This Is the Most Claustrophobic Hike in Pennsylvania—Would You Try It?

Pennsylvania has become one of my favorite states to visit, especially that broad center of the state—far from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but packed with charming and unique small towns. Not far from my frequent home base of Lancaster, you'll find Conestoga, a laid-back destination rich in history. The remnants of the town's industrial past can be seen everywhere you look, and that's where you'll find what many are calling the most claustrophobic hike in Pennsylvania. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, you won't be exploring any tight caves here, but you will be descending into historic tunnels packed with Pennsylvania lore.

The Enola Low Grade: Martic Forge to Safe Harbor trail offers 6.4 miles of moderate hiking with plenty of diverse terrain and fascinating looks into times long past and mysteries yet unsolved. So pack up your bravery, bring your hiking boots, and keep your treasure-hunting instincts about you as you discover a side of Conestoga most tourists have never seen.

Conestoga is one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful and historic towns, and one of the best places to see it from is the town's old rail trail. Back when freight and passenger trains crisscrossed the region far more often, it used to be a bustling junction. It still is, but in a different way; today, the railway has become a beautiful rail trail.

The trail is a great way to see the town's forests and waterways, but to get the full Conestoga experience on your hike, we recommend taking the Enola Low Grade and descending from the rail trail into the more rustic trails in the lower area. That's where you'll start to see strange entrances in rock walls - almost like something out of a fantasy novel.

The tunnels are built into another old rail line, and while the line hasn't been used in a very long time, the tunnels are still safe and open to explore—if leaves haven't covered them. But there's another reason why you might want to give these tunnels a close look.

The tunnels are dark, tight quarters that can be a little intimidating, which is why they make great hiding places. Legend says that a bank robber stashed his loot in one of these tunnels during the Great Depression, only to die in an accident before he could reclaim it. Keep an eye out—do you see any long-abandoned loot waiting for you?

Have you experienced this unique, claustrophobic hike in Pennsylvania before? If not, tell a hiking buddy about this adventure and go treasure hunting together! You can see more pictures of the hike on the official AllTrails trail listing, and if this is your first time hiking in an industrial area like this, AllTrails + can ease your way in with point-by-point directions delivered directly via the app.

Conestoga is also home to one of the best rail trails in Pennsylvania, and you're only a short distance from Lancaster and its incredible Swedish candy store. If you'd like a few more ideas for your Conestoga getaway, head over to Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner and answer a few simple questions for your customized travel itinerary!