Take These 12 Incredible Pennsylvania Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
Hiking’s arguably the best way to get outdoors and explore all of the natural beauty Pennsylvania has to offer. With more than 12,000 miles of hikings trails in Pennsylvania, we have no shortage of trails to follow. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely hike through the woods or you want more of a challenge, you’ll find more than one option. Not sure where to start? Here are 12 of the best hikes in Pennsylvania, one for each month of the year.
Meandering through state game lands near Jim Thorpe, Tank Hollow Trail is picture-perfect any time of the year. The trail, which is rated easy, clocks in at 3.4 miles and can get pretty busy at times. Follow the white arrows, so you stay on the scenic trail. Find more information on All Trails.
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, you’ll find it on the moderate Kelly’s Run Loop Trail. The trail spans just under four miles and features a ton of natural beauty, including a cascading waterfall. Kelly’s Run Loop Trail runs through the woods, and you’ll also hike along a stream. Find more information on Kelly’s Run Loop Trail on All Trails.
For an easy and unique hike, head to Hickory Run State Park, where you’ll follow the Boulder Field Trail. You’ll definitely want to wear sturdy shoes for this 6.2-mile trail that can get really busy. The trail will lead you through the forest and to the beautiful boulder field. Here’s the official website of Hickory Run State Park.
Wildwood Lake Trail wanders through Wildwood Park and promises stunning natural beauty. The 3.5-mile easy trail offers the opportunity to see a ton of local wildlife. Part of the trail is ADA-accessible, making it easy to turn the loop trail into an out and back trail. Find more info on All Trails, including a map of Wildwood Lake Trail.
Can you think of a better way to spend a lovely spring day than gazing at wildlife and newly blossomed trees and flowers? The John Heinz Lake Loop Trail tallies 3.6 miles and even features a boardwalk that crosses over John Heinz Lake. Here’s more information on the official website of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
Summer’s the perfect time for a leisurely (and easy) hike along the beach. The 13.4-mile multi-purpose trail in Presque Isle will take you on a paved path with gorgeous views of Lake Erie. Don’t forget to bring your swimming gear along for a break on the beach and a swim in the lake. Stop by the official website of Presque Isle State Park.
Laurel Hill State Park, with its sandy swimming beach, is an idyllic summer destination. Before you hit the beach, consider following Laurel Hill Lake Trail. Rated moderate, the scenic trail spans 3.4 miles and is drenched with natural beauty in all seasons. Here’s more information on the official website of Laurel Hill State Park.
Falls Trail boasts 21 gorgeous waterfalls, but it comes with a challenging hike. The trail spans 7.2 miles and earns its difficult rating because of its rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. However, the challenge is well worth it for the waterfall views. Stop by the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park.
Climb 1,000 stairs – literally – on the Thousand Steps Trail. The trail leads to the top of Jacks Mountain and simply sensational views of the surrounding landscape. Because it is a strenuous hike, it has a difficult rating. Learn more on the official website of The Standing Stone Trail.
October transforms the landscape into a colorful palette. Seven Tubs Nature Area Trail, a moderate trail that tallies just under two miles, promises colorful fall foliage, waterfalls, and shimmering tubs. It's picture-perfect during the fall - or anytime of the year. Here’s more information on Seven Tubs Nature Area.
Combine a challenge with gorgeous scenery when you embark on the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. The trail is long, at 15 miles, but boasts a ton of beauty – a waterfall, a covered bridge, and picturesque footbridges. Learn more on the official website of McConnells Mill State Park.
Our next trek is a moderately difficult but absolutely gorgeous trail. The Tom Lowe Trail tallies 4.9 miles and can get pretty busy at times. However, you’ll be treated to a ton of natural beauty, including a cascading waterfall. Stop by All Trails for more information on the Tom Lowe Trail.
Do you agree that these are 12 of the best hikes in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! We have so many unique Pennsylvania hikes, including the Pike 2 Bike Trail, which will take you along a stretch of the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Address: Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
Address: Holtwood, PA 17532, USA
Address: Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Address: Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA
Address: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA
Address: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Address: Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Address: Thousand Steps - Standing Stone Trail, William Penn Hwy, Mapleton, PA 17052, USA
Address: Seven Tubs Nature Area, 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA
Address: McConnells Mill State Park, 1761 McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
Address: Hamburg, PA 19526, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania
April 06, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
What are some of the easiest hikes in Pennsylvania?
Easy hikes in Pennsylvania are perfect for just about everyone – kiddos, those with dogs, and beginners. Fortunately, we’ve got a slew of easy hikes in Pennsylvania that promise a whole lot of gorgeous natural scenery and maybe even some surprises, like hidden waterfalls, along the way. The Butterfly Trail at Bald Eagle State Park, for example, tallies just 1.5 miles and offers the chance to see some of the park’s resident butterflies. (Don’t forget your camera.) Snap photos of the elk when you follow the Maple Trail at Elk State Park. The easy trail clocks in at just a half of a mile. The Beaver Dam Trail at Pymatuning State Park is also just a half of a mile and offers the chance to see ducks, turtles, and maybe even a dragonfly or two.
What can I do at Erie Bluffs State Park in Pennsylvania?
Most people who head to Erie choose to go to one of the 13 beaches at Presque Isle State Park. However, there’s a lesser-known state park nearby that’s perfect if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Erie Bluffs State Park, in fact, boasts the largest stretch of undeveloped land along Lake Erie in the state. Swimming is not permitted in the cozy state park. However, you can go fishing or boating, and or embark on a leisurely walk along the beach. Erie Bluffs State Park also boasts gorgeous views from a series of bluffs. The best way to explore the picturesque state park is along one of its hiking trails. If you’ve got the time, follow the five-mile loop trail that takes you along all of the trails. Because the state is trying to preserve the land at Erie Bluffs State Park, all hikers are asked to remain on the path and to take out – food and drink, for example – whatever you bring in with you. Don’t forget the bug spray either; it can get incredibly buggy in the park during the warmer months.
Address: Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
Address: Holtwood, PA 17532, USA
Address: Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Address: Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA
Address: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA
Address: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Address: Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Address: Thousand Steps - Standing Stone Trail, William Penn Hwy, Mapleton, PA 17052, USA
Address: Seven Tubs Nature Area, 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA
Address: McConnells Mill State Park, 1761 McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
Address: Hamburg, PA 19526, USA
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