
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Pinnacle Overlook Trail
Offers stunning views of Lancaster County from the highest point in Ricketts Glen State Park.
- Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate trail with steep inclines and rocky terrain.
- Natural Waterfalls: Features several small waterfalls along the way.
2. Tuckerdgee Trail
A challenging hike through Susquehannock State Forest with beautiful wildflower displays in spring.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see deer, turkey, and various bird species.
- Scenery: Offers diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and creek crossings.
- Difficulty Level: Considered a difficult hike due to steep inclines and uneven terrain.
3. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Historic trail through an old iron furnace with opportunities for birdwatching.
- Historical Significance: Provides insight into Pennsylvania's iron-making history.
- Birdwatching: Ideal for birdwatchers with a variety of bird species present.
- Easy Accessibility: Offers easy, family-friendly hiking trails.
4. Columbia Cross-Cultural Trail
Learn about the history of Lancaster County's native peoples and European settlers on this trail.
- Educational Value: Educates visitors about the region's cultural heritage.
- Accessibility: Trail is easily accessible with multiple entry points.
- Length: The trail stretches over 12 miles, allowing for a full-day or multi-day hike.
5. Tulpehocken Creek Trail
Follow the picturesque Tulpehocken Creek through Schuylkill County.
- Scenery: Beautiful creek and forest scenery along the trail.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate hiking with some steep inclines.
- Fishing Opportunities: Offers opportunities for trout fishing along the creek.
6. Appalachian Trail - Pine Grove Furnace State Park
A section of the famous Appalachian Trail offering scenic views and camping opportunities.
- Scenery: Provides stunning vistas of the surrounding hills.
- Length: 10.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail within Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
- Camping Opportunities: Allows for overnight camping along the trail.
7. Chickies Rock County Park
Hike to Chickies Rock for panoramic views of the Susquehanna River.
- Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding area.
- Accessibility: Easy access with a paved path leading to Chickies Rock.
- Length: Short, easy hike with multiple trail options.
8. Rail Trail Conservancy
Flat, easy trail along the former Reading Railroad tracks.
- Accessibility: Easy to navigate with a flat, paved surface.
- Length: Stretches over 45 miles, connecting multiple towns and parks.
- Scenery: Offers diverse landscapes including forests, fields, and small towns.
9. Jacob's Ladder Trail
Steep, challenging hike up a rocky ravine with stunning views at the top.
- Scenery: Provides panoramic views of Lancaster County from the summit.
- Difficulty Level: Considered a challenging hike due to steep, rocky terrain.
- Length: Short but steep trail, approximately 0.25 miles long.
10. Horseshoe Trail
Multi-day hike through the beautiful Susquehannock State Forest.
- Scenery: Provides diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and creek crossings.
- Length: A multi-day hike with over 90 miles of trail.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging due to steep inclines, uneven terrain, and long distance.
11. Conoy Lake Trail
Peaceful hike around Conoy Lake in Conestoga State Park.
- Scenery: Offers peaceful, serene surroundings with views of Conoy Lake.
- Accessibility: Easy to navigate with a paved path around the lake.
- Length: Short, easy hike with multiple trail options.
12. Turkey Hill Trail
Hike through the Turkey Hill Experiment Station in Bloomsburg.
- Educational Value: Provides insight into the tea and iced coffee production process.
- Scenery: Offers diverse landscapes including forests, fields, and a pond.
- Accessibility: Easy to navigate with multiple entry points.
13. Blue Mountain Trail
Challenging hike up Blue Mountain for panoramic views of the Lehigh Valley.
- Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of the Lehigh Valley from the summit.
- Difficulty Level: Considered a challenging hike due to steep, rocky terrain.
- Length: Short but steep trail, approximately 1.5 miles long.
14. Knoebelsam's Gap Trail
Hike through the Knoebel's Grove amusement park to the top of Sam's Gap.
- Scenery: Provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging hike with steep inclines and uneven terrain.
- Length: Short, approximately 1-mile trail.
15. Conewago Recreation Area
Hike through the Conewago Recreation Area along the Susquehanna River.
- Scenery: Offers beautiful views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding hills.
- Accessibility: Easy to navigate with multiple trail options.
- Length: Various trails of different lengths and difficulty levels.