Hiking
Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trail! The Keystone State's verdant forests, deep gorges, and rolling hills invite you to take a trek you'll remember forever. One mile or a hundred, easy or strenuous, there's a hiking trail here that suits your fitness level and mood. And no matter where you are, you're never more than 25 miles from a state park.
State Park Trails & Longer Treks
Just about all of Pennsylvania's state parks and forests offer excellent hiking trails. And the Mid State Trail goes all the way from the Maryland border to the Pine Creek Gorge. Along the way, this spectacular trail passes by three fire towers, three wild areas, four state forests, eight state parks, and eight natural areas. The Great Allegheny Passage deserves a mention, too. Its 123 miles of nearly level trail cut through the scenic Laurel Highlands.
Rails to Trails
We believe in recycling in Pennsylvania---plastic, glass, old railroad rights of way. We've turned more than 80 of the last into hiking and biking trails. The Keystone State boasts more than 1,100 miles of rail trails so far, and we're planning to add more. Most are fairly flat and surfaced with hard-packed crushed limestone, making them perfect for hikers as well as joggers, walkers, cyclists, cross-country skiers, equestrians, and people who use wheelchairs.
Hawk Mountain
Submitted By: James
I remember as a kid climbing to the summit at Hawk Mountain (near Reading) and gazing across the landscape. I had a dream about that last night and it made me happy to be a PA native.
Ohiopyle State Park
Submitted By: Bobby
Ohiopyle State Park, south of Pittsburgh, is great. You can whitewater raft on the Youghiogheny River, hike the 70 mile Laurel Highlands Trail, or bike the 300 mile Great Allegheny Passage rail trail from Pittsburgh to D.C. Loved the natural water slides in Meadow Run & Cucumber Falls, a beautiful waterfall with ice cold water that feels great after a day of hiking. And Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, is close by.
The LT-What a great weekender!
Submitted By: Mark Monroe
My Brother-in-Law (Tom) and I have been talking for some time about a weekend backpacking trip on a solid...moderate trail. At 42 and 52 we knew we needed to consider our own endurance capabilities and stamina. We picked the Loyalsock Trail and found a real gem. Although this trail is challenging, it represents a great 18 mile hike from World's End State Park around Sone's Pond and then back to World's End on the Red (X) Link trail. Try this one if you are an experienced hiker!
R V camping
Submitted By: mel bouchat
My wife and I wanted to have a relaxing weekend from the busy city life. your site said there was no camping in the area, we asked around the local people and they said," for a peaceful scenic weekend go to Fawn Township or visit www.mountaintopcampground.com We looked them up on the web, beautiful! They say no one leaves their campground a stranger. What a great place to relax Just 20 mile North East of Pittsburgh exit 16 off 28N Close to the Meadows.
Hiking in State College
Submitted By: Sarah
Some of the best hiking spots in and around State College are Shingletown Gap and Tussey Mt. There a also bunch of really nice parks near State College with hiking, swimming and/or boat rentals, like Whipple Dam, Greenwood Furnace, Bald Eagle, Stone Valley and Black Moshannon. Shingletown Gap is a beautiful place with great trails and wonderful scenery any time of year- located 5 minutes from downtown State College.
A Walk in the Woods
Hiking is more fun with the crunch of leaves underfoot! The cooler weather means you'll stay as comfortable...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Eastern Hiking Adventure
From the rushing waters of the Loyalsock the soaring raptors of Hawk Mountain, this four-day trip will...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Hiking the Northwest
Pennsylvania's scenic northwest boasts a plethora of hiking opportunities for the enthusiast. Gorges,...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office
State Parks and Natural Beauty
Submitted By: Junglegirl45
McConnells Mills is a beautiful state park just of of PA rt 19 south near Portersville PA. Slippery Rock Creek runs through the park and the path is paved for easy walking and access. If your relly adventurous you could try your hand at rock climbing.
There is a covered bridge that goes acrossed the creek and a grist mill that you can explore also.
Raccoon Creek State Park
Submitted By: Rasheda
This is amazing park, there is so much do here. I had a wonderful time here of Memorial Day Weekend (09') camping at the Raccoon Creek State park campground, hydrobiking on the lake, hiking around the Mineral Springs, hiking in the Wildflower Reseve and spotting tons of animals!
Ricketts Glen
Submitted By: hotsaucencake
Trip to Ricketts Glen State Park plus a winery and antiques
Favorite Fall Stops in Western PA
Submitted By: PittsburghMom
If you find yourself in Western PA in the fall and you have kids, this roadtrip is for you!
The best places to play outside
Submitted By: Bill_Watson
While you're here in Breezewood, check out the abandoned turnpike tunnel—it's better if you bike it. Then head off to Raystown lake from some great trout fishin'
Go Wild
Submitted By: John..
I enjoy exploring the 250,000 acres of public open space in the Pocono Mountains by hiking, bicycling, kayaking, running, and leading nature walks for groups.
Naturally Northeast PA
Submitted By: Chrstine
This part of the Commonwealth is rich in natural beauty and things to do. I included a bunch of places to hike and fish, and everything in the area is just gorgeous to look at
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