Exceptional Hiking Trails in Pennsylvania

Appalachian Trail, Various Locations, PA

The Appalachian Trail is arguably the most famous hiking trail in the country, and Pennsylvania proudly hosts a large portion of the trail. Hike as many or as few sections as you choose across Eastern Pennsylvania.

Ricketts Glen Falls Trail Loop, Benton, PA

Ricketts Glen State Park is a go-to for outdoorsy folks, and it’s a great place to hike too. There are a total of 26 miles of trails in the park, any of which is a good choice, but the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail Loop is a crowd favorite.

Lehigh Gorge State Park, Weatherly, PA

Lehigh Gorge is an excellent place for kayaking, canoeing, and more, but its trail system makes it a fantastic hiking destination too. The Lehigh Gorge Trail is 26 miles long so you can choose your favorite spots and sections, but it’s a nice and easy trail.

Montour Trail, Cecil, PA

The Montour Trail is a multi-use paved trail that is beloved by hikers, bikers, runners, and walkers alike. The full trail is currently 46 miles long so you can go back time and time again to enjoy new sections.

Standing Stone Trail, Belleville, PA

If you love a great mountain trail, the Standing Stone Trail is ready and waiting for you. This trail is an incredible 85 miles long so you can make your way to a trailhead and enjoy a hike that’s as long or short as you want it to be.

Heritage Rail Trail County Park, Seven Valleys, PA

Most hiking trails are forged for people to enjoy on foot, but the Heritage Rail Trail is unique. It was formed from a historical railroad. Today, the compacted stone surface is ADA-compliant so it’s wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly too.

Great Shamokin Path, Sunbury, PA

The Great Shamokin Path is a historic Native American path that connects the Susquehanna and Allegheny Rivers. Walk in historical footsteps and take it all in for yourself with this 3.5-mile trail.

Quehanna Trail, Penfield, PA

The Quehanna Trail is another lengthy Pennsylvania trail that can accommodate hikers of any level. The full trail spans 75 miles through the Moshannon State Forest and the Elk State Forest.

Great Allegheny Passage, Pittsburgh, PA

The Great Allegheny Passage is one of Pennsylvania’s best-known trails. The trail takes you through several historical landmarks within and around Pittsburgh, so it’s perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle Loop, Hamburg, PA

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, the Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop hiking trail is just an hour and a half away, so it’s perfect for a day trip. Enjoy lovely vista views along this 10-mile loop.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Pennsylvania offers a variety of amazing hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
• The Appalachian Trail is a famous hiking trail that spans across Eastern Pennsylvania.
• Ricketts Glen State Park features 26 miles of trails, with the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail Loop being a popular choice.
• Lehigh Gorge State Park offers a 26-mile long Lehigh Gorge Trail for hikers to explore.
• The Montour Trail is a multi-use paved trail that spans 46 miles and is popular among hikers, bikers, runners, and walkers.
• The Standing Stone Trail is an 85-mile long mountain trail that offers a challenging hiking experience.
• The Heritage Rail Trail County Park is a wheelchair and stroller-friendly trail that was formed from a historical railroad.
• The Great Shamokin Path is a 3.5-mile historic Native American path that connects the Susquehanna and Allegheny Rivers.
• The Quehanna Trail spans 75 miles through the Moshannon State Forest and the Elk State Forest, accommodating hikers of all levels.
• The Great Allegheny Passage is a well-known trail that takes hikers through historical landmarks in and around Pittsburgh.
• The Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop hiking trail near Philadelphia offers lovely vista views along a 10-mile loop.