The fall season is a great time for travelers to enjoy the outdoors in Pennsylvania. With so many beautiful trails to choose from, it’s easy to get around town and explore the state’s many beautiful areas.
Allegheny National Forest
Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest offers hikers a wide variety of views. One of the most popular trails in the area is the North Country Scenic Trail, which spans over 96.3 miles long. It takes visitors through various areas, such as open forests, rock outcroppings, and stands of tall trees.
The Great Shamokin Path
The Great Shamokin Path follows a section of the Rural Railroad Valley. It parallels a creek, and hikers can take in panoramic views of western Pennsylvania from this area. This trail once connected two prominent Native American communities in Pennsylvania.
Ricketts Glen State Park
The Falls Trail System at the Ricketts Glen State Park is a popular area for hikers. It features 22 unique waterfalls, some of which are as high as 11 feet. These natural features provide a tranquil resting area along the trail.
The park features various trails that are designed to take visitors through different areas. One of these is the Beach Trail, which leads to the Grand View Trial. Each of the 26 miles of trails in the park has something to offer.
Schuylkill River Trail
The multi-use trail known as the Schuylkill River Trail is a great way to get around town and explore many beautiful areas. Currently, over 75 miles of this trail are complete. It features a 30-plus mile section from Philadelphia to Parkerford, and cyclists can follow a 20-mile route to Hamburg.
Quehanna Trail
The Quehanna Trail is a great way to explore. It spans over 70 miles in the Elk and Moshannon State Forests. The main section of this trail begins at Parker Dam. It goes through the Quehanna Wild Area and passes through various areas, such as Piper and Karthaus.
Standing Stone Trail
The Standing Stone Trail is a great way to take in the beauties of nature. It spans over 84 miles through various counties, including Fulton, Mifflin, and Huntingdon. It passes through various valleys and ridges.
The Standing Stone Trail was named the state’s Trail of the Year in 2016. It’s part of the Great Eastern Trail, which spans from Flagg Mountain in Alabama to the New York-Finger Lakes Trail. Over 80 percent of the trail goes through state-owned lands.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Situated in the Michaux State Forest near the town of Franklin, Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers a variety of hiking opportunities. The park’s wooded atmosphere and multiple overlooks make it an ideal spot for all types of hikers. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Pole Steeple Trail, which features a steep and challenging .75-mile walk that ends at the Pole Peak overlook.