6 Majestic Hiking Spots To Explore In PA This Summer

PENNSYLVANIA — Summer is here in Pennsylvania, and it is peak season out on the labyrinthine network of trails that rope across the state. Here's a rundown of some of the most beautiful places to get out and wander in the Keystone State.

The Appalachian Trail

As one of the nation's longest and oldest thru-hiking trails, this Maine to Georgia circuit may seem far-flung and inaccessible. However, one of the most notorious stretches of the AT runs right through the heart of Pennsylvania, within less than a two-hour drive of Philadelphia and much of the suburbs.

It's notorious because, for those making the long trek up the length of the East Coast, the uneven, hilly, rocky terrain makes for slow and sometimes torturous going. However, for the day-hiker looking to experience a piece of one of the nation's gems without committing to a months-long journey, there are several highlights along the route.

One of them is doubtlessly Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County. Located at the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the parkland and trail are buffered by a large swath of majestic state forest land. The sense of wilderness is complete. And the Appalachian Trail cuts across the middle of it.

The first hiking museum in the United States — the Appalachian Trail Museum — is also located within the park.

Delaware Water Gap

The Appalachian Trail continues at a northeast angle and ultimately bisects another of the region's natural treasures — the National Park Service's Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — along the Delaware River on the border with New Jersey.

While the AT itself is plenty spectacular here, running along the Kittatinny Ridge and crossing footbridges high over wide-open gorges, some of the most unique day hikes are to be found in the dells and small valleys heading away from the river. Dramatic canyons and paths lined by creeks and waterfalls are abundant here; one of the most majestic is the route along Dunnfield Creek.

Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon

Pine Creek Gorge on the Allegheny Plateau is sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" for its sweeping views and majestic, leafy valleys. Colton State Park and Little Pine State Park are nearby and offer camping, while much of the region is protected as part of Tioga State Forest.

For hikers, one of the most scenic routes is the Turkey Path, accessible from Leonard Harrison State Park. It winds past waterfalls and all the dramatic vistas for which the area is famous.

Wissahickon Valley in Philadelphia

A few steps from any trailhead in the Wissahickon, and you instantly forget that you are actually within the city limits of one of the major metropolitan areas on the East Coast. Dense woods line either side of the meandering Wissahickon Creek.

The creek is paralleled by Forbidden Drive, a wide, five-mile-long towpath that runs from Lincoln Drive to Northwestern Avenue in Chestnut Hill. Motorized traffic is strictly forbidden on Forbidden. Miles and miles and hilly side trails afford incredible views of the creek and the valley, and a wide range of diverse tree species whose leaves coat the water and its banks a burnt gold color through autumn.

From RittenhouseTown, head uphill and bear to your left to reach the Orange Trail. From that point, follow the creek up to Kitchen's Lane. This particular stretch of trail is around a mile in length (one way) and provides a sampling of everything the Wissahickon has to offer: rocky trails, narrow wooden bridges, paths over old stone culverts, and a view of the creek at some of its faster-moving points.

Deer, red foxes, turtles, raccoons, and a variety of birds, including the brilliant blue indigo bunting, bald eagles, and falcons can be seen here. You could even spot a coywolf, a new strain of coyote and wolf "evolving before our eyes" in the Wissahickon and surrounding area. A general rule of thumb for the labyrinthine Wissahickon: if you want to avoid people, want a better chance of spotting wildlife, and want to embark on an adventure, then head uphill. If you're lost or you want a more relaxing, smoother hike, head downhill. All paths lead, eventually, to Forbidden Drive, and from there it's easy to re-orient.

Rickets Glenn State Park

One of the most majestic trails in the state is the 7.2-mile Falls Trail in Rickets Glen State Park.

The area includes 22 waterfalls that are significant enough to be named. The highlight is the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, which tumbles down a staircase of rocks into a deep, woody gorge of old-growth forest.

You don't need to hike seven miles to get to a waterfall; there is parking access and numerous trailheads with short hikes to some of the falls. The closest is the Lake Rose Trailhead, near the state park's campground. This map of the Glens Natural Area is helpful for visitors to orient themselves.

Ringing Rocks State Park

For a slightly different hiking experience, try the 128-acre Ringing Rocks Park, located in Upper Black Eddy in Bucks County.

Wander into a boulder field with rocks stacked 10 feet high, and bring a hammer: one tap will send a bell-like ringing sound cascading through the area.

The main trail is just under a mile, takes explorers past a waterfall on its way to the rocks.

The park was even included as one of 7 Supernatural Places Around the World published recently by the Travel Channel.