A hike can be oh-so-refreshing, no matter what time of the year you hit the trails. However, the warmer months can sometimes prove challenging, especially if we’re not exactly fans of the heat. The Haystacks hike in Pennsylvania is picture-perfect any time of the year. If you hike it during the summer, you can stay cool by taking a dip in the swimming holes along the way.
Just south of Dushore, The Haystacks and Dutchman Falls Trail offers breathtaking natural scenery, a waterfall, and natural swimming holes, promising a relaxing day of fun.
All Trails/Greg H. The Pennsylvania trail showcases some of the natural beauty of Loyalsock State Forest.
However, make sure you bring along everything you need for the nearly eight-mile hike that meanders along a path that can get pretty buggy. You might even run into a snake along the way.
All Trails/St3r30s 0 Don’t worry, though. The effort is well worth it to experience one of the best swimming holes in Pennsylvania.
Because it features some rocky and rough terrain, the trail is considered moderate. Some hikers even suggest bringing walking sticks to make the journey smoother.
All Trails/Matthew Mercincavage
Keep an eye out for tree roots, and follow the blazes to ensure you stay on the trail.
All Trails/Greg H.
One of the highlights of the trail, in addition to Dutchman Falls, are the Haystacks, naturally-created sandstone outcrops that create natural pools.
All Trails/Alissa Snyder
Slip into the water to cool down on a hot summer day. You’ll find plenty of others doing the same in the clear water.
All Trails/rc4sq1b 8mn5gk
The Haystacks produce natural rapids, so be careful when you’re in the water.
All Trails/Christy Mordan
If you enjoy climbing on the rocks, take care as they can get slippery and become a natural waterslide.
All Trails/Jennifer Ulmer Water shoes are recommended if you plan on getting in the water.
Even if you’re not up for the entire eight-mile hike, you can just trek to the Haystacks, cool off, and turn around.
All Trails/rc4sq1b 8mn5gk
Stop by the Loyalsock State Forest website to learn more.
All Trails/Jason Schondra
All Trails/Greg H.
The Pennsylvania trail showcases some of the natural beauty of Loyalsock State Forest.
All Trails/St3r30s 0
Don’t worry, though. The effort is well worth it to experience one of the best swimming holes in Pennsylvania.
All Trails/Matthew Mercincavage
All Trails/Alissa Snyder
All Trails/rc4sq1b 8mn5gk
All Trails/Christy Mordan
All Trails/Jennifer Ulmer
Water shoes are recommended if you plan on getting in the water.
All Trails/Jason Schondra
Have you gone on the Haystacks hike in Pennsylvania? Did you stop to wade in the water? Let us know in the comments! For a hike that will lead you to the sandy shores of Lake Erie, follow the Erie Bluffs five-mile loop trail.
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Address: Haystacks, Laporte Township, PA 18614, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Haystacks Hike In Pennsylvania July 22, 2022 Beth Price-Williams What is the best swimming hole in Pennsylvania? The best swimming hole in Pennsylvania is also the most unique – it’s a natural waterslide. Tucked in Ohiopyle State Park, the natural waterslide is a fun way to stay cool all summer long. However, you should be aware of a few things before you go. It can get incredibly busy, especially on the hottest days of summer. Even if you don’t mind the crowds, be prepared to potentially get some bumps and bruises. After all, you’ll be sliding down 300-million-year-old sandstone, so it can get a bit rough. There are no lifeguards on duty either. If all of that doesn’t scare you, you’re in for an epic summer adventure. After thoroughly cooling off, consider a visit to nearby Cucumber Falls, also in the park. You can walk behind this beautiful cascade, another fun and easy way to stay cool on a hot Pennsylvania day. Are there any beaches in Pennsylvania? We can probably all agree that Pennsylvania isn’t usually associated with sandy beaches, but we have them! Most are at our state parks and, while you won’t be on the ocean’s shore, you will be able to cool off in one of PA’s beautiful lakes. We’ve got quite a few bucket list-worthy beaches in Pennsylvania. Laurel Hill State Park is home to Laurel Hill Lake and a gorgeous sandy beach with all of the amenities, including a concession stand. Poe Valley State Park’s sandy beach is pure perfection and ideal if you have kiddos. At its deepest point, it measures just five feet. The lake is small at 25 acres, but you’ll have plenty of room to spread out on the sandy beach. It also features a snack bar. Bald Eagle State Park is home to a family-friendly Pennsylvania beach that has a playground, picnic tables, a concession stand, and changing rooms.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Haystacks Hike In Pennsylvania
July 22, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
What is the best swimming hole in Pennsylvania? The best swimming hole in Pennsylvania is also the most unique – it’s a natural waterslide. Tucked in Ohiopyle State Park, the natural waterslide is a fun way to stay cool all summer long. However, you should be aware of a few things before you go. It can get incredibly busy, especially on the hottest days of summer. Even if you don’t mind the crowds, be prepared to potentially get some bumps and bruises. After all, you’ll be sliding down 300-million-year-old sandstone, so it can get a bit rough. There are no lifeguards on duty either. If all of that doesn’t scare you, you’re in for an epic summer adventure. After thoroughly cooling off, consider a visit to nearby Cucumber Falls, also in the park. You can walk behind this beautiful cascade, another fun and easy way to stay cool on a hot Pennsylvania day. Are there any beaches in Pennsylvania? We can probably all agree that Pennsylvania isn’t usually associated with sandy beaches, but we have them! Most are at our state parks and, while you won’t be on the ocean’s shore, you will be able to cool off in one of PA’s beautiful lakes. We’ve got quite a few bucket list-worthy beaches in Pennsylvania. Laurel Hill State Park is home to Laurel Hill Lake and a gorgeous sandy beach with all of the amenities, including a concession stand. Poe Valley State Park’s sandy beach is pure perfection and ideal if you have kiddos. At its deepest point, it measures just five feet. The lake is small at 25 acres, but you’ll have plenty of room to spread out on the sandy beach. It also features a snack bar. Bald Eagle State Park is home to a family-friendly Pennsylvania beach that has a playground, picnic tables, a concession stand, and changing rooms.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best swimming hole in Pennsylvania is also the most unique – it’s a natural waterslide. Tucked in Ohiopyle State Park, the natural waterslide is a fun way to stay cool all summer long. However, you should be aware of a few things before you go. It can get incredibly busy, especially on the hottest days of summer. Even if you don’t mind the crowds, be prepared to potentially get some bumps and bruises. After all, you’ll be sliding down 300-million-year-old sandstone, so it can get a bit rough. There are no lifeguards on duty either. If all of that doesn’t scare you, you’re in for an epic summer adventure. After thoroughly cooling off, consider a visit to nearby Cucumber Falls, also in the park. You can walk behind this beautiful cascade, another fun and easy way to stay cool on a hot Pennsylvania day.
Are there any beaches in Pennsylvania?
We can probably all agree that Pennsylvania isn’t usually associated with sandy beaches, but we have them! Most are at our state parks and, while you won’t be on the ocean’s shore, you will be able to cool off in one of PA’s beautiful lakes. We’ve got quite a few bucket list-worthy beaches in Pennsylvania. Laurel Hill State Park is home to Laurel Hill Lake and a gorgeous sandy beach with all of the amenities, including a concession stand. Poe Valley State Park’s sandy beach is pure perfection and ideal if you have kiddos. At its deepest point, it measures just five feet. The lake is small at 25 acres, but you’ll have plenty of room to spread out on the sandy beach. It also features a snack bar. Bald Eagle State Park is home to a family-friendly Pennsylvania beach that has a playground, picnic tables, a concession stand, and changing rooms.
