Explore 13 of the Most Scenic Hiking Trails in All of Pennsylvania

From serene greenery and soothing waterfalls to awe-inspiring overlooks, Pennsylvania’s scenic hiking trails offer something for everyone. As arguably one of the most underrated states for outdoor activities, Pennsylvania offers 20 state forests, 120 state parks, and 2.2 million acres of protected wilderness. If you’re a Pennsylvania native, looking for weekend fun, or planning to travel through the Northeast anytime soon, you won’t want to miss out on visiting these breathtaking views.

Scenic Pennsylvania Hiking Trails Featuring Waterfalls

I don’t know about you, but TLC had it wrong — chase all the waterfalls you wish. From short, babbling streams washing down across river rocks to the raw power of thundering water cascading around you, seemingly from the sky, the feeling of being around waterfalls is unmatched. Check out these three awe-inspiring trails showcasing beautiful Pennsylvania waterfalls.

Ricketts Glen Falls Trail

Location: Benton, PA

Distance: 4.1-7.2 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Waterfalls, Wildflowers

One of the most popular and noteworthy trails in the state of Pennsylvania, the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail highlights more than 21 picturesque waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. With two parking areas and trail entrances, the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail allows you the flexibility to tailor your hiking experience to your and your family’s needs and desired walking distance. It’s strongly encouraged that everyone wears sturdy shoes with great grip to help maneuver the various rock steps throughout the trail, which can become slick after rainfall.

Glen Onoko Falls and Lehigh Gorge Overlook Trail

Location: Jim Thorpe, PA

Distance: 3.3 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Hard

Appeal: Waterfalls, Cave, Wildflowers, Scenic Views

Despite being one of the most heavily trafficked trails in Lehigh Gorge State Park, the Glen Onoko Falls and Lehigh Gorge Overlook Trail is not an ideal outing for novice hikers or family trips. While views of Glen Onoko Falls and the Lehigh Valley are breathtaking, hikers report this trail to be challenging, and trail markings can be confusing. Wear sturdy hiking boots with plenty of grip, and download the trail map prior to arriving for maximum safety. Once finished, stop by the quant town of Jim Thorpe, known as “The Switzerland of Pennsylvania.”

Kelly’s Run Loop Trail

Location: Holtwood, PA

Distance: 3.6 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Waterfalls, Scenic Views, Wildflowers, Birdwatching

Located in Kellys Run Nature Preserve, this moderately difficult trail provides hikers with spectacular beauty for those short on time. At less than four miles long, Kellys Run Loop Trail showcases a vast variety of attractions, from serene fields, calming waterfalls, and beautiful wildflowers to wooded sections shaded by lush trees and speckled with ferns. Furthermore, this trail offers hikers the opportunity to flex their more adventurous side, with a few more technically challenging areas, navigating across large rocks and maneuvering in the creek.

Scenic Pennsylvania Hiking Trails with Stunning Vistas

Your heart races. You gasp desperately for breath, and you beg the water from your bottle to quench your thirst more quickly. The uphill battle you just fought seemed impossible, but now, you’re resting at the top, soaking in the views that surround you and basking in your accomplishment. If you’re chasing scenic Pennsylvania vistas (and the amazing feeling of accomplishment), then keep reading.   

Mount Minsi Loop (Via the Appalachian Trail)

Location: Delaware Water Gap, PA

Distance: 4.8 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Scenic Views, Lake and River Views, Wildflowers, Rock Scramble

First on the list, a fan favorite in Eastern PA, Mount Minsi provides a perfect combination of forest views and vistas overlooking the water, all while keeping your hike under five miles. While on the trail, soak in the beautiful views of Mount Tammany and the Delaware River. This route requires you to access Mount Minsi via the Appalachian Trail, giving you the opportunity to taste-test one of the nation’s most famous backpacking trails. Additionally, during your descent back to the car, enjoy the ambiance of a variety of small waterfalls, being surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, and several great spots for visitors to take breaks or have a picnic.

Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop

Location: Hamburg, PA

Distance: 9.2 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Cave, Forest Views, Scenic Vista, Lake View

Located less than two hours from Philadelphia, Pulpit Rock is a highly popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Eastern Pennsylvania — especially those chasing stunning sunrise views. The Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop is a combination of the Appalachian Trail, the Valley Rim Trail, and the Pinnacle Trail, allowing visitors to take in incredible views of the Lehigh Valley and the surrounding area. While this trail features a steep incline, the view from Pulpit Rock is certainly one of the best in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Canyon Vista Trail

Location: Forksville, PA

Distance: 3.9 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Scenic Views, Vistas, Boulders

Nestled cozily within World’s End State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, the Canyon Vista Trail provides amazing views while keeping the distance and difficulty to a manageable level for even beginner hikers. This trail showcases a variety of different waterfalls, tons of lush ferns and other greenery, beautiful wildflowers, spectacular views, and an area affectionately known as “The Boulder Playground.” Take in the spectacular sights atop the Loyalsock Creek Gorge, climb up and walk across boulders larger than trucks, and then reward yourself with a post-hike mouthwatering cheesesteak and Dirty Jersey Fries at the Forksville General Store just a short drive down the road.

Turkey Path Trail

Location: Gaines, PA

Distance: 2.1 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: River Views, Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Scenic Views, Vistas

Short but sweet, the Turkey Path Trail provides visitors of Leonard Harrison State Park with a perfect sampling of the famous Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Firstly, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is one of the top 10 attractions of the state, stretching more than 45 miles long and reaching depths of nearly 1,500 feet. Enjoy scenic views atop the Pine Creek Gorge, then descend into the valley to find yourself surrounded by nature and greeted by waterfalls, as well as Pine Creek at the canyon floor. Don’t miss out on these spectacular views — especially during fall as the leaves change!

Emerald View Trail

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Distance: 2.3 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Scenic Views

Looking to connect with the outdoors but appreciate scenic skyline views? Look no further than the Emerald View Trail in picturesque Pittsburgh! This trail is the perfect combination of nature and urban hiking, allowing visitors to enjoy the calming atmosphere of the forest while also getting amazing views of the city. Recent visitors encourage hikers to download the map prior to arriving due to spotty GPS in the area. Still, the short length of the trail and the occasional areas where you walk through a neighborhood make it easy to get yourself back on track with your map.

Golden Eagle Trail

Location: Slate Run, PA

Distance: 9.3 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Hard

Appeal: River Views, Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Scenic Views, Vistas

A personal favorite of mine, the Golden Eagle Trail offers a challenging, strenuous hike, archetyped by none other than the late Bob Webber. Above all, Webber was a district forester, trail builder, mountain legend, and life-long outdoorsman, living for decades “off the grid” with his wife in a modest cabin they built themselves within the state forest. While a difficult climb starts the hike, the Golden Eagle Trail rewards hikers by leading them to Raven’s Horn — a large boulder you can rest on that overlooks the Pine Creek Valley. After accomplishing the toughest climb, enjoy scenic views while traversing multiple ridges, hop along rocks crossing a babbling stream, and enjoy a few modest waterfalls as you circle your way back to the start.

Scenic Pennsylvania Hiking Trails With Less Traditional Features

Waterfalls and vistas are beautiful, but what if you’re in the mood to see something a little more off the beaten path? We’ve got you covered. Check out these awesome trails that offer unique sights, from stone steps up a mountain to rich historical remains from the Revolutionary War.

Thousand Steps Trail

Location: Mill Creek, PA

Distance: 1.5 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Hard

Appeal: Scenic Views, Stone Stairs, Vista

While not the longest trail on this list, the Thousand Steps Trail can feel like one of the most daunting adventures. As the name says, you’ll make your way up the mountain, scaling 1,000 beautiful and unique stone steps. To help break up the monotony and reassure waning adventurers, the trail provides occasional makers to give you updates on your step progress. If you plan to summit this trail, bring plenty of water and keep a cautious eye out for snoozing rattlesnakes, soaking up the heat on the stone steps during warmer months.

Kinzua Bridge Trail

Location: Mount Jewett, PA

Distance: 1.2 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Scenic Views, Partially Paved

Once home to the highest viaduct in the world, the Kinzua Bridge Trail allows visitors the opportunity to view the tragic aftermath of Mother Nature. On July 21, 2003, an F1 tornado tore through the Kinzua Bridge, ripping eleven towers from their concrete bases and casting them aside throughout the valley floor. Walk out on the Kinzua Skywalk for breathtaking views all year round and see the remaining debris up close on a short (but sometimes steep) stroll through the valley. In addition to the skywalk and trail, visitors of Kinzua State Park can explore various self-guiding exhibits in the park visitor center.

Boulder Field Trail

Location: Lake Harmony, PA

Distance: 6.4 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Wildflower, River Views, Boulder Field

This out-and-back trail begins your journey through a lush, green tunnel of pine and leads you to one of the nation’s 27 National Natural Landmarks: The Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park. This 16-acre boulder field stretches nearly 1,800 feet at its widest point and is surrounded by lush woods, unlike most others in Pennsylvania, which are typically on sloped hillsides. Considered to be the largest boulder field of its kind in the Appalachian Mountains, the Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park is thought to have been created during an ice age due to evidence of glaciers located nearby at one time.

Mount Joy Trail to Mount Misery Loop

Location: Berwyn, PA

Distance: 3.8 Miles

Dogs Allowed on Leash

Difficulty: Moderate

Appeal: Scenic Views, River Views, Historical Site

Are you looking to get out into nature but are passionate about learning about our nation’s history? Look no further than the Mount Joy Trail to Mount Misery Loop, located within Valley Forge National Historical Park! This trail offers some tough hills to get your heart really pumping but rewards you by engulfing you in the country’s rich history. Check out reconstructed soldier cabins, David Potts House, Washington’s Headquarters, and many other historical attractions from the American Revolutionary War in this unique outdoor experience!

Now, Hit the Hiking Trails and Enjoy Scenic Pennsylvania

Whether you’re seeking easy strolls with beautiful waterfalls or a challenging climb up a mountain with a huge payoff on top, Pennsylvania hiking trails have something for everyone. Not only do these trails offer hikers amazing views, but with our state’s relatively mild winters, we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to visit these trails throughout most of the year and can soak in how differently they appear as each season turns. Now, brush off those hiking boots, fill those water bottles, and get hiking — gorgeous scenery awaits!