Pennsylvania Hiking TrailsComplete Guide to PA's Best Hiking
Discover Pennsylvania's most spectacular hiking trails with our comprehensive guide. From the legendary Ricketts Glen Falls Trail to hidden gems throughout the state, explore 100+ Pennsylvania hiking trails with detailed maps, difficulty ratings, GPS coordinates, and expert insider tips for every skill level and season.
Pennsylvania's Premier Hiking Destinations
The most spectacular and diverse hiking experiences Pennsylvania has to offer
Ricketts Glen State Park
Pennsylvania's crown jewel and the ultimate Pennsylvania hiking trail experience. The 7.2-mile Falls Trail System features 21 named waterfalls through old-growth forest, including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls. This National Natural Landmark offers the most concentrated and diverse hiking experience in the state, combining challenging terrain with unparalleled natural beauty.
7.2 miles (full loop)
Most Difficult
4-6 hours
21 waterfalls
Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon)
Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon" offers spectacular rim trails and valley hiking with breathtaking vistas and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
Appalachian Trail
230 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail cross Pennsylvania, offering diverse terrain from gentle ridges to challenging rocky sections.
Ohiopyle State Park
Western Pennsylvania's premier hiking destination with waterfalls, whitewater rapids, and the Great Allegheny Passage trail system.
Pennsylvania Hiking by Region
Explore the diverse hiking opportunities across Pennsylvania's distinct geographic regions
Eastern Pennsylvania
Pocono Mountains & Lehigh Valley
Home to Pennsylvania's most accessible hiking trails including the Pocono Mountains, Delaware Water Gap, and numerous waterfall trails perfect for day hiking from NYC and Philadelphia.
- • Delaware Water Gap - 70,000 acres of trails
- • Bushkill Falls - "Niagara of Pennsylvania"
- • Promised Land State Park - Family-friendly trails
- • Hickory Run State Park - Boulder Field Trail
- • Blue Mountain - Appalachian Trail section
Central Pennsylvania
Mountains & Valleys
Features Pennsylvania's most challenging and rewarding hiking including Ricketts Glen, the PA Grand Canyon, and diverse mountain terrain with spectacular views and pristine wilderness areas.
- • Ricketts Glen State Park - 21 waterfalls
- • Pine Creek Gorge - PA Grand Canyon
- • World's End State Park - Challenging terrain
- • Leonard Harrison State Park - Canyon views
- • R.B. Winter State Park - Mountain hiking
Western Pennsylvania
Laurel Highlands
The Laurel Highlands region offers excellent Pennsylvania hiking opportunities near Pittsburgh, featuring waterfalls, whitewater, and historic sites including Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater.
- • Ohiopyle State Park - Whitewater & waterfalls
- • Laurel Ridge State Park - 70-mile trail
- • Keystone State Park - Lake & forest trails
- • Cross Creek County Park - Easy hiking
- • Forbes State Forest - Wilderness hiking
Pennsylvania Hiking Trails by Difficulty
Find the perfect hiking experience for your skill level and fitness
Easy Pennsylvania Hiking
Perfect for beginners & families
Gentle, well-maintained Pennsylvania hiking trails with minimal elevation gain, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Perfect introduction to PA's natural beauty.
- • Presque Isle State Park - Flat lakeside trails
- • Dingmans Falls - 0.3 mi boardwalk
- • Promised Land Nature Trails - Short loops
- • Keystone State Park - Lake loops
- • Bushkill Falls Green Trail - Main fall access
Typical Features:
- • Trail length: 0.5-3 miles
- • Elevation gain: Under 500 feet
- • Well-marked paths
- • Restroom facilities available
Moderate Pennsylvania Hiking
Some elevation & longer distances
Pennsylvania hiking trails with moderate elevation gain and longer distances. Great for active hikers seeking more adventure and scenic rewards.
- • Bushkill Falls Red Trail - 2 mi waterfall loop
- • Turkey Path (PA Grand Canyon) - Gorge descent
- • Ohiopyle Great Gorge Trail - 5 mi river trail
- • World's End Canyon Vista - Overlook hike
- • Promised Land Fire Tower - Summit views
Typical Features:
- • Trail length: 3-8 miles
- • Elevation gain: 500-1,500 feet
- • Some rocky or uneven terrain
- • Scenic overlooks and features
Challenging Pennsylvania Hiking
Steep terrain & long distances
The most challenging Pennsylvania hiking trails with steep, rocky terrain and significant elevation changes. For experienced hikers seeking the ultimate adventure.
- • Ricketts Glen Falls Trail - 7.2 mi, 21 waterfalls
- • West Rim Trail (PA Grand Canyon) - 30 mi
- • Bushkill Falls Blue Trail - 4 mi challenging
- • Mount Davis Summit - PA's highest point
- • Appalachian Trail sections - Rocky ridges
Typical Features:
- • Trail length: 7+ miles
- • Elevation gain: 1,500+ feet
- • Rocky, steep terrain
- • Requires hiking experience
Pennsylvania State Parks Hiking Guide
121 Pennsylvania state parks offer diverse hiking opportunities across the state
Top Waterfall Parks
- • Ricketts Glen - 21 waterfalls
- • Bushkill Falls - 8 waterfalls
- • Ohiopyle - Rapids & falls
- • Promised Land - Lake trails
Mountain Hiking Parks
- • World's End - Canyon views
- • Leonard Harrison - PA Grand Canyon
- • Hickory Run - Boulder field
- • Laurel Ridge - 70-mile trail
Lake & Forest Parks
- • Keystone - Lake loops
- • Presque Isle - Erie lakefront
- • Cook Forest - Old growth
- • Ryerson Station - Lake trails
Family-Friendly Parks
- • Bushkill Falls - Easy access
- • Promised Land - Short trails
- • Keystone - Gentle walks
- • Dingmans Falls - Boardwalk
Pennsylvania Hiking by Season
Discover the best times to experience Pennsylvania's diverse hiking opportunities
Spring Hiking
Peak waterfall season with snowmelt creating maximum flow. Wildflowers bloom and temperatures are perfect for hiking.
- • Best For: Waterfalls, wildflowers
- • Temperature: 50-70°F
- • Crowds: Moderate
- • Top Trails: Ricketts Glen, Bushkill Falls
Summer Hiking
Full foliage and warm weather perfect for long hikes. Early morning starts recommended to avoid crowds and heat.
- • Best For: Long hikes, camping
- • Temperature: 70-85°F
- • Crowds: Highest
- • Top Trails: PA Grand Canyon, AT sections
Fall Hiking
Peak foliage season with spectacular colors. Comfortable temperatures and fewer bugs make for ideal hiking conditions.
- • Best For: Foliage, photography
- • Temperature: 45-70°F
- • Crowds: High (peak foliage)
- • Top Trails: All mountain trails
Winter Hiking
Frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trails offer unique beauty. Requires proper gear and experience. Some trails may be closed.
- • Best For: Solitude, ice formations
- • Temperature: 20-45°F
- • Crowds: Minimal
- • Top Trails: Lower elevation trails
Pennsylvania Hiking Trails FAQ
What are the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania?
The best hiking trails in Pennsylvania include Ricketts Glen Falls Trail (21 waterfalls), Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon), Appalachian Trail sections, Bushkill Falls trails, and Ohiopyle State Park trails.Ricketts Glen is considered Pennsylvania's premier hiking destination with its 7.2-mile loop featuring 21 spectacular waterfalls including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls.
How many hiking trails are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has over 100 major hiking trails across 121 state parks, plus hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail, numerous county and municipal trails, and private trail systems. The state offers diverse hiking opportunities from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents, with something for every skill level.
Where are the most challenging hiking trails in Pennsylvania?
The most challenging hiking trails in Pennsylvania include Ricketts Glen Falls Trail (rated "Most Difficult"), West Rim Trail at Pine Creek Gorge (30 miles), rocky sections of the Appalachian Trail, and Bushkill Falls' most difficult trails. These trails feature steep terrain, significant elevation changes, and require proper hiking experience and equipment.
When is the best time for hiking in Pennsylvania?
The best time for hiking in Pennsylvania is spring (April-May) for peak waterfall flow and wildflowers, and fall (September-October) for spectacular foliage. Summer offers full access to all trails but can be crowded. Winter hiking is possible but challenging, with some trails like Ricketts Glen Falls Trail closed for safety.
Start Your Pennsylvania Hiking Adventure
Begin with Pennsylvania's most spectacular hiking destination - Ricketts Glen State Park featuring 21 waterfalls and the ultimate hiking experience in the Northeast.