Breathe in the fresh air. Listen to the tumbling of waterfalls. Snap photos to capture the little moments you don’t want to forget. Can you think of a better way to spend a few hours than on a short but sweet hike? These are 10 of the best short hikes in Pennsylvania. All are under three miles and offer adventure among nature.

1. Ohiopyle Ferncliff Trail – 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
Yelp/Iris H.
Hit the Ohiopyle Ferncliff Trail at Ohiopyle State Park for spectacular views of Ohiopyle Falls. The kid and pet-friendly trail spans two miles along the Youghiogheny River, providing hikers with picture-perfect scenic views. Here's the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
2. Grandview Trail – 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the Grandview Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park. The trail climbs 1.9 miles along Red Rock Mountain, where you'll be treated to spectacular views from the mountain's highest point. Grandview Trail is known for its blackberries in July and blossoming mountain laurels in June. Stop by the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park for more information.
3. Cole Run Trail – Forbes State Forest, Cook Township, PA 15655
Flickr/Jeff Moore
Admire the jaw dropping beauty of Cole Run Falls as you hike along Cole Run Trail in Forbes State Forest. You can hike the entire two mile trail, or if you travel along Coal Run Road, you'll have a three-mile loop hike. Learn more on the official website of Forbes State Forest.
4. Shades of Death Trail – 3613 State Route 534, White Haven, PA 18661
Flickr/bulletproofsoul67
Shades of Death may conjure ominous images. But, rest assured, you're in for some of the state's most stunning beauty when you travel along the Shades of Death Trail at Hickory Run State Park. Hike past Lake Harmony, gentle waterfalls, and blossoming wildflowers on this 2.2-mile trail. Check out the official website of Hickory Run State Park.
5. Butternut Trail – 82 Cabin Bridge Road, Forksville, PA 18616
Flickr/Karen Christine Hibbard
Explore Worlds End State Park as you hike along the Butternut Trail. The 2.5-mile trail loop, admittedly a challenge, features rocky terrain that passes through a hardwood forest, along a logging road, and to Butternut Vista. Pause at the vista to admire the sweeping views of Loyalsock Valley. Visit the official website of Worlds End State Park.

Related Stories

Sweeping Views Await Along The Beautiful Fred Woods Trail In Pennsylvania

Sweeping Views Await Along The Beautiful Fred Woods Trail In Pennsylvania

 Ringing Rocks Trail Leads To One Of The Most Unique Natural Wonders In Pennsylvania

Ringing Rocks Trail Leads To One Of The Most Unique Natural Wonders In Pennsylvania

 Journey Along The Abandoned PA Turnpike On The Pike 2 Bike Trail In Pennsylvania

Journey Along The Abandoned PA Turnpike On The Pike 2 Bike Trail In Pennsylvania
6. Yellow Birch Trail – 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520
Flickr/Richard Owens
Keep a look out for local wildlife when you traverse the one-mile Yellow Birch Trail. Nestled in French Creek State Park, the trail boasts a variety of scenery, including a hardwood forest, hemlock trees, and marshes. Start your hike on Yellow Birch Trail at the campground entrance. Explore the official website of French Creek State Park.
7. Star Mill Trail – 4216 Beaver Road, Philipsburg, PA 16866
Flickr/Rob Peeler
Soak up the natural beauty of Black Moshannon State Park as you hike along the 2.1 mile Star Mill Trail. The trail, rated easy, will give you close up looks of Black Moshannon Lake, the remnants of an 1870s sawmill, and, if you're observant, local wildlife. Find more on the official website of Black Moshannon State Park.
8. Mountain Creek Trail – 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324
Flickr/Steve Kennedy
Spend a leisurely day at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Explore the park along the 1.4-mile Mountain Creek Trail that promises vibrant scenery along the way. Watch for beavers, deer, and waterfowl as you traipse in forests and past wetlands. The trail ends at Fuller Lake. Learn more on the official website of Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
9. Chappells Field Trail – Park Road, Imler, PA 16655
Flickr/David Fulmer
Gaze at the natural scenery on the 2.5-mile Chappells Field Trail at Blue Knob State Park. Rated very easy, the trail is popular with hikers with children and, in the winter, cross country skiers. Hike through a picturesque forest and past a campground along the way. Head to the official website of Blue Knob State Park for more information.
10. The Kinzua Bridge Trail – 296 Viaduct Road, Mt Jewett, PA 16740
Flickr/Jim Mullhaupt
Embark on the Kinzua Bridge Trail for a truly spectacular experience. The 1.2-mile trail leads to the jaw-dropping Kinzua Bridge Skywalk. Stroll along the skywalk and, at the end, stand on the glass floor. There, you can look down more than 300 feet at the forest floor. Here's the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.

Do you agree that these are the best short hikes in Pennsylvania? What other hikes would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments. Then take a peek at these five hikes in Pennsylvania that belong on your bucket list.

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best short hikes in Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | December 19, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Pennsylvania?

While we’ll probably all agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Pennsylvania does boast some simply stunning hiking trails. One of the most beautiful hiking trails in Pennsylvania is arguably Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park. It leads to 21 named waterfalls, making it well worth the effort. (The trail is considered moderate to difficult.) Follow the Golden Eagle Trail for sensational views of Pine Creek Gorge (The Grand Canyon of PA), or challenge yourself on the Thousand Steps Trail. You’ll climb 1,000 stairs to reach the top of Jacks Mountain and stunning views.

Which hikes in Pennsylvania are short and sweet?

One of the best outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania, something we can do with family, friends, or even solo, is hiking. We have no shortage of short and sweet trails either, including Shohola Falls Trail. The trail spans just over a half of a mile and leads straight to the tumbling waterfall. You’ll also pass colorful wildflowers in the spring and a beautiful dam. Seven Tubs Natural Area Trail in Wilkes-Barre promises an abundance of natural beauty. The trail stretches just under two miles and passes small waterfalls and tubs.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania?

Spending time outdoors, no matter the time of the year, is popular with most Pennsylvanians. If you’re looking for things to do outside in Pennsylvania but aren’t really up for a hike, how about heading to a waterfall? Yep, PA’s home to waterfalls that require absolutely no hiking. Ohiopyle State Park, in fact, boasts two waterfalls that you can see with very little effort. Park in the lot at Cucumber Falls, where you can gaze at the top of the cascade. Walk down a set of stairs to see the base and even walk behind the waterfall. Less than mile away, you can stroll to one of the viewing areas to marvel at Ohiopyle Falls. Dingman Falls and Bushkill Falls also offer memorable outdoor adventures.

Related Articles

Explore Pennsylvania

Featured Addresses
82 Cabin Bridge Road, Forksville, PA 18616
695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814
124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
3613 State Route 534, White Haven, PA 18661
843 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520
4216 Beaver Road, Philipsburg, PA 16866
1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324
296 Viaduct Road, Mt Jewett, PA 16740