The Trails At Jakes Rocks Has Been Crowned The Pennsylvania Trail Of The Year

With around 650 trails spanning more than 11,000 miles, Pennsylvania was practically made for exploring. The abundance of trails that showcase everything from rolling hills to tumbling waterfalls makes it easy to find just what we’re looking for when we want to explore. But if we need a little help deciding which to follow next, we might want to consider a trek along the Trails at Jakes Rocks, Pennsylvania’s trail of the year for 2024.

The Trails at Jakes Rocks, a 35-mile multi-use trail, has been crowned the 2024 Trail of the Year in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee. Past honorees have included the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail in 2023 and the Delaware Canal Path State Park Towpath in 2022.

Described as a “natural surface trail system,” the path that meanders through Allegheny National Forest predominately attracts mountain bikers, although it’s also suitable for hikers, runners, and cross-country skiers.

If you’re up for a challenge, follow a few or all of the trails that comprise the 35-mile trail system. At 11.1 miles, the Big Loop Trail is the longest of the trails and poses a moderate challenge.

An easy yet scenic adventure awaits along the 4.2-mile Jake’s Rocks True Green Loop. Considered a family-friendly trail, it features a variety of scenery, including boulders, overlooks, and cliffs.

The two-mile Tuttleman Trail is also considered easy and family-friendly while the nearly nine-mile Rimrock Trail Loop scores a difficult rating due, in part, to challenging terrain and, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, muddy conditions.

The Trails at Jakes Rocks are open all year. However, they are not maintained, so keep that in mind when heading over. Cross-country skiing is popular after it snows.

Learn more on the official website of The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Or, stop by the Facebook page of the Trails at Jakes Rocks.

Have you followed the Trails at Jakes Rocks, Pennsylvania's trail of the year? Did you explore the entire 35-mile path? What did you think? Do you have any advice for those who plan to follow these trails? Let us know in the comments! If you prefer a leisurely drive, follow the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, a scenic route in Allegheny National Forest. Or check out more of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania on All Trails.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/longhouse-scenic-byway-pa/