July 1, 2009 | Category: Hiking
Pennsylvania offers miles of scenic hiking trails
Located throughout Pennsylvania are countless hiking trails that are accessible to the public. Among these trails are three national trails and 18 state forest hiking trails. Listed below are brief descriptions of just a few of the major trails located throughout the state.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) is a continuously marked footpath that extends along the Appalachian Mountain System for more than 2,100 miles, stretching from Maine to Georgia. From the south the Appalachian Trail enters Pennsylvania in Franklin County proceeding northward for 85 miles, crossing the Susquehanna River just north of Harrisburg. The trail, marked with white blazes, leaves the state near the Delaware Water Gap.
Northern County National Scenic Trail
Nestled in rugged plateau country of Pennsylvania is the Northern County National Scenic Trail (NCT). The trail extends through seven northern states, stretching for more than 1,600 miles, while Pennsylvania plays host to more than 180 miles of the trail. The NCT passes through much of Pennsylvania's oldest forests, the 4,080-acre Tionesta Natural and Scenic Area, and the 120 acre Heart's Content Scenic Area, featuring 300-year-old white pine.
Laurel Highlands National Scenic Trail
The Laurel Highlands National Scenic Trail extends for over 70 miles through the 1000 foot deep Conemaugh Gorge to the rugged Youghiogheny River Gorge at the Ohiopyle State Park. Set slightly back from the trail and situated about eight to 10 miles apart, are eight overnight areas, each with five shelters, tent pads, two comfort stations and direct access to water
Mid-State Trail
Known as the "Wildest Trail in Pennsylvania," The Mid-State Trail is a long distance hiking trail with side trails in Central Pennsylvania drawn out over 319 miles. Because the trail is predominately on public land it has characteristics that set it apart from all the other trails, such as, a covered bridge built in 1879, two scout camps, two fire towers, four state forest picnic areas, as well as Stone Valley Recreation Area, the Lower Trail, and the Woolrich Factory Outlet Store.
Susquehannock Trail
Through the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountain, and looping through Susquehannock State Forest is the 85 mile long Susquehannock Trail. While the trail is considered strenuous, hikers can find moderate relief from the sparkling streams and impressive hardwood forests featuring impressive trees like, Black Cherry, Hemlock, Norway Spruce, Maple and Beech. No shelters are available along the trails; however, backpackers may build fires using the proper precautions.
Quehanna Trail
The Quehanna Trail is an impressive 75 miles long and passes through the Moshannon and Elk State Forests, and passes through some of Pennsylvania's most wild and beautiful country. Marked by orange blazes the path begins on the western end of Parker Dam State Park through the Marion Brooks Natural Area and finally looping back to Parker Dam. There also two blue blazed cross-connector trails that add another 30 miles of casual hiking.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) is a continuously marked footpath that extends along the Appalachian Mountain System for more than 2,100 miles, stretching from Maine to Georgia. From the south the Appalachian Trail enters Pennsylvania in Franklin County proceeding northward for 85 miles, crossing the Susquehanna River just north of Harrisburg. The trail, marked with white blazes, leaves the state near the Delaware Water Gap.
Northern County National Scenic Trail
Nestled in rugged plateau country of Pennsylvania is the Northern County National Scenic Trail (NCT). The trail extends through seven northern states, stretching for more than 1,600 miles, while Pennsylvania plays host to more than 180 miles of the trail. The NCT passes through much of Pennsylvania's oldest forests, the 4,080-acre Tionesta Natural and Scenic Area, and the 120 acre Heart's Content Scenic Area, featuring 300-year-old white pine.
Laurel Highlands National Scenic Trail
The Laurel Highlands National Scenic Trail extends for over 70 miles through the 1000 foot deep Conemaugh Gorge to the rugged Youghiogheny River Gorge at the Ohiopyle State Park. Set slightly back from the trail and situated about eight to 10 miles apart, are eight overnight areas, each with five shelters, tent pads, two comfort stations and direct access to water
Mid-State Trail
Known as the "Wildest Trail in Pennsylvania," The Mid-State Trail is a long distance hiking trail with side trails in Central Pennsylvania drawn out over 319 miles. Because the trail is predominately on public land it has characteristics that set it apart from all the other trails, such as, a covered bridge built in 1879, two scout camps, two fire towers, four state forest picnic areas, as well as Stone Valley Recreation Area, the Lower Trail, and the Woolrich Factory Outlet Store.
Susquehannock Trail
Through the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountain, and looping through Susquehannock State Forest is the 85 mile long Susquehannock Trail. While the trail is considered strenuous, hikers can find moderate relief from the sparkling streams and impressive hardwood forests featuring impressive trees like, Black Cherry, Hemlock, Norway Spruce, Maple and Beech. No shelters are available along the trails; however, backpackers may build fires using the proper precautions.
Quehanna Trail
The Quehanna Trail is an impressive 75 miles long and passes through the Moshannon and Elk State Forests, and passes through some of Pennsylvania's most wild and beautiful country. Marked by orange blazes the path begins on the western end of Parker Dam State Park through the Marion Brooks Natural Area and finally looping back to Parker Dam. There also two blue blazed cross-connector trails that add another 30 miles of casual hiking.
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