In days past, Pennsylvania’s storied railroads crisscrossed the state, connecting the many communities that sprang up along the rail lines and serving as vital conduits for the goods produced by the state’s burgeoning steel, coal, and iron industries that fueled the growth of our rapidly growing nation. As the years passed and transportation needs shifted, all but the most heavily used routes were abandoned. The result: hundreds upon hundreds of miles of beautiful flat pathways through some of the most scenic areas in the state just waiting for you to discover and enjoy. Hike, bike, ski, and explore these well-maintained rail trails while savoring the beauty and history of the Keystone State. We have scouted out the best “Instagramable” views you can reach via the power of the pedal.

1. Great Allegheny Passage

Somerset, Westmoreland, Washington, Fayette, and Allegheny counties

Length: 150+ miles

Activity Types: biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and certain sections for horseback riding

Surface: packed, crushed limestone

Considered to be one of the nation’s most popular rail trails, the Great Allegheny Passage begins in Pittsburgh, and crosses the border into Maryland, eventually ending in the nation’s capital. The 335-mile journey from Pittsburgh to the end of the trail makes it the longest unpaved bike path on the East Coast. Crushed limestone offers a smooth surface for bikers, hikers, runners, and cross-country skiers to experience all the natural beauty between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.

2. Heritage Rail Trail County Park

York County

Length: 21+ miles

Activity Types: hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing

Surface: 10-foot wide compacted stone

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family biking
Heritage Rail Trail County Park

Spanning 21 miles through urban and rural landscapes, the Heritage Rail Trail County Park runs south from the City of York to the Mason-Dixon Line. Winding through farmlands, along the bank of Codorus Creek and throughout York City, the rail trail welcomes all ages to run, bike, or walk the scenic path. The four historic structures along the way, including the Colonial Courthouse in York City, provide opportunities to learn the area’s rich history.

3. Pine Creek Rail Trail

Lycoming and Tioga counties

Length: 62 miles

Activity Types: hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing

Surface: hard-packed gravel

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a metal bridge on trail
Pine Creek Rail Trail

Hop on a bike or lace up those hiking boots and take a trip on the trail hailed as one of the “10 best places to take a bike tour” by USA Today. The historic 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail once used to transport freight by train from Wellsboro to Williamsport, is perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride. Equestrians can also join the fun with a section of the path designed specifically for horses.

4. Perkiomen Trail

Montgomery County

Length: 20 miles

Activity Types: biking, walking, jogging, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing

Surface: crushed stone and a few paved sections

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colorful flowers on Perkiomen Trail
Perkiomen Trail

The combination of crushed stone and a few paved surfaces makes the “Perky,” as some call it, a one-of-a-kind trail located amongst the history and beauty of the Philadelphia countryside. The 20-mile Perkiomen Trail connects numerous public parks and historical sites in the region and is open year-round for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can start their journey at the Valley Forge National Historical Park and then bike or hike along the picturesque Perkiomen Creek.

5. Ghost Town Trail

Cambria and Indiana counties

Length: 51 miles

Activity Types: biking, hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing

Surface: crushed stone

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A family biking on trail
Ghost Town Trail | Credit: Miss Kriss

Named for the abandoned mining towns that once existed alongside the railroad corridor, the 51-mile Ghost Town Trail is an ideal spot for a hike or relaxing bike ride. The trail, designated as a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior and part of the Trans-Allegheny Trails network, is packed with numerous historical sites to check out along the way. Markers educate visitors about the area’s intriguing past, and trail goers can also view the Eliza Furnace, one of Pennsylvania’s best-preserved iron furnaces. Stumble upon another must-try rail trail as the GTT connects to the Hoodlebug Trail, which continues from Saylor Park to downtown Indiana, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)’s campus.

6. D&H Rail Trail

Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne counties

Length: 38 miles

Activity Types: biking, horseback riding, hiking, and walking

Surface: stone dust

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Trail path way
D&H Rail Trail

The varied trail surfaces and beautiful surroundings make the unique D&H Rail Trail a treat for any outdoor enthusiast. This 38-mile pathway stands in place of the historic Delaware and Hudson railroad, a small but vital rail line during the 1800s. The multi-use trail runs for several miles along the Lackawanna River and alternates between tree-lined sections and open stretches. This trail was voted Pennsylvania's 2021 Trail of the Year, so it is a must-go for visitors.

7. Stony Valley Rail Trail

Dauphin, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties

Length: 22 miles

Activity Types: biking, horseback riding, walking, hiking, and cross-country skiing

Surface: dirt and gravel

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gravel trail in the woods
Stony Valley Rail Trail

Located just outside Pennsylvania’s state capital of Harrisburg, the Stony Valley Rail Trail is a nearly 20-mile, nature lover’s paradise. Creating the perfect, serene setting to escape the hustle of the city, this trail is open year-round to bikers, hikers, and horseback riders, as well as cross-country skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. The trail, located on 44,000 acres of beautiful state game land, is also a very popular spot for hunters.

8. Allegheny River & Samuel Justus Trails

Clarion and Venango counties

Length: 32 miles

Activity Types: hiking, biking, and horseback riding

Surface: flat, smooth, asphalt

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A person standing ne
Samuel Justus Trails

With the excitement of railroad tunnels, riverfront scenery and stunning bridges the 32-mile Allegheny River & Samuel Justus Trails are located in the heart of the Oil Heritage Region and has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether riding a horse on the dirt access trail, inline skating, hiking, or road biking, visitors will enjoy a smooth, level, and paved journey along the gorgeous river.

9. Chester Valley Trail

Chester and Montgomery Counties

Length: 18.6 miles

Activity Types: hiking, biking, and walking

Surface: asphalt

This historic rail trail follows the path of the Chester Valley Branch of the Reading Railroad, which thrived as a freight line from the 1850s well into the late 20th century. With a few relatively small hills and gentle grade, the Chester Valley Trail promises an easy ride from King of Prussia to Exton. A recently completed 3.8-mile eastward extension to Norristown connects the trail to the 71.7-mile Schuylkill River Trail, so hardy and intrepid bikers may enjoy an even longer ride.