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, Stroudsburg
Flickr/ Alex Quistberg There are four awesome trails at Bushkill Falls. Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
Flickr / Ravi Shah 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.
Flickr / Thomas 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.
- The Shawmut Trail, Kinzua Bridge State Park
Flickr / Jim Mullhaupt 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. Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Flickr / Jim Mullhaupt The Kinzua Bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003.
Flickr / Richard Yuan 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.
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli 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.
- Bridle Trail, Cook Forest State Park
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli The Bridle Trail in Cook Forest State Park is 4.1 miles long and is rated moderately difficult. Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli 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.
- Rhododendron Trail, Cook Forest State Park
Flickr / Malcolm Manners The Rhododendron Trail is a short 1.2 miles long and moderately difficult. Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli 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
Flickr / b k The 4.3-mile loop along the Delaware River cuts a narrow gap through the Kittatinny Ridge. Delaware Water Gap, PA, USA
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli 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.
- Baughman Trail, Ohiopyle State Park
Flickr / David Fulmer Baughman Trail is 3.4 miles long and has a steep, rocky path that is pretty difficult. Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Flickr / Mark The Baughman Trail passes by the Baughman Rock Overlook, which gives a great view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.
- Jonathan Run Trail, Ohiopyle State Park
Flickr / Hubert Stoffels Jonathan Run Trail is only 1.7 miles long and passes by several small waterfalls.
Flickr / iris The Jonathan Run Trail is an easygoing path along Holland Hill Road.
- Meadow Run Trail, Ohiopyle State Park
Flickr / Jon Dawson The Meadow Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park is three miles of easy hiking.
Flickr / R.A. Killmer Meadow Run Trail passes by the beautiful Cucumber Falls. Here’s the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
- Presque Isle State Park
Flickr / Richard Yuan 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. Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Flickr / Richard Yuan 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
Flickr / Stanley570 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. Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USA
- Shades of Death Trail, Hickory Run State Park
Flickr / bulletproofsoul67 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. Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
- Shingletown Gap, Rothrock State Forest
Flickr / Amir Nejad 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. Rothrock State Forest, Pennsylvania 16669, USA
Flickr / lizard mama 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.
- Grand View Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli 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. Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
- Cole Run Trail, Forbes State Forest
Flickr / Jeff Moore 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. Forbes State Forest, Cook Township, PA 15677, USA
- Turkey Path Trail, Pine Creek Gorge
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli Don’t be fooled by the distance of Turkey Path…this is one seriously difficult mile down to the canyon floor. Colton Point State Park, 927 Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Wikimedia / Ruhrfisch Turkey Path begins at the at the rim of Colton Point State Park and descends down to Pine Creek.
Flickr/ Peter M. Graham 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.
- Flat Rock Trail, Linn Run State Park
All Trails/John Bernsteil 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. Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Rector, PA 15677, USA
- The Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park
Flickr / Karen Christine Hibbard This more than seven-mile loop gives you some amazing views of 21 different waterfalls along the way. Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Flickr / Garen Meguerian The trail is moderately difficult - lots of ups and downs - and make sure you wear sturdy shoes…the rocky path can get slippery.
Flickr / Jeff Moore 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.
Flickr / Jason In Ganoga Glen, you will find the beautiful 94-foot-tall Ganoga Falls!
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli The whole Falls Trail is a beautiful mossy wonderland.
- Adams Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli 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).
- Canyon Vista Trail, World’s End State Park
Flickr / Karen Christine Hibbard 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. World’s End State Park Family Campground, Muncy Valley, PA 17758, USA
Flickr / Karen Christine Hibbard Don’t forget to visit the Rock Garden on your way.
- Wolf Rocks Loop Trail, Forbes State Forest
Flickr / Scott Weingart This 3.5 mile loop isn’t easy…but the view from the vista is spectacular. Forbes State Forest, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli 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.
Flickr/ Alex Quistberg
There are four awesome trails at Bushkill Falls.
Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
Flickr / Ravi Shah
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.
Flickr / Thomas
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.
Flickr / Jim Mullhaupt
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.
Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
The Kinzua Bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003.
Flickr / Richard Yuan
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.
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli
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.
The Bridle Trail in Cook Forest State Park is 4.1 miles long and is rated moderately difficult.
Cook Forest State Park, Leeper, PA 16233, USA
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.
Flickr / Malcolm Manners
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.
Flickr / b k
The 4.3-mile loop along the Delaware River cuts a narrow gap through the Kittatinny Ridge.
Delaware Water Gap, PA, USA
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.
Flickr / David Fulmer
Baughman Trail is 3.4 miles long and has a steep, rocky path that is pretty difficult.
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Flickr / Mark
The Baughman Trail passes by the Baughman Rock Overlook, which gives a great view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.
Flickr / Hubert Stoffels
Jonathan Run Trail is only 1.7 miles long and passes by several small waterfalls.
Flickr / iris
The Jonathan Run Trail is an easygoing path along Holland Hill Road.
Flickr / Jon Dawson
The Meadow Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park is three miles of easy hiking.
Flickr / R.A. Killmer
Meadow Run Trail passes by the beautiful Cucumber Falls. Here’s the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
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.
Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
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.
Flickr / Stanley570
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.
Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USA
Flickr / bulletproofsoul67
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.
Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Flickr / Amir Nejad
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.
Rothrock State Forest, Pennsylvania 16669, USA
Flickr / lizard mama
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.
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.
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Flickr / Jeff Moore
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.
Forbes State Forest, Cook Township, PA 15677, USA
Don’t be fooled by the distance of Turkey Path…this is one seriously difficult mile down to the canyon floor.
Colton Point State Park, 927 Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Wikimedia / Ruhrfisch
Turkey Path begins at the at the rim of Colton Point State Park and descends down to Pine Creek.
Flickr/ Peter M. Graham
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.
All Trails/John Bernsteil
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.
Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Rector, PA 15677, USA
Flickr / Karen Christine Hibbard
This more than seven-mile loop gives you some amazing views of 21 different waterfalls along the way.
Flickr / Garen Meguerian
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.
Flickr / Jason
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).
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.
World’s End State Park Family Campground, Muncy Valley, PA 17758, USA
Don’t forget to visit the Rock Garden on your way.
Flickr / Scott Weingart
This 3.5 mile loop isn’t easy…but the view from the vista is spectacular.
Forbes State Forest, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
The sandstone boulders atop Wolf Rocks give an unmatched view of Linn Run Valley. Learn more on the official website of Forbes State Forest.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania April 07, 2022 Beth Price-Williams 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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pennsylvania
April 07, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
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.
