11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Pennsylvania
Hiking just might be the most perfect adventure. It’s doable for hikers of all ages and skill levels, and you can find an assortment of ADA-accessible trails throughout the state. An easy hike is perfect whether you’re a beginner or you just want a laidback adventure. Here are 11 of the best hikes in Pennsylvania when you’re looking for an easy hike.
1. Butterfly Trail – Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA
Grab glimpses of butterflies as you embark on the 1.5-mile Butterfly Trail, which starts at the trailhead not far from pavilion six. One of the easiest trails in Bald Eagle State Park, the looping Butterfly Trail passes Frog Pond and through lush green that includes wildflowers, shrubs, and plants on which the butterflies feed. Visit the official website of Bald Eagle State Park for more information.
2. One Mile Trail – Cowans Gap State Park
Cowans Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA
Start this easy One Mile Trail at Aughwick Road, where you'll be shaded by mountain laurels and steal glances of Tuscarora Mountain. Connect with Three Mile Trail, or turn left at the Three Mile Trail marker and go back on Aughwick Road to return to your original starting point. Here's the official website of Cowans Gap State Park.
3. Lake Loop Trail – Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, USA
Snap stunning photos and selfies against the backdrop of Black Moshannon Lake as you hike along the .70-mile Lake Loop Trail. The trail loops around the lower shoreline of the lake in Black Moshannon State Park. The flat trail, which winds through the beach, is also one of the easiest in the park. Stop by the official website of Black Moshannon State Park to learn more.
4. Maple Trail – Elk State Park
Elk State Park, 631 E Branch Dam Rd, Wilcox, PA 15870, USA
Enjoy an easy hike along the half-mile Maple Trail that just may give you the perfect views of wildlife – like deer and elk – and waterfowl. Begin your hike at the Army Corp of Engineers parking lot then follow the path that winds alongside East Branch Lake. Stop by the official website of Elk State Park for more information.
5. Lakeside Loop – Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Bike or stroll the 2.2-mile, relatively level Lakeside Loop Trail, which promises picturesque scenery as you travel on paths as well as roads in the park. Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and other wildlife around the lake. Learn more on the official website of Keystone State Park.
6. Beaver Dam Trail – Pymatuning State Park
Pymatuning State Park Office, 2660 Williamsfield Rd, Jamestown, PA 16134, USA
Embark on a path over a wetland as you hike the half-mile Beaver Dam Trail. Stop at the observation deck, stoop down, and remain quiet. If you're lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of turtles soaking up the sun or dragonflies fluttering about. Here's the official website of Pymatuning State Park.
7. Lake View Trail – Tuscarora State Park
Tuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Park Rd, Barnesville, PA 18214, USA
Breathtaking views of Tuscarora Lake and several creeks await as you trek the .60-mile Lake View Trail, one of the easiest trails in Tuscarora State Park. You'll also pass through a lush hemlock forest and over a dam. See a full list of amenities on the official website of Tuscarora State Park.
Learn as you hike the .75-mile Oak Ridge Trail, which promises easy hiking and plenty of educational signs along the trail. Pass by a creek and into a forest as you discover the many types of trees that live in Locust Lake State Park. Stop by the official website of Locust Lake State Park for more information.
9. Little Buffalo Creek Trail – Little Buffalo State Park
Little Buffalo State Park, 1579 State Park Rd, Newport, PA 17074, USA
Park near the main picnic area at Little Buffalo State Park to start your hike along the one-mile Little Buffalo Creek Trail, also a popular trail for cross-country skiers in winter. Follow the blue blazes on this easy hiking trail where you're likely to encounter a variety of wildlife. View more on the official website of Little Buffalo State Park.
10. Three Springs Trail – Blue Knob State Park
Blue Knob State Park, Park Rd, Imler, PA 16655, USA
Follow the orange blazes as you wind your way along the two-mile Three Springs Trail. Kick off your hike at Ski Access Road. The easy trail promises stunning views of the mountains. Pack lunch and have a picnic at the Willow Springs Picnic Area along the trail. Here's the official website of Blue Knob State Park.
11. General Kane Trail – Kinzua Bridge State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
At only a little over a mile, the General Kane Trail in Kinzua Bridge State Park offers easy hiking and spectacular views along the way. You'll travel through a forest, home to maple and black cherry trees, and perhaps catch a look at the Kinzua Bridge. Plan your trek on the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.
These 11 easy hikes, some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania, make hiking accessible to all Pennsylvanians and provide the perfect opportunity for outdoor adventure. Here are 10 additional hiking trails in Pennsylvania that will lead you somewhere unforgettable.
Address: Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA
Address: Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, USA
Address: Elk State Park, 631 E Branch Dam Rd, Wilcox, PA 15870, USA
Address: Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Address: Pymatuning State Park Office, 2660 Williamsfield Rd, Jamestown, PA 16134, USA
Address: Tuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Park Rd, Barnesville, PA 18214, USA
Address: Little Buffalo State Park, 1579 State Park Rd, Newport, PA 17074, USA
Address: Blue Knob State Park, Park Rd, Imler, PA 16655, USA
Address: Cowans Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA
Address: Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania
March 25, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
What are some short, sweet, and easy hikes in Pennsylvania?
A hiking trail doesn’t have to be long or difficult to promise amazing rewards. Some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania clock in at three miles or less and boast an abundance of natural beauty. The Ohiopyle Ferncliff Trail, for example, wanders just two miles, and the highlight is sensational views of Ohiopyle Falls. The trail is kid-friendly and pet-friendly. Journey three beautiful miles through Forbes State Forest along the Cole Run Trail. It leads straight to Cole Run Falls. At 1.4 miles, the Mountain Creek Trail at Pine Grove Furnace State Park will take you through beautiful forest and past wetlands. Keep an eye out for the resident wildlife – beavers and deer, too. The short but sweet Kinzua Bridge Trail belongs on every Pennsylvanian’s bucket list. It leads to the remnants of Kinzua Bridge, which was partially destroyed in a tornado. Today, the bridge serves as a scenic skywalk and, at the end, you can stand on a glass floor and peer down at the forest below.
Are there any hiking trails at Archbald Pothole State Park?
Pennsylvania’s state parks boast some pretty unique features – from the skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park to the world’s largest pothole (yes, really) at Archbald Pothole State Park. It’s quite fitting that Pennsylvania is home to the world’s largest pothole; after all, we could easily be known at the pothole state. This is one pothole, however, you wouldn’t want to hit. Archbald Pothole measures 38 feet deep and is 42 feet by 24 feet at its widest point. To give you an idea of just how big it is, the pothole could hold 35 fire truck tankers. The tiny state park also features a lone hiking trail that travels through forested areas and features picturesque rock ledges.
Address: Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA
Address: Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, USA
Address: Elk State Park, 631 E Branch Dam Rd, Wilcox, PA 15870, USA
Address: Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Address: Pymatuning State Park Office, 2660 Williamsfield Rd, Jamestown, PA 16134, USA
Address: Tuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Park Rd, Barnesville, PA 18214, USA
Address: Little Buffalo State Park, 1579 State Park Rd, Newport, PA 17074, USA
Address: Blue Knob State Park, Park Rd, Imler, PA 16655, USA
Address: Cowans Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA
Address: Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
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