Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Pennsylvania.

By Updated

This guide covers 9+ hiking trails in Pennsylvania — Ricketts Glen Falls Trail, Pine Creek Rail Trail (Gorge Section) and Appalachian Trail — South Mountain Section (Pine Grove Furnace) top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Pennsylvania stretches from the Delaware River to the Ohio border, encompassing historic Philadelphia, dynamic Pittsburgh, the scenic Pocono Mountains, the rolling Amish farmlands of Lancaster County, and some of the most important Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields in the United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies, home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Gettysburg National Military Park.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Ricketts Glen Falls Trail

    7.2 miles (loop)4–5 hours850 ft gain/loss

  2. 2

    Pine Creek Rail Trail (Gorge Section)

    62 miles total (any section; most visitors hike 5–15 miles)2–5 hours for gorge sections; multi-day for full trailMostly flat (converted rail bed); rim overlooks at 1,200 ft elevation

  3. 3

    Appalachian Trail — South Mountain Section (Pine Grove Furnace)

    Variable; 2–15 miles day hike options along the AT2–7 hours depending on section600–1,200 ft depending on section

  4. 4

    Ohiopyle Ferncliff Peninsula Trail

    1.7 miles (loop)45–90 minutesMinimal (flat river peninsula)

  5. 5

    Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Ridge Trail

    2.0 miles (North Lookout loop)1.5–2.5 hours300 ft gain to North Lookout (1,521 ft elevation)

  6. 6

    Pole Steeple Trail — Pine Grove Furnace

    3.0 miles (out-and-back)2–3 hours600 ft gain to rocky summit outcrop

  7. 7

    Nescopeck State Park Trails

    Various; 3–10 mile trail network1.5–4 hours200–400 ft

  8. 8

    Delaware Water Gap — Dunnfield Creek Loop

    4.4 miles (loop including part of Appalachian Trail)2.5–3.5 hours1,000 ft gain to Mount Tammany summit

  9. 9

    Bear Run Nature Reserve Trails (near Fallingwater)

    20 miles of trails; day hike 3–7 miles2–4 hours400–600 ft

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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