into a pedestrian walkway. It is now Kinzua Skywalk, which has a partial glass bottom, so you can see the collapsed parts of the bridge below.

Some of the best hikes in PA are located here. The Shawmut Trail is two miles long, and The Timberdoodle Flat Interpretive Trail is 1.4 miles long. The shorter Bluebird Trail is manageable for wheelchairs and those who need walking assistance. Learn more about Kinzua Bridge State Park.

3. Bridle Trail, Cook Forest State Park

Another one of the best day hikes in Pennsylvania, the Bridle Trail in Cook Forest State Park is 4.1 miles long and is rated moderately difficult.

The Bridle Trail is a great place to watch for wildlife - including black bears. The trail takes you through an old growth forest and also serves as a horse trail. Discover more about recreation in Cook Forest State Park.

4. Rhododendron Trail, Cook Forest State Park

The Rhododendron Trail is a short 1.2 miles long and moderately difficult.

The hiking trail is part of the Forest Cathedral Hiking Trails and is a favorite in the area. Read further on about Forest Cathedral.

5. Delaware Water Gap

One of the best hikes in Pennsylvania, this 4.3-mile loop along the Delaware River cuts a narrow gap through the Kittatinny Ridge.

Mount Minsi, the ridge on the Pennsylvania side, faces Mount Tammany on the New Jersey Side. Check out what else you can do at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

6. Baughman Trail, Ohiopyle State Park

Baughman Trail is 3.4 miles long and has a steep, rocky path that is pretty difficult.

The Baughman Trail passes by the Baughman Rock Overlook, which gives a great view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge. Learn more about the Baughman Rock Overlook.

7. Jonathan Run Trail, Ohiopyle State Park

Jonathan Run Trail is one of the best hikes in PA. It is only 1.7 miles long and passes by several small waterfalls.

The Jonathan Run Trail is an easygoing path along Holland Hill Road. Get more details about hiking the Jonathan Run Trail.

8. Meadow Run Trail, Ohiopyle State Park

The Meadow Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park is a three-mile easy hiking trail.

Meadow Run Trail passes by the beautiful Cucumber Falls. Find out what you can expect from Meadow Run Trail.

9. Presque Isle State Park

There are 15 different trails across Presque Isle State Park, and all are shorter than two miles, making for some of the best day hikes in Pennsylvania. The trails are also open to bikes, and you can use them year-round.

You can also take leisurely pontoon boat tours through the lagoons. Don't forget to check out the lighthouse. Learn more about Presque Isle State Park.

10. Ringing Rocks County Park

Located in Ringing Rocks County Park near Upper Black Eddy, PA, the Ramble is about one-mile long and isn't difficult, but you will be scrambling all over the rocks. It may just look like a giant rock pile, but this place is really unique...you are going to want to bring a hammer along with you. (Seriously.) Give the rocks a few taps and you will hear a truly unusual metallic sound. Read on further about what Ringing Rocks County Park is all about.

11. Shades of Death Trail, Hickory Run State Park

Shades of Death Trail sounds scary, but is actually quite beautiful and one of the best hikes in PA. The trail is only 1.1 miles long and passes by waterfalls, ponds, and through a rhododendron forest. The trail is listed as moderate, but we think it's pretty easy; rocks in some areas can be slippery when wet, but it's definitely kid (and dog!) friendly. Get more details about spending time at Hickory Run State Park.

12. Shingletown Gap, Rothrock State Forest

The trailhead to Shingletown Gap is easily accessible from State College, and there are many trails in the area, so you can choose how long your hike will be.

If you head to the Roman Tower, the trail is 3.8 miles long and takes about 2.5 hours to go round-trip. The scenery is beautiful, but the climb to the top of Tussey Mountain is pretty steep. Read more about visiting Rothrock State Forest.

13. Grand View Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park

This 1.9-mile trail takes you to the highest point on Red Rock Mountain. If you go in June, you will see the mountain laurel in bloom; if you go in July, you will find blackberries growing along the trail. Get yourself more acquainted with Ricketts Glen State Park and one of the best hikes in Pennsylvania.

14. Cole Run Trail, Forbes State Forest

Cole Run Trail is an easy two-mile hike through Forbes State Forest that can easily be turned into a three-mile loop if you include Cole Run Road. The Cole Run Falls are beautiful. Find out more about the Cole Run Trail.

15. Turkey Path Trail, Pine Creek Gorge

Don't be fooled by the distance of Turkey Path...there is one seriously difficult mile of the hiking trail down to the canyon floor.

Turkey Path begins at the rim of Colton Point State Park and descends down to Pine Creek.

Along the way, you will find beautiful waterfalls (and wildlife) that make the three-mile round trip back to the top worth the effort. Learn more about taking on Turkey Path Trail.

16. Flat Rock Trail, Linn Run State Park

This quick half-mile jaunt will bring you to a unique area of the stream that flows over a wide, smooth rock bottom. There are several short trails at Linn Run State Park, but this is certainly the easiest. It is a perfect choice if you are looking for the best day hikes in Pennsylvania. Check out further details on the Flat Rock Trail.

17. The Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park

This more than seven-mile loop gives you some amazing views of 21 different waterfalls along the way, making it truly one of the best hikes in PA.

The trail is moderately difficult - lots of ups and downs - and make sure you wear sturdy shoes...the rocky path can get slippery.

From Waters Meet, you will see B. Reynolds Falls as you head toward Glen Leigh. From there, you follow Highlands Trail to the Lake Rose parking area, and on to Ganoga Glen.

In Ganoga Glen, you will find the beautiful 94-foot-tall Ganoga Falls!

The whole Falls Trail is a beautiful mossy wonderland. Learn more about the amazing Falls Trail.

18. Adams Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park

Adams Falls is just a bonus stop off Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park. Adams Falls sits along Kitchen Creek, and is only about 100 yards from the Evergreen Parking Area (we suggest you continue on along the one-mile Evergreen Trail, but Adams Falls really is our favorite part). Get more details on what else you can do at Ricketts Glen State Park.

19. Canyon Vista Trail, World's End State Park

This four-mile loop has some steep sections, but you will get an unmatched view of Loyalsock Creek from the vista. Read more about Worlds End State Park and one of the best hikes in Pennsylvania.

Don't forget to visit the Rock Garden on your way.

20. Wolf Rocks Loop Trail, Forbes State Forest

This 3.5-mile loop isn't easy...but the view from the vista is spectacular.

The sandstone boulders atop Wolf Rocks give an unmatched view of Linn Run Valley. Read more on the hiking trail known as Wolf Rocks Loop.

Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for more of the best day hikes in Pennsylvania? Here are the best easy hikes in Pennsylvania to add to your bucket list.