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Best wildlife viewing hikes in Pennsylvania
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Best wildlife viewing 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

Montour Trail

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania · star 4.7 (19) · 75.8 km · Est. 3 days

3

Medium

Laurel Highlands Trail

Fayette County, Pennsylvania · star 4.8 (16) · 105.2 km · Est. 5 days

4

Easy

Lehigh Gorge Trail

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania · star 4.0 (7) · 39.2 km · Est. 2 days

5

Medium

Quehanna Trail

Clearfield County, Pennsylvania · star 4.5 (14) · 118.6 km · Est. 5 days

6

Easy

Allegheny Front Trail

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

7

Medium

Susquehannock Trail

Potter County, Pennsylvania · star 4.7 (13) · 132.9 km · Est. 6 days

8

Easy

Redbank Valley Trail

Clarion County, Pennsylvania · star 4.8 (11) · 66.5 km · Est. 3 days

9

Medium

Chuck Keiper Trail

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

10

Medium

Lost Turkey Trail

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

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Reviews for wildlife viewing 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).

Lesley Caesar avatar

Montour Trail

HiikerLesley · reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

Trail is flat, wide and in great shape!

Ross Nichols avatar

Laurel Highlands Trail

Ross Nichols · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Nella Kangas avatar

Lehigh Gorge Trail

Nella Kangas · reviewed almost 6 years ago

star star star star star

Dustin Ryan avatar

Quehanna Trail

Dustin Ryan · reviewed almost 5 years ago

star star star star star

Forgot to write a review of this when me and my girl did it. Beautiful trail! Probably one of the best Thru Hikes in PA. Tons of pre-made primitive camping locations. If you'd like to read about the adventure, I wrote a write up of each day on my Instagram page - backpackinglion

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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