A Hiker’s Guide to the Most Beautiful Trails in Pennsylvania

1. Wolf Rocks Loop Trail, Forbes State Park

Wolf Rocks Loop Trail is a 9.9-mile hike in the Forbes State Forest, Pennsylvania, a part of the Laurel Highlands Trail System. The trail passes by Beam and Wolf Rocks, both with wonderful views of the stream valleys below. Parts of the trail are overgrown and rocky, making it moderately difficult. The main trailhead is in Laurel Summit State Park, starting as the Fish Run Trail to the west, joining the Hobblebush Trail, and finally reaching the overlook at Wolf Rocks. The trail runs mostly through remote areas, among dense outcrops of hardwood trees, mountain laurel, and rhododendron. The Beam Rocks outcrop is popular with rock climbers.

Linn Run Rd, Somerset, PA 15501

2. Bushkill Falls, Stroudsburg

With eight magnificent waterfalls and a lush, diverse landscape full of birds and wildlife, Bushkill Falls in Pennsylvania's Poconos region is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Pennsylvania. There are four main hiking trails that are different in length and difficulty level, with a mix of dirt and raised walkways. The Green Trail is only about 15 minutes long and an easy trail, with some stairs that will take you to the Main Falls. The Yellow Trail takes 45 minutes, leading to the Main Falls, Lower Gorge Falls, Upper Canyon, and Laurel Glen. The Blue Trail takes about 1 hour and Red Trail, 2 hours long, covers about 2 miles and all eight falls.

138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324

3. Dingmans Ferry Creek Trail, Pike County

Dingmans Ferry Creek Trail is short, 0.4-mile mostly flat boardwalk trail through the lush greenery of a hemlock ravine. Only the last 0.1 mile of the trail is stairs. You will pass by a thin ribbon of water of the Silverthread Falls as they drop 80 feet through a narrow chute. The boardwalk is surrounded by dense rhododendron bushes and a shady canopy of tall hemlock. The sound of the powerful waterfall will follow you all along the trail until you reach the base of the Dingmans Falls at the end of the boardwalk. From there, you can climb a steep staircase to the upper falls to enjoy a magnificent view.

224 Dingmans Falls Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

4. Glen Onoko Falls, Jim Thorpe

Glen Onoko Falls trailhead is located in State Game Lands 141 outside the village of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most dangerous and most beautiful hikes in the state. While the trail starts off easily enough, it is very challenging, slippery, narrow, with many rocks and boulders, and in some places, you will need to pull yourself up the hill. Proper hiking boots are essential. Start by going under the train tracks and head uphill into the woods. Follow the stream and stay on the path. You will pass Glen Onoko Run, which, when the water levels are high, falls down the hill in a series of cascades. While steep and difficult, the trail is short, only about half a mile, ending at the base of Chameleon Fall, which is two streams that merge, creating an impressive curtain of water.

Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

5. Golden Eagle Trail, just north of Cammal

Located between the towns of Cammal and Slate Run in north-central Pennsylvania in Tiadaghton State Forest, the Golden Eagle Trail is a rugged, strenuous hike that gains 2,247 feet in elevation. This 9-mile loop trail runs through dense forests of massive old pines, along two lively streams rushing through hemlock-covered gorges, passes by a number of lovely waterfalls, old logging camps, fascinating rock formations, old quarries, and splash dams, ending with a climb up Raven’s Horn and a spectacular view of the Pine Creek valley. Watch for snakes sunning themselves on warm rocks and look out for bears.

PA-414, Cammal, PA 17723

6. Adams Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park in Luzerne County is famous for its 21 falls, which can all be visited during a single hike. However, if you have time for just one, then the Adams Falls Trail will take you to what is probably the park’s most beautiful waterfall after only 1 mile of fairly easy hiking.

Adams Falls is part of Kitchen Creek, which continues its rush towards other waterfalls in the park. It has two main drops; the first is a 25-foot drop through a narrow chute in the rock that is incredibly fast, ending up in a lovely pool. From this pool, the water drops another 10 feet into a larger pool in two separate chutes. It is an easy, lovely, and short hike and the surrounding nature is lush and lovely. See the Map

695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814

7. Bridle Trail, Cook Forest State Park

The 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park is known for its magnificent old growth forest of towering hemlocks and white pines. A 13-mile long stretch of the Clarion River runs through the park, making it a wonderful place to enjoy unspoiled nature. The best way to do it is to take one of 16 well-marked trails that run through the park for 30 miles. One of the longest is the 4.1-mile Bridle Trail, which consists of two trails that are also permitted for horses. One trail joins the scenic Browns Run Trail and is a great place to look for wildlife and birds. The other bridle trail begins at Forest Drive and joins the Old Logging Road Trail and is flat and easy. Both trails are in the part of the forest that is open to hunting, so be careful.

113 River Rd, Cooksburg, PA 16217

8. Rhododendron Trail, Cook Forest State Park

The Forest Cathedral is by far the most beautiful area of the popular Cook Forest, with a network of trails running among massive hemlocks, beeches, white pines, black cherry, and rhododendron bushes. The dense canopy of ancient trees creates an uplifting, spiritual feeling, like being in a natural cathedral. One of the favorite trails in the network is the Rhododendron Trail , a 1.2-mile moderately difficult trail that begins between Indian Cabins 6 and 7. It passes the swinging bridge that crosses Toms Run Road and ends on Forest Drive. The trail is particularly beautiful in spring, when the rhododendrons are covered in a riot of purple blooms.

113 River Rd, Cooksburg, PA 16217

9. Flat Rock Trail, Linn Run State Park

Linn Run State Park is a 612-acre scenic area with interesting topography and lush evergreen and hardwood forests. The park is very popular for hiking and picnicking. The Linn Run stream runs through the park and is full of trout, making it popular with fishermen. One of the most interesting trails running through the park is the 0.5-mile Flat Rock Trail, which ends at a large, smooth rock in the stream. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed and it can get slippery, so walk with care.

770 Linn Run Rd, Rector, PA 15677

10. Canyon Vista Trail, Worlds End State Park

Worlds End State Park is a 780-acre park in the narrow Loyalsock Creek valley just south of Forksville. The park is surrounded by the Loyalsock State Forest and is an important bird area and a home to a large number of wild animals. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails running through the park, which are generally rocky with steep sections going up the surrounding mountains. The Canyon Vista Trail is a 2.9-mile loop trail that runs under the dense canopy of mature sugar maple, ash, and black cherry trees, with wildflowers thriving along the trail. The trail ends at the beautiful view of the Loyalsock Creek gorge at 1,750 feet.

Route 154, Forksville, PA 18614