Pennsylvania
Virtue, Liberty, and Independence
There are over 24,000 known hiking and trekking trails in Pennsylvania
Most popular trails:
Camelback Mountain Hiking Trail (3.2 miles, moderate): This trail in Lehigh County offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (145 miles, easy to difficult): This recreation area has a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the Delaware River and the surrounding mountains.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (70 miles, moderate): This trail in the Laurel Highlands offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Mount Davis Trail (3.2 miles, moderate): This trail in the Allegheny Mountains leads to the highest point in Pennsylvania.
Pinnacle Rock Trail (2.4 miles, moderate): This trail in the Pocono Mountains offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Ricketts Glen State Park (22 miles, easy to difficult): This park is home to 22 waterfalls, making it a great place for waterfall hikes.
Best for certain activities:
Skyline Drive (143 miles, easy to moderate): This scenic drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a great place for car camping and hiking.
Lake Erie Loop Trail (132 miles, easy to difficult): This trail along Lake Erie is a great place for birdwatching and fishing.
Horseshoe Curve (1.5 miles, easy): This historic railroad curve in Gallitzin is a great place for train watching.
Presque Isle State Park (13 miles, easy to difficult): This park on Lake Erie is a great place for swimming, boating, and hiking.
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (165 miles, easy to difficult): This corridor along the Delaware River is a great place for biking, hiking, and kayaking.
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum (1.5 miles, easy): This museum in Strasburg is a great place to learn about the history of trolleys.
Most challenging trails:
Chimney Rock Trail (4.6 miles, difficult): This trail in the Laurel Highlands offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Hike the Highlands (30 miles, difficult): This trail in the Allegheny Mountains is a great challenge for experienced hikers.
The Pinnacle (3.2 miles, difficult): This trail in the Pocono Mountains leads to the summit of The Pinnacle, a 1,800-foot rock.
Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania (6.4 miles, difficult): This trail in the Loyalsock State Forest offers stunning views of a deep gorge.
Seneca Rocks State Park (4.4 miles, difficult): This park in the Allegheny Mountains is home to a series of rock cliffs.
Ricketts Glen State Park (22 miles, easy to difficult): This park is home to 22 waterfalls, making it a great place for waterfall hikes.
Most scenic trails:
Camelback Mountain Hiking Trail (3.2 miles, moderate): This trail in Lehigh County offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (145 miles, easy to difficult): This recreation area has a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the Delaware River and the surrounding mountains.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (70 miles, moderate): This trail in the Laurel Highlands offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Mount Davis Trail (3.2 miles, moderate): This trail in the Allegheny Mountains leads to the highest point in Pennsylvania.
Pinnacle Rock Trail (2.4 miles, moderate): This trail in the Pocono Mountains offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Ricketts Glen State Park (22 miles, easy to difficult): This park is home to 22 waterfalls, making it a great place for waterfall hikes.
Most family-friendly trails:
Lehigh Gorge Trail (4.4 miles, easy): This trail in Lehigh County follows the Lehigh River and is a great option for a family hike.
Lake Nockamixon State Park (10 miles, easy to moderate): This park has a variety of trails that are perfect for families.
Kinzua Bridge State Park (1.5 miles, easy): This park has a former railroad bridge that is now a popular spot for hiking and fishing.
Presque Isle State Park (13 miles, easy to difficult): This park on Lake Erie has a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the lake.
Oil Creek State Park (15 miles, easy to difficult): This park has a variety of trails that wind through forests and meadows.
Moraine State Park (30 miles, easy to difficult): This park has a variety of trails that are perfect for a day hike or a longer backpacking trip.
Most accessible trails:
Joseph Plumb Martin Trail (4.6 miles, easy): This trail in Gettysburg National Military Park is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Lake Galena Hike and Bike Trail (4.6 miles, easy): This trail in Lackawanna County is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Tyler State Park Trail (4.3 miles, easy): This trail in Bucks County is paved and wheelchair accessible.
John Heinz Lake Loop (4.5 miles, easy): This trail in Allegheny County is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Wildwood Way and Canal Townpath (4.4 miles, easy): This trail in York County is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Northwest Lancaster County River Trail: Columbia to Bainbridge (4.5 miles, moderate): This trail in Lancaster County is paved and wheelchair accessible in some sections.
Where to get permits:
National Parks: You can get permits at the park visitor center.
State Parks: You can get permits at the park office.888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)You can also contact the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) by phone at 717-787-2869. This is the general information number for DCNR, and they can direct you to the appropriate department or park if you have a specific question.
Forest Service: You can get permits at the ranger station.
