Hiking’s probably one of the most exciting ways we can spend time outdoors. After all, we never know who we’ll cross paths with, what natural wonders we’ll see, and what hidden gems we’ll discover. For a fun adventure, add these hikes that lead to hidden caves in Pennsylvania to your outdoor bucket list. Besides the caves, you never know what else awaits on the trail.

1. Wind Cave Trail – Conestoga
Pequea Boat Launch, Pequea, PA 17565, USA
AllTrails/Joe Brown
Be prepared for somewhat of a challenge on the moderately-rated Wind Cave Trail, which spans 2.2 miles. The highlight of the trail is, of course, the cave. Take precautions when you enter the cave if you decide to explore it, as it's extremely narrow. Your best bet is to hike when the trail is dry. When it's wet, and especially in the fall when the leaves have fallen, it's significantly harder. Learn more about the Wind Cave Trail on AllTrails.
2. Doans Cave – Ralph Stover State Park
6011 State Park Rd, Pipersville, PA 18947, USA
AllTrails/Steve Raubenstine
If it's an easy but fun hike you're looking for, you've found it. The Doans Cave Trail measures just a half-mile, and it's rated easy for all ages and all skill levels. Bring along a flashlight if you plan to explore the cave because it's dark. You might also want to wear pants since you'll have to crawl into the narrow cave. Find a trail map and more on Doans Cave Trail on AllTrails.
3. Iron Horse Trail to Tunnel Trail Loop – Tuscarora State Forest
Tunnel Trail Parking, Hemlock Rd, Blain, PA 17006, USA
AllTrails/Sarah Wood
This is one of those caves you'll likely just want to admire from the outside, and keep an eye out if you actually want to find it. The trail offers some pretty cool finds, including an unfinished railroad tunnel and beautiful flowers during the warmer months. Prepare for a bit of a trek that measures more than five miles. Find a trail map and more information on Iron Horse Trail on AllTrails.
4. Lehigh Gorge Trail – Lehigh Gorge State Park
D & L Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
AllTrails/Melony Bishop
Start this trail in the enchanting town of Jim Thorpe. Follow the Lehigh Gorge Trail to an abandoned tunnel. The 3.7-mile trail is easy and is full of scenery, with one of the highlights being an abandoned train tunnel (pictured) that offers gorgeous views. (It's not exactly a cave, but it's definitely worth exploring.) Find more information including a trail map of Lehigh Gorge Trail on AllTrails.
5. Raab Park Loop – Codorus
P. Joseph Raab Park, 2111 Hoff Rd, Seven Valleys, PA 17360, USA
All Trails/Darlene Zinn
Spanning just 1.5 miles, the Raap Park Loop Trail is easy, making it ideal for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Pups are also allowed as long as they remain on a leash. The trail is dotted with caves, and you'll even run across abandoned mines. Bring plenty of bug spray, too, as you might run into quite a few bugs. Here's more information on The Raab Park Loop Trail from AllTrails.

Have you been to any of these hidden caves in Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments! For a refreshing hike that leads straight to a swimming hole, follow the Haystacks and Dutchman Falls Trail, just south of Dushore.

When you followed the links to the AllTrails sites for each of these hidden caves in Pennsylvania, you may have noticed there was an option for additional information. AllTrails+ is a paid subscription that unlocks more map details, brings trails to life in 3D, and provides many more helpful details for your hikes! Try it for free and you’ll see how much you like it!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Caves In Pennsylvania

Katie Feldkamp | July 03, 2023

Are there caves in Pennsylvania?

The seemingly obvious answer to this question is yes! There are hidden caves, famous caves, and unique caves, all waiting to be explored. The following is a partial list of what many consider to be some of the best caves in Pennsylvania:

  • Lauren Caverns in Hopwood, which is the largest cave in Pennsylvania
  • Lost River Caverns in Hellertown has, as you may guess from its name, a river that runs through it. The name comes from the fact that this river that runs through the cave has an unknown origin.
  • Coral Caverns in Manns Choice has something you may not expect to find in Pennsylvania – fossilized coral and other sea creatures from over 400 million years ago.

 

What is a unique way to see some caves in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is full of caves, caverns and waterfalls, many of which make for incredible hikes. If you are eager to see quite a few of these, check out this road trip of caves in Pennsylvania that’s been created for your viewing pleasure. Along the way you will stop at places such as:

  • Crystal Cave in Kutztown. Enjoy the rock formations as well as the history of this cave, which was first discovered in 1871.
  • Indian Echo Caverns in Hummelstown is a tour for which you will want to dress warmly.
  • Penn’s Cave in Centre Hall, which has the unique title of being the only all-water cave in the United States.

Related Articles

Explore Pennsylvania