20 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Pennsylvania Should Take
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 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 Pennsylvania.
Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
There are four awesome trails at Bushkill Falls.
The shortest, Green Trail, will take you directly to the main falls (about a 15-minute walk, with no steps). 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.
Blue Trail takes you up to Pennell Falls, an hour-long walk. The longest trail, Red Trail, is about two miles long and takes you to Bridal Veil Falls, as well as all eight of the other falls. Visit the official website of Bushkill Falls.
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.
The Kinzua Bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003.
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.
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. Stop by the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park for more information.
Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
The Bridle Trail in Cook Forest State Park is 4.1 miles long and is rated moderately difficult.
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.
Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
The Rhododendron Trail is a short 1.2 miles long and moderately difficult.
The trail is part of the Forest Cathedral Hiking Trails and is a favorite in the area. Get all of the details on the official website of Cook Forest State Park.
Delaware Water Gap, PA, USA
The 4.3-mile loop along the Delaware River cuts a narrow gap through the Kittatinny Ridge.
Mount Minsi, the ridge on the Pennsylvania side, faces Mount Tammany on the New Jersey Side. Visit the official website of Delaware Gap National Recreation Area for more information.
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Baughman Trail is 3.4 miles long and has a steep, rocky path that is pretty difficult.
The Baughman Trail passes by the Baughman Rock Overlook, which gives a great view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.
Jonathan Run Trail is only 1.7 miles long and passes by several small waterfalls.
The Jonathan Run Trail is an easygoing path along Holland Hill Road.
The Meadow Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park is three miles of easy hiking.
Meadow Run Trail passes by the beautiful Cucumber Falls. Here's the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
There are 15 different trails across Presque Isle State Park, and all are shorter than two miles. 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. Visit the official website of Presque Isle State 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. Find more information on Ringing Rocks County Park.
Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Shades of Death Trail sounds scary, but is actually quite beautiful. 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; rocky in some areas and can be slippery when wet, but it's definitely kid (and dog!) friendly. Find more on the official website of Hickory Run State Park.
Rothrock State Forest, Pennsylvania 16669, USA
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. Stop by the official website of Rorthrock State Forest for more information.
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. Visit the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park for more information.
Forbes State Forest, Cook Township, PA 15677, USA
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. Learn more on the official website of Forbes State Forest.
Colton Point State Park, 927 Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Don't be fooled by the distance of Turkey Path...this is one seriously difficult mile down to the canyon floor.
Turkey Path begins at the at the rim of Colton Point State Park and descends down to Pine Creek.
Along the way, you will find beautiful waterfalls (and wildlife) that make the three-mile round trip back to the top worth the effort. Head over to the official website of Colton Point State Park for more information.
Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Rector, PA 15677, 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. Learn more on the official website of Linn Run State Park.
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
This more than seven-mile loop gives you some amazing views of 21 different waterfalls along the way.
The trail is moderately difficult - lots of ups and downs - and make sure you wear sturdy shoes...the rocky path can get slippery.
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.
In Ganoga Glen, you will find the beautiful 94-foot-tall Ganoga Falls!
The whole Falls Trail is a beautiful mossy wonderland.
Adams Falls is just a bonus stop if you are off to take the 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).
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. Visit the official website of Worlds End State Park.
Don't forget to visit the Rock Garden on your way.
Forbes State Forest, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
This 3.5 mile loop isn't easy...but the view from the vista is spectacular.
The sandstone boulders atop Wolf Rocks give an unmatched view of Linn Run Valley. Learn more on the official website of Forbes State Forest.
Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Looking for more Pennsylvania hikes? Here are the best easy hikes in Pennsylvania to add to your bucket list.
Address: Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
Address: Forbes State Forest, Cook Township, PA 15677, USA
Address: Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
Address: Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
Address: Delaware Water Gap, PA, USA
Address: Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Address: Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: Colton Point State Park, 927 Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Address: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Address: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USA
Address: Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Address: Rothrock State Forest, Pennsylvania 16669, USA
Address: Forbes State Forest, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Address: World's End State Park Family Campground, Muncy Valley, PA 17758, USA
Address: Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Rector, PA 15677, USA
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania
April 07, 2022
What are some of the best hiking trails near me?
No matter where you live in Pennsylvania, you’ll find hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Your best bet for finding “hiking trails near me” is to do what you’re doing right now – visiting Only In Your State! One of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania is, arguably, Falls Trail, which winds through Ricketts Glen State Park. It’s a challenging one, but the work is well worth the effort. After all, you get beautiful views of 21 waterfalls along the way. The Thousand Steps Trail is also challenging since you’ll have to climb 1,000 steps, but the views at the top? Absolutely worth every second. If you prefer city views, follow the Three Rivers Heritage 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. If you’ve never been to Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, you might want to add it to the top of your bucket list. 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 around, you definitely want to make a point to visit when it’s drenched in the colors of fall.
Address: Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
Address: Forbes State Forest, Cook Township, PA 15677, USA
Address: Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
Address: Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
Address: Delaware Water Gap, PA, USA
Address: Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Address: Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: Colton Point State Park, 927 Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Address: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Address: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USA
Address: Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Address: Rothrock State Forest, Pennsylvania 16669, USA
Address: Forbes State Forest, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Address: World's End State Park Family Campground, Muncy Valley, PA 17758, USA
Address: Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Rector, PA 15677, USA
