Pennsylvania has 121 state parks that offer great hiking. Each of these best hikes near Pennsylvania have other fun features to visit. These parks include lakes with swimming beaches, waterfalls, playgrounds, a suspension bridge, an ice mine, a cabin to explore, and more! There are even a few in Maryland that are close enough to Pennsylvania to add to this list.
Hiking Near Pennsylvania
Check out this list of 10 fun places to hike near Pennsylvania, both in the commonwealth and nearby in Maryland. Note that some features or attractions at the parks may only be available at certain times of the year. Have fun!
Gifford Pinchot State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park is located in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, south of Harrisburg. It’s accessible from Route 15 and I-83.
Gifford Pinchot State Park may be best known for its hiking trails and lake activities. In the summer, the swimming area of the lake is popular. It features a unique fence that borders the swimming area. There’s also grass leading up to the lake, instead of the typical sand.
A snack bar and bath house is available during the summer months. In the other months of the year, try a hike on any of their many trails.
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park is located in the Laurel Highlands, close to the Maryland and West Virginia border. The park is in Ohiopyle, PA, which is around 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Ohiopyle State Park is very popular, as it is close to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, and includes the often-photographed Cucumber Falls. Another unique feature of this park is the natural waterslides along Meadow Run.
Ohiopyle serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. The visitor’s center is a must-visit for its unique perspective over the Ohiopyle Falls. There’s even an observation deck by the visitor’s center to take in the beauty of this area.
Swatara State Park
Swatara State Park is a 3,520 acre park in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, northeast of Harrisburg.
Swatara State Park has wide, gravel trails that are perfect for leisurely walks or even a bike ride. One of the major trails in this state park leads to Bordner’s Cabin, which overlooks a waterfall. Try visiting this waterfall during a very wet time of year, as the waterfall can become fairly dry.
Trough Creek State Park
Trough Creek State Park is located in the Raystown Lake region of Pennsylvania, south of State College.
Trough Creek State Park has some very unique features along its hiking trails, including a balanced rock on a ledge, a suspension bridge, a waterfall, and an ice mine. The park is close to Raystown Lake, which has a number of lake activities and two lake beaches.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is a haven for waterfall-lovers. It’s located in Benton, PA, which is west of Scranton.
Ricketts Glen features over 20 waterfalls along an approximately four mile hike. Many people may consider this one of the best hikes in Pennsylvania. Note that this hike can be dangerous. The trail actually even closes in the winter, and is even challenging in the summer. There’s lots of steps and ledges. A swimming beach along Jean Lake is a great place for smaller children to enjoy the park.
Caledonia State Park
Caledonia State Park is located in south central Pennsylvania, between Gettysburg and Chambersburg not far from Route 30.
Caledonia State Park has a swimming pool in the summer. The pool was closed for the 2021 season, but hopefully it will open again for 2022. There’s also camping, hiking, and fishing at the park.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located in Gardners, PA, which is south of Carlisle. The park sits in between Route 15 and I-81.
Pine Grove Furnace is known for it’s two lake swimming beaches at Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake. There’s also a challenging uphill hike called the Pole Steeple Trail, which has an overlook of the lake. The park also has boating and the Appalachian Trail museum.
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is the in the northwest corner of the state. It includes a peninsula of beautiful beaches along Lake Erie. This park is a National Landmark that is known for its sandy beaches.
Rocks State Park – Maryland
Rocks State Park is a total of 885 acres. It has several areas, which one of the popular area includes a hike to Kilgore Falls. The area of the park where Kilgore Falls sits is called Falling Branch. It area is so popular that during the summer months, a parking reservation, made in advance, is required.
Codorus State Park
Codorus State Park is located between York and Hanover, Pennsylvania. This park is a total of 3,500 acres, and includes a swimming pool, hiking, picnicking, and camping.
Best Hikes Near Pennsylvania
I hope you enjoy all of these best hikes near Pennsylvania! If you’d like to check out even more hikes, check out this list.
