Hiking trails in Pennsylvania

Hiking trails in Pennsylvania span every kind of public land the state has to offer — state parks, national forests, recreation areas, county preserves, and a few NPS units. Trail Compass currently lists 13 trails across 2 parks in Pennsylvania, organised by difficulty so you can land on the right route in a few clicks.

Browse by difficulty using the four filter cards directly below, or scroll to the full state trail table. Easy and moderate routes dominate near the population centers; hard and expert routes cluster in the higher, more remote corners of the New England forests and granite peaks.

Best hiking season across Pennsylvania is generally May through late October; high peaks above treeline catch winter weather any month of the year. Shorter walks at lower elevations stay accessible longer than alpine routes — if you are hiking in a shoulder month, lean toward state-park trails near urban centers and save the high country for peak season.

Expect to share the trail with moose in the northern watersheds, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, brook trout in the streams, and migratory songbirds in spring. Carry bear spray where signage advises it, store food properly, and remember that the wildlife was here first.

Pick a difficulty tier from the filter cards below, or jump straight to a specific park.