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Best backpacking hikes in Pennsylvania
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Best backpacking hikes in Pennsylvania

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in Pennsylvania.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Old Loggers Path

Lycoming County, Pennsylvania · star 4.4 (15) · 41.6 km · Est. 2 days

2

Easy

Allegheny Front Trail

Centre County, Pennsylvania · star 4.9 (11) · 64.5 km · Est. 3 days

3

Easy

Pinchot Trail

Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania · star 4.5 (8) · 34.9 km · Est. 2 days

4

Medium

Lost Turkey Trail

Bedford County, Pennsylvania · star 4.4 (9) · 40.8 km · Est. 2 days

5

Medium

The Standing Stone Trail

Fulton County, Pennsylvania · star 4.5 (13) · 132.9 km · Est. 6 days

6

Medium

Chuck Keiper Trail

Clinton County, Pennsylvania · star 4.4 (7) · 72.3 km · Est. 4 days

7

Medium

Peters Mountain Ridge Trail

Dauphin County, Pennsylvania · star 4.4 (34) · 5.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 37 min

8

Medium

West Rim Trail - Pennsylvania

Tioga County, Pennsylvania · star 4.6 (11) · 47.1 km · Est. 2 days

9

Medium

Sones Pond High Rock Trail Loop

Sullivan County, Pennsylvania · star 4.6 (31) · 26.7 km · Est. 6 hrs 37 min

10

Difficult

Tracy Ridge Loop

McKean County, Pennsylvania · star 4.4 (16) · 30.2 km · Est. 2 days

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Reviews for backpacking hikes in Pennsylvania

Elizabeth Reitman avatar

Old Loggers Path

Elizabeth Reitman · reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

Loved this hike! I took some newbie backpackers on this and did it over 3.5 days. It was VERY quiet!! We had every campsite we chose to ourselves, right next to gorgeous views and rivers!! This trail is challenging enough to be interesting but easy enough for first timers. We really enjoyed every moment. Campsites are clean, well spaced, flat, accommodated four one man tents for us, and had great fire pits and rock chairs. Saw rattlesnakes and porcupine. Hung bear bags each night and saw no sign of them (tracks or scat).

Al Stoffa avatar

Allegheny Front Trail

Al Stoffa · reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

Well marked with blazes and signs. Elevation changes are minimal except for the section with views from the front. Plenty of campsites right along streams. Only 4 day hikers in five days.

aloïs moulin avatar

Pinchot Trail

aloïs moulin · reviewed almost 6 years ago

star star star star star

Summer Wood avatar

Lost Turkey Trail

Summer Wood · reviewed about 6 years ago

star star star star star

Femia Pruijssers avatar

The Standing Stone Trail

Femia Pruijssers · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Pennsylvania

What is the climate like for hiking in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations, influencing the hiking experience. Springtime hiking, from March to May, can be unpredictable with fluctuating temperatures and frequent rain, turning trails slippery. Summer, spanning June to August, brings warmer temperatures, making daytime hikes potentially challenging, but offering the best visibility and flora exploration.
From September to November, the autumn season paints Pennsylvania's hiking trails with vibrant colors. This is an ideal time for hiking with moderate temperatures and less rainfall. However, trails can be covered with leaves, making them slippery. Winter hikes, from December to February, require proper gear due to freezing temperatures and potential snow, but the stark beauty of the landscape can be a reward.
It's generally recommended to hike in Pennsylvania during the fall for the most comfortable temperatures and scenic beauty. Always check the weather before hiking, and prepare accordingly. For detailed forecasts, the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/) can be a reliable resource, and for specific trail conditions and advice, the Keystone Trails Association (https://www.kta-hike.org/) offers a wealth of information.

Do I need a permit to hike in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, most hiking trails are open to the public without requiring permits. However, for overnight backpacking in some state forests and parks, you may need a free permit. These can be obtained by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). For information and inquiries, visit their official website (https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/).

Is wild camping allowed in Pennsylvania?

Wild camping in Pennsylvania is generally permitted in state forests and some state parks, but with restrictions. Campsites must be at least 25 feet from trails and 100 feet from streams or other water sources. Overnight stays may require a permit from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/).

Are there mountain rescue services in Pennsylvania?

In case of emergencies during hiking in Pennsylvania, dial 911 to reach local law enforcement, who coordinate with other agencies for mountain rescue operations. The Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PA-HART) may also be deployed for complex rescues. For more information, visit their website https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/SearchAndRescue/Pages/default.aspx

Are there dangerous plants in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's trails offer diverse flora, with deciduous forests in the southeast and coniferous in the northwest. You'll find oak, maple, and pine trees, and wildflowers in spring. Beware of poison ivy and poison oak. The DCNR's "iConservePA" portal (https://www.iconservepa.org/) provides detailed information about local flora.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Pennsylvania?

On Pennsylvania's trails, hikers may encounter white-tailed deer, squirrels, and birds like the ruffed grouse. Insects include ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. Black bears are present but generally avoid humans. Information on wildlife safety is available on the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website (https://www.pgc.pa.gov/).

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