8 Easy And Beautiful Spring Hikes Everyone In Pennsylvania Will Love
After a long winter, we’re all ready to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, the golden sunshine, and the chorus of the birds in the trees. One of the best ways to embrace the new season is to head out on a hike. These easy and beautiful spring hikes in Pennsylvania will help you make the most of the new season.
1. Jonathan Run Trail – Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
You can see three waterfalls during your visit to Ohiopyle State Park. Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls are easily seen via viewing platforms. However, if you're up for a beautiful hike, follow the 1.7-mile Jonathan Run Trail, starting at the Holland Hill Road trailhead. Meander along the trail that's dotted with small waterfalls and leads to the spectacular Jonathan Run Falls, which cascades 10 feet.
2. Warwick North Loop Trail – Warwick County Park
County Park Road, County Park Rd, Warwick Township, PA 19465, USA
Stop and smell the blossoming wildflowers along the Warwick North Loop Trail, which spans just three miles. The trail's considered easy for all ages and all skill levels. The trailhead picks up at Mt. Pleasant Road, where you'll start the predominately flat trail. In addition to the wildflowers in the spring, you'll also pass a flowing stream and a tiny waterfall.
3. Alpine Trail – Gifford Pinchot State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park, Warrington Township, PA, USA
Spring means rebirth, especially with the blooming of flowers and trees all over the state. Alpine Trail in Gifford Pinchot State Park promises a burst of color as you hike near beautiful wildflowers. The trail is just a half of a mile, but it will take you through a meadow of flowers. Marsh marigolds and bluebells, among others, are some of the most common you'll see during the spring. Find the trailhead at the Conewago Day Use Area.
A spectacular waterfall awaits when you journey along the Shohola Falls Loop Trail. At just .06 of a mile, the trail is short and sweet. However, you will have to walk down a pair of wooden stairs, so make sure you have on the appropriate footwear. Before arriving at the waterfall, you'll get a glimpse of Shohola Dam. After parking your car at the Shohola Falls Cabins parking lot, just follow the trailhead to the waterfall.
If you love waterfalls, you're absolutely going to love Dingman Falls Trail. At just .04 of a mile, the trail meanders along a picturesque boardwalk, and is so short that it barely qualifies as a hike! You'll pass flowing streams and wooded spots and might even catch sight of local wildlife. The second largest waterfall in PA tumbles down 130 feet. Pick up the trailhead at the Dingman Falls Visitors Center.
6. One Mile Trail – Cowans Gap State Park
Cowans Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA
Walk under the canopy of trees when you hike One Mile Trail at Cowans Gap State Park. The trail features beautiful views of Tuscarora Mountain. After you've finished the hike, you can explore the rest of the park, or you can connect to the Three Mile Trail.
7. Lakeside Loop Trail – Keystone State Park
1150 Keystone Park Rd, New Alexandria, PA 15670, USA
The Lakeside Loop Trail, which stretches just 2.2 miles, is ideal for both hikers and bikers. Whichever way you choose to travel, you'll trek along Keystone Lake. The beautiful 78-acre lake is home to ducks, geese, and a variety of other local wildlife.
8. Beaver Dam Trail – Parker Dam State Park
Parker Dam State Park, 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849, USA
Bring your pooch along, if you want, when you hike the Beaver Dam Trail. At just 2.8 miles, the picturesque trail features plenty of lush trees and river views. You might also catch sight of local wildlife - from salamanders scurrying on the ground to beavers.
Do you have any favorite spring hikes in Pennsylvania? Join the conversation in the comments below! Speaking of spring, have you heard any spring peepers singing yet this season?
Address: Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: County Park Road, County Park Rd, Warwick Township, PA 19465, USA
Address: Gifford Pinchot State Park, Warrington Township, PA, USA
Address: Shohola Falls, Shohola Township, PA 18458, USA
Address: Dingmans Falls, Delaware Township, PA 18328, USA
Address: Cowans Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA
Address: 1150 Keystone Park Rd, New Alexandria, PA 15670, USA
Address: Parker Dam State Park, 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Pennsylvania
April 08, 2022
Sarah M.
Where are the best places to go hiking in Pennsylvania?
The Keystone State is a true natural beauty, boasting some of the most beautiful and scenic trails in the country! With all of the national parks, state parks, county parks, and local parks, we can always find a picturesque hiking trail, a picture-perfect spot for a leisurely picnic, or a charming place to relax and pitch a tent. And with regard to hiking in particular, the options are pretty much endless. Some of our favorite places to go hiking in Pennsylvania include Ricketts Glen State Park, a place teeming with natural beauty and waterfalls galore; Worlds End State Park, a waterfall wonderland in northeast PA; and Ohiopyle State Park, a stunning spot that transforms each autumn during the height of fall foliage. For more amazing places to go hiking in Pennsylvania, be sure to bookmark this article: 11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Pennsylvania.
What are some beautiful areas to go camping in Pennsylvania?
Hiking and camping go hand-in-hand, and once you’ve tackled some of the above best hikes in Pennsylvania, you’ll want to put up your feet for the night. Happily, Pennsylvania is home to numerous superlative campsites where you can do just that! One of our favorites is White’s Haven Campground & Cabins, a scenic campsite located mere minutes from Cook Forest State Park. Nightly and weekly RV parking spots, with electric and water, make it easy to get away. White Haven’s Campground also offers permanent RV spots. But if you’re looking for a more bare-bones camping excursion, White Haven also has primitive cabins and campsites that truly allow for an au naturel camping experience! For more amazing spots to go camping in the Keystone State, be sure to check out these eight lesser-known state parks in Pennsylvania.
Address: Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: County Park Road, County Park Rd, Warwick Township, PA 19465, USA
Address: Gifford Pinchot State Park, Warrington Township, PA, USA
Address: Shohola Falls, Shohola Township, PA 18458, USA
Address: Dingmans Falls, Delaware Township, PA 18328, USA
Address: Cowans Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA
Address: 1150 Keystone Park Rd, New Alexandria, PA 15670, USA
Address: Parker Dam State Park, 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849, USA
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