Biking, hiking, cross-country skiing
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|  Hiking in PennsylvaniaMap | Trails | Hiking Resources
Pennsylvania is the nation's second most industrialized state, but In spite of that, "Penn's Woods" has more than 1,000 miles of long-distance hiking trails and hundreds of shorter trails--enough to keep you busy for years. Bear in mind that hunting is permitted on all public lands including state parks--check the hunting season for each region.
Long-Distance TrailsTwo National Scenic Trails wend their way across the state. The Appalachian Trail cuts across the southeastern corner of the state from Delaware Water National Recreation Area. In the northwest the North Country Scenic Trail zig-zags its way from New York to Ohio. More than half of Pennsylvania's section of the North Country Scenic Trail is complete. Approximately 100 miles of trail have been built from the New York border south through the Allegheny National Forest to Cook Forest State Park. A few more miles are available in Moraine and McConnels Mill state parks. From there the trail follows an operating steam railroad right-of-way into Ohio. Many other long-distance trails are scattered throughout the state. Trails are built and maintained by different trail clubs, most of which are affiliated with the Keystone Trail Association. Maps and guidebooks of many trails can be obtained from the KTA or the trail club. The KTA Web site has introductory descriptions of each trail.
Trails in National Forests and Parks
Trails in State Forests and ParksMany of Pennsylvania's 116 state parks contain hiking trails as well as trailheads for the long-distance trails. Parks with 10 miles of trails or more are: Chapman SP, Clarendon - 12 miles of trails and more in the Allegheny National Forest. Clear Creek SP, Sigel - 25 miles of trails, lots of wildlife, 22 rustic cabins for rent. Cook Forest State Park, Cooksburg - 27 miles of trail and the Baker, the Forest Cathedral (a stand of 200-foot tall pine and hemlock) is a National Natural Landmark, 25 rustic cabins. Maurice K. Goddard SP, Sandy Lake - 14 miles of lakeside trails. Oil Creek SP, Oil City, Titusville - 52 miles including the 36-mile Gerard trail with backcountry Adirondack shelters at two locations. Blue Knob SP, Pavia - 17 miles of trails and superb views from the highest peak in the state (elev. 3,152 feet). Trailhead for the Lost Turkey Trail. Laurel Hill SP, Somerset - 12 miles of trail including the Hemlock Trail through old-growth forest. Laurel Ridge SP, Rockwood - 94 miles, backcountry shelters. McConnells Mill SP, Portersville - 11 miles of trails. Moraine SP, Portersville - 27 miles, 11 cabins. Ohiopyle SP, Ohiopyle - 67 miles of trails, hostel. Raccoon Creek SP, Hookstown - 13 miles, 10 cabins. Ryerson Station SP, Wind Ridge - 10 miles. Shawnee SP, Schellsburg - 12 miles, cabin, a hostel is nearby. Little Pine SP, Waterville - 13 miles of trails. Big Pocono SP, Tannerssville - 10 miles Gouldsboro, Gouldsboro - 10 miles Hickory Run, White Haven - 36 miles Mount Pisgah, Troy - 10 miles Promised Land, Greentown - 29 miles, 12 rustic cabins Ricketts Glen, Benton - 20 miles of trails, 22 waterfalls, 10 cabins Tobyhana, Tobyhana - 12 miles Worlds End, Forkville - 12 miles, 19 rustic cabins Black Moshanan, Philipsburg - 16 miles, 6 cabins Caledonia, Fayetteville - 10 miles, 2 cabins Codorus, Hanover - 12 miles Colnel Denning, Newville - 18 miles Cowans Gap, Fort Loudon - 10 miles, 10 rustic cabins Gifford Pinchot, Lewisbury - 12 miles, 10 cabins Kings Gap, Carlisle - 15 miles Trough Creek, James Creek - 16 miles, cabin Whipple Dam, Pine Grove Mills - 18 miles Beltzville, Lehighton - 15 miles Delaware Canal, Upper Black Eddy - 60 miles hiking and biking trail French Creek, Elverson - 32 miles, 10 cabins Lehigh Gorge, Rockport - 30 miles Nolde Forest, Reading - 10 miles Ridley Creek, Pipersville - 12 miles Trail ratings are submitted by visitors to this site who have hiked the trails and thus are subjective. You can rate the trails at an area that you have visited by clicking on the "Rate this Area" link found under that area's listing. For info on shared-use trails, see also Mountain Biking in Pennsylvania and Rail Trails in Pennsylvania. Hiking ResourcesHike PA provides info on hiking in central Pennsylvania. Keystone Trail Association publishes maps and guidebooks of many trails. Their site has introductory descriptions of each trail. North Country Trail Association is building the trail from New York to South Dakota. PA DCNR Hiking has descriptions of long-distance trails. Other Pennsylvania Outdoor Pages
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