Adventure awaits all year long in Pennsylvania! If you love spending time outdoors, you’ll find no better place to live than our beloved state. One of the best ways to see all corners of the state – and run across hidden waterfalls, picturesque footbridges, and other surprises – is to embark on a hike. Fortunately, we have access to thousands of hikes, from easy to difficult, all over the state. Here are 12 scenic hikes in Pennsylvania, one for each month of the year.

  1. January – Raymondskill Creek Trail

Trip Advisor/Lisa M. Chasing waterfalls is oh-so-fun. During the wintertime, however, it takes on a magical aura, especially when the waterfall is frozen or blanketed in snow. Raymondskill Creek Trail leads to the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, Raymondskill Falls, which is 150 feet tall and gorgeous all year round. Make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots and watch where you step. The trail can get slippery, and you’ll have to climb some stairs to reach the cascade. Plan your trip along Raymondskill Creek Trail. Raymondskill Falls, Dingman Township, PA 18337, USA

  1. February – Copper Kettle Trail

Facebook/Laurel Hill State Park Complex Follow the one-mile Copper Kettle Trail through Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset this winter. The easy trail is positively bewitching after a snowfall and offers spectacular views of Laurel Hill Lake and snow-capped scenery. Both Pennsylvania residents and visitors from further afield agree that this is definitely one of the best hikes in Pennsylvania! Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA

  1. March – Chickies Rock Overlook Trail

All Trails/Kayla Kreeger Our next hike is easy, beautiful, and perfect for the whole family. The trail tallies just a half-mile but leads to jaw-dropping views of the Susquehanna River. Strollers can easily fit along the trail that’s also dog-friendly. Just keep an eye on the kiddos when you reach the overlook; there’s fencing, but the bars are wide enough for curious little ones to try to squeeze through. This is definitely one trail you want to try in all seasons. Keep reading. Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, Chickies Rock Overlook Trl, West Hempfield Township, PA 17512, USA

  1. April – Blairsville Riverfront Trail

All Trails/JD Douglas Spring is underway, and that means it’s the perfect time for a beautiful hike along the 3.5-mile Blairsville Riverfront Trail. The trail sits along the Conemaugh River in Indiana County and is perfect for hikers, bikers, and those with pups. You might even want to bring a picnic along. Plan your journey along the Blairsville Riverfront Trail. Blairsville Riverfront Trail, Blairsville River Trail, Blairsville, PA 15717, USA

  1. May – Alpine Trail

Facebook/Gifford Pinchot State Park Spring’s colors have painted the landscape, and Alpine Trail is picture-perfect for enjoying some of that natural beauty. Tucked in Gifford Pinchot State Park, the scenic trail is dotted with wildflowers, including bluebells, and local wildlife. Keep reading. Gifford Pinchot State Park, 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339, USA

  1. June – Whipple Dam Trail

All Trails/Williams Schlosser As far as Pennsylvania hikes, you can’t go wrong with a summer adventure at Whipple Dam State Park. It offers a sandy beach, a cool lake, and a single hiking trail. Follow the two-mile hiking trail that meanders through the state park and features such scenic beauty as a wooden boardwalk, a gushing dam, and lake views. Plan your adventure. Whipple Dam State Park, 3746 Laurel Run Rd, Petersburg, PA 16669, USA

  1. July – Meadow Run Trail

Flickr/Jason Morrison Pennsylvania summers can get downright HOT! When you’ve got another scorcher to look forward to, head over to Ohiopyle State Park with your swimsuit and towel. The easy three-mile Meadow Run Trail leads to a few beautiful waterfalls and Meadow Run Natural Waterslides. Zipping down the waterslides is a fun, unique way to stay cool all summer long. Read more. Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA

  1. August – Falls Trail

Flickr/Gene Krasko Let’s go to Ricketts Glen State Park for the most epic waterfall trail in the state. Falls Trail is challenging, so be prepared. However, the 7.2-mile trail leads to all 21 of the state park’s waterfalls, so you know you’re in for a one-of-a-kind adventure. This one is definitely photo-worthy, so don’t forget your camera - and make sure you also bring enough water and snacks, and a compass. Learn more. Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA

  1. September – Double Run Nature Trail

Flickr/Karen Christine Hibbard We’re inching up on the start of fall, making it the perfect time to follow Double Run Nature Trail. The 1.2-mile loop trail meanders through Worlds End State Park and features a ton of gorgeous scenery - footbridges, streams, and waterfalls, for example. There are some steep sections along the trail, so be prepared for them. Keep reading. Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USA

  1. October – Turkey Path Trail

All Trails/Jordan Zimmerman There’s really only one place to go when the fall foliage reaches its peak. The Grand Canyon of PA - officially known as Pine Creek Gorge - boasts unbelievable views all year round, but in the autumn? Magical. Follow the Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park, if if you’re up for a challenge. The one-mile trail is difficult and will lead you to the bottom of the canyon. (If you’re not up for the strenuous nature of the trail, head to one of the scenic overlooks to drink in the autumn splendor.) Plan your hike. Leonard Harrison State Park Visitor Center or Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, 4797 PA-660, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA

  1. November – Thousand Steps Trail

All Trails/Erica Finkle Part of the larger, award-winning Standing Stone Trail, Thousand Steps Trail features, you guessed it, 1,000 steps that will lead you to the top of Jack’s Mountain. The trail is challenging, but the views at the top are worth every breathless moment. Keep reading. Thousand Steps - Standing Stone Trail, William Penn Hwy, Mapleton, PA 17052, USA

  1. December – Forest Cathedral Trail

All Trails/Rick Magyan All of those fairy tale settings in books and movies? Experience them firsthand at Cook Forest through the Forest Cathedral. Several trails of varying lengths run through the Forest Cathedral, an enchanting natural protected area. Clocking in at 1.2 miles, the Longfellow Hiking Trail is one of the forest’s most popular hiking trails and boasts one-of-a-kind views. Read more. Cook Forest State Park Office, 100 PA-36, Cooksburg, PA 16217, USA

What are your favorite scenic trails in Pennsylvania? Did any make this list? Let us know in the comments! On the lookout for more fun this year? Here are the 12 best hidden gems in Pennsylvania – one to explore each month of the year.

Trip Advisor/Lisa M.

Chasing waterfalls is oh-so-fun. During the wintertime, however, it takes on a magical aura, especially when the waterfall is frozen or blanketed in snow. Raymondskill Creek Trail leads to the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, Raymondskill Falls, which is 150 feet tall and gorgeous all year round. Make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots and watch where you step. The trail can get slippery, and you’ll have to climb some stairs to reach the cascade. Plan your trip along Raymondskill Creek Trail.

Raymondskill Falls, Dingman Township, PA 18337, USA

Facebook/Laurel Hill State Park Complex

Follow the one-mile Copper Kettle Trail through Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset this winter. The easy trail is positively bewitching after a snowfall and offers spectacular views of Laurel Hill Lake and snow-capped scenery. Both Pennsylvania residents and visitors from further afield agree that this is definitely one of the best hikes in Pennsylvania!

Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA

All Trails/Kayla Kreeger

Our next hike is easy, beautiful, and perfect for the whole family. The trail tallies just a half-mile but leads to jaw-dropping views of the Susquehanna River. Strollers can easily fit along the trail that’s also dog-friendly. Just keep an eye on the kiddos when you reach the overlook; there’s fencing, but the bars are wide enough for curious little ones to try to squeeze through. This is definitely one trail you want to try in all seasons. Keep reading.

Chickies Rock Overlook Trail, Chickies Rock Overlook Trl, West Hempfield Township, PA 17512, USA

All Trails/JD Douglas

Spring is underway, and that means it’s the perfect time for a beautiful hike along the 3.5-mile Blairsville Riverfront Trail. The trail sits along the Conemaugh River in Indiana County and is perfect for hikers, bikers, and those with pups. You might even want to bring a picnic along. Plan your journey along the Blairsville Riverfront Trail.

Blairsville Riverfront Trail, Blairsville River Trail, Blairsville, PA 15717, USA

Facebook/Gifford Pinchot State Park

Spring’s colors have painted the landscape, and Alpine Trail is picture-perfect for enjoying some of that natural beauty. Tucked in Gifford Pinchot State Park, the scenic trail is dotted with wildflowers, including bluebells, and local wildlife. Keep reading.

Gifford Pinchot State Park, 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339, USA

All Trails/Williams Schlosser

As far as Pennsylvania hikes, you can’t go wrong with a summer adventure at Whipple Dam State Park. It offers a sandy beach, a cool lake, and a single hiking trail. Follow the two-mile hiking trail that meanders through the state park and features such scenic beauty as a wooden boardwalk, a gushing dam, and lake views. Plan your adventure.

Whipple Dam State Park, 3746 Laurel Run Rd, Petersburg, PA 16669, USA

Flickr/Jason Morrison

Pennsylvania summers can get downright HOT! When you’ve got another scorcher to look forward to, head over to Ohiopyle State Park with your swimsuit and towel. The easy three-mile Meadow Run Trail leads to a few beautiful waterfalls and Meadow Run Natural Waterslides. Zipping down the waterslides is a fun, unique way to stay cool all summer long. Read more.

Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA

Flickr/Gene Krasko

Let’s go to Ricketts Glen State Park for the most epic waterfall trail in the state. Falls Trail is challenging, so be prepared. However, the 7.2-mile trail leads to all 21 of the state park’s waterfalls, so you know you’re in for a one-of-a-kind adventure. This one is definitely photo-worthy, so don’t forget your camera - and make sure you also bring enough water and snacks, and a compass. Learn more.

Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA

Flickr/Karen Christine Hibbard

We’re inching up on the start of fall, making it the perfect time to follow Double Run Nature Trail. The 1.2-mile loop trail meanders through Worlds End State Park and features a ton of gorgeous scenery - footbridges, streams, and waterfalls, for example. There are some steep sections along the trail, so be prepared for them. Keep reading.

Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USA

All Trails/Jordan Zimmerman

There’s really only one place to go when the fall foliage reaches its peak. The Grand Canyon of PA - officially known as Pine Creek Gorge - boasts unbelievable views all year round, but in the autumn? Magical. Follow the Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park, if if you’re up for a challenge. The one-mile trail is difficult and will lead you to the bottom of the canyon. (If you’re not up for the strenuous nature of the trail, head to one of the scenic overlooks to drink in the autumn splendor.) Plan your hike.

Leonard Harrison State Park Visitor Center or Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, 4797 PA-660, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA

All Trails/Erica Finkle

Part of the larger, award-winning Standing Stone Trail, Thousand Steps Trail features, you guessed it, 1,000 steps that will lead you to the top of Jack’s Mountain. The trail is challenging, but the views at the top are worth every breathless moment. Keep reading.

Thousand Steps - Standing Stone Trail, William Penn Hwy, Mapleton, PA 17052, USA

All Trails/Rick Magyan

All of those fairy tale settings in books and movies? Experience them firsthand at Cook Forest through the Forest Cathedral. Several trails of varying lengths run through the Forest Cathedral, an enchanting natural protected area. Clocking in at 1.2 miles, the Longfellow Hiking Trail is one of the forest’s most popular hiking trails and boasts one-of-a-kind views. Read more.

Cook Forest State Park Office, 100 PA-36, Cooksburg, PA 16217, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Pennsylvania December 15, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Where can we find other scenic trails in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state and the landscape changes dramatically from north to south, and east to west. So if you’re looking for scenic trails it is quite easy to find and enjoy them. Some of them even offer picturesque waterfall experiences as well! Following is a few that are not only camera-worthy but just make you feel connected to nature:

Dingmans Creek Trail in Dingmans Ferry Tucquan Glen Loop Trail in Holtwood Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail in Philadelphia Highland Trail in Blakeslee Orchard Trail in White Haven

  We are looking for short hikes in Pennsylvania. People are at all different physical abilities so those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities are looking for lots of variety. As far as short hikes in Pennsylvania, there are many, which makes it easier to hike with multiple generations of the family. Check out the following when searching for great spots to expend some calories:

Cole Run Trail in Forbes State Forest Yellow Birch Trail in Elverson Butternut Trail in Forksville Shades of Death Trail in White Haven Ohiopyle Ferncliff Trail in Ohiopyle

  Where can we go fishing in Pennsylvania? Fishing in Pennsylvania is absolutely a blast! The waterways dotted through The Keystone State are so distinctive and offer fantastic fishing as well as boating, sunbathing, water skiing, swimming, and other water-based recreational activities. The following are a few of the best spots to drop in a line and wait for the fish to bite!

Conneaut Lake Blue Marsh Lake Keystone State Park Lake Wilhelm The Lehigh River

 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Pennsylvania

December 15, 2022

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Where can we find other scenic trails in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state and the landscape changes dramatically from north to south, and east to west. So if you’re looking for scenic trails it is quite easy to find and enjoy them. Some of them even offer picturesque waterfall experiences as well! Following is a few that are not only camera-worthy but just make you feel connected to nature:

Dingmans Creek Trail in Dingmans Ferry Tucquan Glen Loop Trail in Holtwood Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail in Philadelphia Highland Trail in Blakeslee Orchard Trail in White Haven

  We are looking for short hikes in Pennsylvania. People are at all different physical abilities so those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities are looking for lots of variety. As far as short hikes in Pennsylvania, there are many, which makes it easier to hike with multiple generations of the family. Check out the following when searching for great spots to expend some calories:

Cole Run Trail in Forbes State Forest Yellow Birch Trail in Elverson Butternut Trail in Forksville Shades of Death Trail in White Haven Ohiopyle Ferncliff Trail in Ohiopyle

  Where can we go fishing in Pennsylvania? Fishing in Pennsylvania is absolutely a blast! The waterways dotted through The Keystone State are so distinctive and offer fantastic fishing as well as boating, sunbathing, water skiing, swimming, and other water-based recreational activities. The following are a few of the best spots to drop in a line and wait for the fish to bite!

Conneaut Lake Blue Marsh Lake Keystone State Park Lake Wilhelm The Lehigh River

 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state and the landscape changes dramatically from north to south, and east to west. So if you’re looking for scenic trails it is quite easy to find and enjoy them. Some of them even offer picturesque waterfall experiences as well! Following is a few that are not only camera-worthy but just make you feel connected to nature:

  • Dingmans Creek Trail in Dingmans Ferry
  • Tucquan Glen Loop Trail in Holtwood
  • Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail in Philadelphia
  • Highland Trail in Blakeslee
  • Orchard Trail in White Haven

 

We are looking for short hikes in Pennsylvania.

People are at all different physical abilities so those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities are looking for lots of variety. As far as short hikes in Pennsylvania, there are many, which makes it easier to hike with multiple generations of the family. Check out the following when searching for great spots to expend some calories:

  • Cole Run Trail in Forbes State Forest
  • Yellow Birch Trail in Elverson
  • Butternut Trail in Forksville
  • Shades of Death Trail in White Haven
  • Ohiopyle Ferncliff Trail in Ohiopyle

Where can we go fishing in Pennsylvania?

Fishing in Pennsylvania is absolutely a blast! The waterways dotted through The Keystone State are so distinctive and offer fantastic fishing as well as boating, sunbathing, water skiing, swimming, and other water-based recreational activities. The following are a few of the best spots to drop in a line and wait for the fish to bite!

  • Conneaut Lake
  • Blue Marsh Lake
  • Keystone State Park
  • Lake Wilhelm
  • The Lehigh River