7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Pennsylvania To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead
A New Year brings with it so much promise. Sometimes, however, we just don’t have the time for quiet reflection. The best places and times for reflection often exist among nature, away from the noise of normal life. Next time you have a few free hours, slip on your hiking boots and set off on one of these seven cool and calming hikes in Pennsylvania that provide the perfect backdrop for peace, quiet, and reflection.
Up for a challenge to start 2020? You’ll definitely find that when you set off on the Golden Eagle Trail, which provides sweeping views of Pine Creek Gorge. Follow the orange blazes of the 10.6-mile trail that leads to several scenic vistas, perfect for a little quiet time, including Bonnell Run Vista and Raven’s Horn Vista.
Nestled near Pottstown, Warwick North Loop Trail spans just three miles. The trail, which is rated easy, is predominately flat, although you’ll have a few areas of elevation. Follow the picturesque trail which will lead you past a former rail line, through a forested area, and near a field of wildflowers, particularly beautiful in the spring.
If you’re looking for the perfect trail for inspiration and reflection, follow the Forest Cathedral Trail in Cook Forest State Park. The 2.5-mile trail will take you deep into the Forest Cathedral Natural Area, a Natural National Landmark which features trees that are more than 350 years old.
Breathe in the fresh air along the 6.6-mile Minister Creek Loop Trail in the Allegheny National Forest. The moderate trail offers an abundance of natural beauty – rock formations, flowing streams, and lush trees. Drink in sweeping views from several scenic vistas dotted along the path.
Set off on the 1.8-mile Seven Tubs Natural Area Trail, which offers scenic beauty all year round. However, the trail can get pretty busy during the warmer months. The trail follows along Wheelbarrow Run, a flowing stream, and past natural pools and small waterfalls. Please note, swimming is not permitted in any of the pools/tubs.
Are you up for a challenge? Moss-Hanne Trail in Black Moshannon State Park, a 14-mile loop trail, offers a challenge and sensational beauty that features bogs and trees. Wear waterproof boots or shoes, if you can, as the trail can get wet, especially when you're near the bogs. Walk along boardwalks and, from mid-June through mid-August, you can pick and eat fresh blueberries along the trail.
Explore Loyalsock State Forest along the 2.4-mile Angel Falls Trail that leads to a sensational 70-foot waterfall. (If you want to see the waterfall at its most majestic, visit after a rainfall. However, be careful as the trail can become slippery.) The hike is considered moderate, so make sure you’re up for the challenge.
What are your favorite hikes in Pennsylvania when you seek peace and quiet? Let us know in the comments!
Are you up for an epic day of hiking that includes 21 waterfalls? Yep, there are 21 waterfalls along Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park.
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Address: Cammal, PA 17723, USA
Address: Pottstown, PA 19464, USA
Address: Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
Address: Allegheny National Forest, Marienville, PA 16239, USA
Address: Seven Tubs Nature Area, 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA
Address: Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, USA
Address: Loyalsock State Forest, Fox Township, PA 18616, USA