Best Hiking Trails PennsylvaniaComplete Guide to PA's Top 25 Trails
Discover the absolute best hiking trails in Pennsylvania with our comprehensive guide. From the legendary Ricketts Glen Falls Trail with 21 waterfalls to the iconic Appalachian Trail and Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon, explore 25+ top-rated hiking destinations with detailed trail descriptions, difficulty ratings, GPS coordinates, seasonal guidance, and expert insider tips for Pennsylvania's most spectacular hiking experiences.
Pennsylvania's Top 10 Best Hiking Trails
The definitive ranking of Pennsylvania's most spectacular hiking experiences
Ricketts Glen Falls Trail
Universally acclaimed as Pennsylvania's best hiking trail, the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail offers an unparalleled outdoor experience. This 7.2-mile loop through old-growth forest features21 named waterfalls including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls. As a National Natural Landmark, it represents the pinnacle of Pennsylvania hiking, combining challenging terrain with breathtaking natural beauty. The trail showcases the most concentrated waterfall experience in the Northeast, making it a must-visit destination for serious hikers and nature enthusiasts.
7.2 miles (full loop)
Most Difficult
4-6 hours
Spring (peak flow)
Pine Creek Gorge (West Rim Trail)
Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon" offers breathtaking rim views and diverse hiking options. The West Rim Trail provides spectacular vistas of the 800-foot deep gorge.
Appalachian Trail (Pennsylvania)
230 miles of the legendary AT cross Pennsylvania, offering diverse terrain from Delaware Water Gap to South Mountain. Multiple day hike sections available.
Bushkill Falls Trail System
Pennsylvania's most popular waterfall destination with 8 waterfalls and well-maintained trails. Excellent for families and first-time Pennsylvania hikers.
Ohiopyle State Park
Western Pennsylvania's premier destination with waterfalls, whitewater rapids, and the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Near Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater.
World's End State Park
Dramatic canyon overlooks and challenging mountain terrain. Features some of Pennsylvania's most spectacular vistas and diverse ecosystems.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
70,000 acres of protected wilderness featuring multiple waterfalls including Dingmans Falls (130ft) and Raymondskill Falls (tallest in PA at 470ft).
Hickory Run State Park
Home to the unique Boulder Field - a 16-acre field of glacial boulders. Diverse trail system through various Pocono Mountain ecosystems.
Cook Forest State Park
Pennsylvania's premier old-growth forest with ancient hemlock and pine trees. Multiple trail options through pristine wilderness areas.
Presque Isle State Park
Pennsylvania's unique Lake Erie peninsula with 13 miles of trails through beaches, wetlands, and forests. Completely different hiking experience.
Best Pennsylvania Hiking by Category
Find Pennsylvania's best trails for your specific hiking interests
Best Waterfall Hiking
Pennsylvania's top waterfall destinations
- • Ricketts Glen Falls Trail - 21 waterfalls (#1)
- • Bushkill Falls - 8 waterfalls, family-friendly
- • Delaware Water Gap - Multiple waterfall trails
- • Ohiopyle State Park - Whitewater & waterfalls
- • Promised Land State Park - Easy waterfall access
Best Mountain Hiking
Summit views and challenging terrain
- • Pine Creek Gorge - PA Grand Canyon views
- • World's End State Park - Canyon overlooks
- • Appalachian Trail - Blue Mountain sections
- • Mount Davis - PA's highest point (3,213 ft)
- • Laurel Ridge State Park - 70-mile ridge trail
Best Family Hiking
Kid-friendly trails and easy access
- • Bushkill Falls Green Trail - Easy waterfall access
- • Dingmans Falls - 0.3 mi boardwalk
- • Promised Land State Park - Lake loops
- • Presque Isle - Flat beach & forest trails
- • Keystone State Park - Short nature trails
Best Backpacking
Multi-day wilderness adventures
- • Appalachian Trail - Multi-day sections
- • West Rim Trail - 30-mile PA Grand Canyon
- • Laurel Ridge Trail - 70-mile ridge traverse
- • Loyalsock Trail - 59-mile wilderness loop
- • Old Logger's Path - 27-mile circuit
Best Photography Hiking
Most photogenic trails and vistas
- • Ricketts Glen - 21 waterfall compositions
- • Pine Creek Gorge - Sweeping canyon vistas
- • World's End - Dramatic overlooks
- • Delaware Water Gap - Classic waterfall shots
- • Cook Forest - Ancient tree photography
Best Urban Escapes
Close to major cities
- • From Philadelphia: Ricketts Glen (2.5 hrs)
- • From NYC: Delaware Water Gap (1.5 hrs)
- • From Pittsburgh: Ohiopyle State Park (1 hr)
- • From Harrisburg: World's End (1.5 hrs)
- • From Scranton: Bushkill Falls (1 hr)
Best Times for Pennsylvania Hiking
Seasonal guidance for optimal hiking experiences across Pennsylvania
Spring (April-May)
Peak waterfall season with snowmelt creating maximum flow. Perfect for Ricketts Glen and all waterfall destinations.
- • Best For: Waterfalls, wildflowers
- • Top Trails: Ricketts Glen, Bushkill Falls
- • Weather: 50-70°F, occasional rain
- • Crowds: Moderate, arrive early
Summer (June-August)
Best weather for long hikes but can be crowded. Perfect for challenging trails like the full Ricketts Glen loop.
- • Best For: Long day hikes, backpacking
- • Top Trails: AT sections, Pine Creek Gorge
- • Weather: 70-85°F, thunderstorms possible
- • Crowds: Highest, especially weekends
Fall (September-October)
Peak foliage season with spectacular colors. Perfect weather and the most photogenic hiking conditions.
- • Best For: Photography, foliage viewing
- • Top Trails: All mountain trails
- • Weather: 45-70°F, crisp and clear
- • Crowds: High during peak foliage
Winter (December-March)
Limited hiking opportunities with some trails closed. Focus on lower elevation and easier trails.
- • Best For: Solitude, winter photography
- • Top Trails: Presque Isle, Delaware Water Gap
- • Weather: 20-45°F, snow and ice
- • Crowds: Minimal
Best Pennsylvania Hiking FAQ
What is the best hiking trail in Pennsylvania?
Ricketts Glen Falls Trail is universally considered Pennsylvania's best hiking trail. This 7.2-mile loop features 21 named waterfalls including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls. As a National Natural Landmark, it offers the most concentrated and spectacular waterfall experience in the Northeast, making it the ultimate Pennsylvania hiking destination for serious hikers and nature enthusiasts.
What are the top 5 best hiking trails in Pennsylvania?
The top 5 best hiking trails in Pennsylvania are: 1) Ricketts Glen Falls Trail (21 waterfalls), 2) Pine Creek Gorge West Rim Trail (PA Grand Canyon), 3) Appalachian Trail Pennsylvania sections (230 miles), 4) Bushkill Falls Trail System (8 waterfalls), and 5) Ohiopyle State Park trails (Laurel Highlands). Each offers unique Pennsylvania hiking experiences from waterfalls to mountain vistas.
When is the best time to hike in Pennsylvania?
The best times for Pennsylvania hiking are spring (April-May) for peak waterfall flow and wildflowers, and fall (September-October) for spectacular foliage and perfect weather. Summer offers full trail access but can be crowded. Winter hiking is limited with some trails like Ricketts Glen Falls Trail closed for safety.
Where are the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania?
The best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania include Ricketts Glen Falls Trail (21 waterfalls - the ultimate destination), Bushkill Falls (8 waterfalls, family-friendly), Delaware Water Gap (Dingmans Falls 130ft, Raymondskill Falls 470ft), and Ohiopyle State Park (whitewater and waterfalls). Ricketts Glen offers the most spectacular concentrated waterfall experience.
Start with Pennsylvania's #1 Hiking Trail
Begin your Pennsylvania hiking adventure at Ricketts Glen State Park - home to the legendary Falls Trail with 21 waterfalls and the ultimate hiking experience in the Northeast.