Full of enchanting forestry, flowers, and wildlife, Western Pennsylvania offers some of the most popular hikes in the Northeastern United States. There are hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, with options for new hikers and seasoned veterans alike.
Whether you’re a Pittsburgh resident looking for a weekend adventure or a traveling hiker looking to check out the best hikes throughout the region, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you. Let’s look at five of the best hiking trails Western Pennsylvania has to offer.
1. McConnells Mill
With 9 miles of trails ranging in difficulty from moderate to challenging, McConnells Mill State Park is one of Western Pennsylvania’s most famous hiking destinations. This park’s natural beauty has drawn the interest of multiple filmmakers and television producers. In the summer of 2021, Netflix released the Jason Momoa thriller Sweet Girl, which showcases McConnells Mill among several other Western Pennsylvania landmarks.
The stunning Slippery Rock Creek Gorge may be the highlight of McConnells Mill State Park. A National Natural Landmark, the 2,546-acre gorge was created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago. The gorge’s steep cliffs, massive boulders, overlooks, and waterfalls draw countless hikers each year. A popular 6.2-mile hike goes down into the floor of the gorge. History aficionados are also sure to enjoy the park’s 19th-century gristmill and covered bridge.
2. Shawnee Lake Trail
Located in Shawnee State Park, the Shawnee Lake Trail is one of Western Pennsylvania’s most accessible hikes. The wide, level hiking path loops around Shawnee Lake, offering gorgeous views of the jewel of Shawnee State Park. The hike is especially visually stunning during the autumn, as the foliage surrounding the lake changes into spectacular hues of orange, red, and yellow.
Shawnee Lake Trail is a great choice for beginning hikers looking to get started with one of the region’s easiest hikes. The full loop takes at least two hours. While it may be easy, the hike is still tremendously rewarding. Along with the plants and foliage, there are plenty of photo opportunities for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers.
3. Kinzua Bridge State Park
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has named Kinzua Bridge State Park one of its “25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks,” and it is easy to see why. Stretching across 339 acres near Mount Jewett, Kinzua Bridge State Park has trails suitable for hikers of all experience levels. Noteworthy sites include legendary panoramic vistas of surrounding mountains and the valleys below, along with historic landmarks like the Kinzua Bridge, a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
The easiest trail offers some of the park’s best views, ending with a 301-foot-tall skywalk overlooking a gorge and miles of forest. The walkway was opened in 2011 and is converted from a broken railroad bridge. Hikers can walk out 600 feet onto the skywalk, which includes a glass-bottom section.
For hikers looking for a bit more of a challenge, Kinzua Bridge State Park’s more difficult trail runs down to the valley bottom along steep banks and stone steps. Make sure to come prepared for this challenging trail with hiking shoes and a stick.
4. Ohiopyle State Park
Another one of the DCNR’s “25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks,” Ohiopyle State Park encompasses a sprawling 19,052 acres and includes a total of 79 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. The park’s centerpiece is the 14-mile section of the Youghiogheny River Gorge, but Ohiopyle State Park is full of some of the region’s most striking natural scenery.
Other natural highlights that can be found along the park’s hiking trails include:
- Ohiopyle Falls
- Cucumber Falls
- Jonathan Run Falls
- Sugar Run Falls
- Meadow Run Waterslides
- Ferncliff Peninsula
Ohiopyle State Park is much more than a hiking destination. Hunters, anglers, whitewater rafters, and campers all seek out the park for its overwhelming natural beauty.
5. Presque Isle
As the Atlantic Ocean is quite the trek for Western Pennsylvania residents, Presque Isle offers a more easily accessible beach option on this side of the state. The 3,200-acre state park runs along a sandy peninsula that stretches into Lake Erie. This National Natural Landmark is a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, fishers, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The Ridge Runner Trail, a moderately difficult 2-mile hike, is the park’s main hiking draw. It includes a section along a sand ridge that is not maintained by park staff, so a pair of strong hiking boots is necessary. Hikers can enjoy taking in sites like sandy beaches, trees, birds, and a prominent lighthouse along the way.
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