20 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Pennsylvania Should Take
By Meg Archer|Updated on April 29, 2023(Originally published April 28, 2023)
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Meg Archer
Author
Meg Archer is an Editor & Newsletter Editor who has called Oregon home for nearly 30 years. She spent her childhood exploring the mountains, forests, and high desert of Central Oregon before relocating to Portland after a brief stint out-of-state for college. She holds an B.A. in English from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and a B.S. in Psychology from Portland State University. Meg has worked in writing, editing, and media-related fields for over 10 years and joined the team at OnlyInYourState in 2015. When she’s not writing or exploring the West Coast, Meg enjoys playing tabletop games, working on visual media projects, and can always be found in the front row at Portland Timbers matches.
Looking for the best hikes in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania has some beautiful (and LONG) trails, but when you are looking for a day hike rather than an epic excursion, there are hundreds of short hiking trails that still lead you somewhere amazing!
Not all of us can conquer the Appalachian Trail (2,189 miles), the Allegheny Trail (330 miles), or even the Loyalsock Trail (59 miles)…but it’s time to dust off your hiking boots because we found 20 incredible hikes around the state that almost anyone can do!
All of these hikes are five miles or shorter, but that doesn’t mean they are a walk in the park! Here are 20 of the best hikes in PA.
The shortest, the Green Trail, will take you directly to the main falls (about a 15-minute walk, with no steps). The Yellow Trail, which takes about 45 minutes to walk, will take you by the main falls, as well as the Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen, and Upper Canyon.
The Blue Trail takes you up to Pennell Falls, an hour-long walk. The longest trail, the Red Trail, is about two miles long and takes you to Bridal Veil Falls, as well as all eight of the other falls. Get more details on visiting Bushkill Falls.
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2. The Shawmut Trail, Kinzua Bridge State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Kinzua Bridge was constructed in 1882 as a viaduct - the highest and longest in the world at the time (301 ft. tall and 2,053 ft. long). It was reinforced and used by Erie Railroad between 1882 and 1959 when it was abandoned.
In 2009, reconstruction began to turn the bridge into a pedestrian walkway. It is now Kinzua Skywalk, which has a partial glass bottom, so you can see the collapsed parts of the bridge below.
Some of the best hikes in PA are located here. The Shawmut Trail is two miles long, and The Timberdoodle Flat Interpretive Trail is 1.4 miles long. The shorter Bluebird Trail is manageable for wheelchairs and those who need walking assistance. Learn more about Kinzua Bridge State Park.
The Bridle Trail is a great place to watch for wildlife - including black bears. The trail takes you through an old growth forest and also serves as a horse trail. Discover more about recreation in Cook Forest State Park.
Mount Minsi, the ridge on the Pennsylvania side, faces Mount Tammany on the New Jersey Side. Check out what else you can do at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
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6. Baughman Trail, Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
The Baughman Trail passes by the Baughman Rock Overlook, which gives a great view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge. Learn more about the Baughman Rock Overlook.
There are 15 different trails across Presque Isle State Park, and all are shorter than two miles, making for some of the best day hikes in Pennsylvania. The trails are also open to bikes, and you can use them year-round.
You can also take leisurely pontoon boat tours through the lagoons. Don't forget to check out the lighthouse. Learn more about Presque Isle State Park.
10. Ringing Rocks County Park
Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USA
Located in Ringing Rocks County Park near Upper Black Eddy, PA, the Ramble is about one-mile long and isn't difficult, but you will be scrambling all over the rocks. It may just look like a giant rock pile, but this place is really unique...you are going to want to bring a hammer along with you. (Seriously.) Give the rocks a few taps and you will hear a truly unusual metallic sound. Read on further about what Ringing Rocks County Park is all about.
11. Shades of Death Trail, Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Shades of Death Trail sounds scary, but is actually quite beautiful and one of the best hikes in PA. The trail is only 1.1 miles long and passes by waterfalls, ponds, and through a rhododendron forest. The trail is listed as moderate, but we think it's pretty easy; rocks in some areas can be slippery when wet, but it's definitely kid (and dog!) friendly. Get more details about spending time at Hickory Run State Park.
The trailhead to Shingletown Gap is easily accessible from State College, and there are many trails in the area, so you can choose how long your hike will be.
If you head to the Roman Tower, the trail is 3.8 miles long and takes about 2.5 hours to go round-trip. The scenery is beautiful, but the climb to the top of Tussey Mountain is pretty steep. Read more about visiting Rothrock State Forest.
13. Grand View Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
This 1.9-mile trail takes you to the highest point on Red Rock Mountain. If you go in June, you will see the mountain laurel in bloom; if you go in July, you will find blackberries growing along the trail. Get yourself more acquainted with Ricketts Glen State Park and one of the best hikes in Pennsylvania.
Cole Run Trail is an easy two-mile hike through Forbes State Forest that can easily be turned into a three-mile loop if you include Cole Run Road. The Cole Run Falls are beautiful. Find out more about the Cole Run Trail.
15. Turkey Path Trail, Pine Creek Gorge
Colton Point State Park, 927 Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Along the way, you will find beautiful waterfalls (and wildlife) that make the three-mile round trip back to the top worth the effort. Learn more about taking on Turkey Path Trail.
16. Flat Rock Trail, Linn Run State Park
Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Stahlstown, PA 15687, USA
This quick half-mile jaunt will bring you to a unique area of the stream that flows over a wide, smooth rock bottom. There are several short trails at Linn Run State Park, but this is certainly the easiest. It is a perfect choice if you are looking for the best day hikes in Pennsylvania. Check out further details on the Flat Rock Trail.
17. The Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
From Waters Meet, you will see B. Reynolds Falls as you head toward Glen Leigh. From there, you follow Highlands Trail to the Lake Rose parking area, and on to Ganoga Glen.
Adams Falls is just a bonus stop off Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park. Adams Falls sits along Kitchen Creek, and is only about 100 yards from the Evergreen Parking Area (we suggest you continue on along the one-mile Evergreen Trail, but Adams Falls really is our favorite part). Get more details on what else you can do at Ricketts Glen State Park.
19. Canyon Vista Trail, World's End State Park
World's End State Park Family Campground, Muncy Valley, PA 17758, USA
This four-mile loop has some steep sections, but you will get an unmatched view of Loyalsock Creek from the vista. Read more about Worlds End State Park and one of the best hikes in Pennsylvania.
Thousand Steps Trail: This one in Mapleton is a challenge since you’ll have to climb 1,000 steps, but the views at the top? Absolutely worth every second.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail: If you are up for more of a city view, check out this trail which meanders through the city of Pittsburgh.
What are the most scenic hikes in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s landscape is simply gorgeous – whether you’re driving along the Turnpike admiring the rolling farmland or you’re exploring the Pocono Mountains. That means there is no shortage of scenic hikes in Pennsylvania:
Pine Creek Gorge: Also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, you can view it from Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. If you go to Leonard Harrison and are up for a bit of a challenge, follow the Turkey Path Trail. It’s rated between moderate and difficult and it will take you from the top to the bottom of the canyon and back. Along the way, you’ll pass gorgeous waterfalls. If you just want to drink in stunning views of the gorge, follow the Overlook Trail. It’s short, sweet, and leads to a bird’s eye view of Pine Creek Gorge. While the gorge is absolutely gorgeous all year-round, you definitely want to make a point to visit when it’s drenched in the colors of fall.
