The many trails of the Pennsylvania Wilds

The Pennsylvania Wilds, made up of 13 rural counties in north central and northwestern Pennsylvania, is the perfect place for your next outdoor adventure! The PA Wilds region is home to more than 2 million acres of public lands that offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 16,000 miles of wild trout streams, the largest wild elk herd in the northeastern U.S., the world’s second-certified International Dark Sky park, two National Wild & Scenic Rivers, PA’s only National Forest, and more.

Pennsylvania is one of 7 northern states that the North Country National Scenic Trail (NST) traverses, covering outstanding scenic beauty across a variety of environments. The Pennsylvania portions of the trail, which cover 265 miles, wind largely through our hardwood forests – including the Allegheny National Forest, and in portions, parallel to the Allegheny and Clarion Rivers.

The Knox & Kane Rail Trail is nearly 74 scenic miles through some of the most beautiful portions of the PA Wilds and Allegheny National Forest. Part of it was even named the 2023 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year! The winner, the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge (MJ2KB) Trail, is a 7.8-mile-long section of the larger Knox & Kane Rail Trail in McKean County. The former rail line now provides a level trail for walking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding. In winter months, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular. This portion of the trail runs from the small town of Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge State Park, the location of what was once the highest and longest railroad viaduct that was reinvented as a new pedestrian walkway (called the Kinzua Skywalk) after the bridge was struck by a tornado.

The Clarion-Little Toby Rail Trail meanders along the scenic Clarion River Trail and Little Toby Creek. Hike or bike past lofty shale formations and waterfalls and natural spreads of Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. Wetlands and wildflowers abound, and visitors may see wildlife. Bring a camera! Both waterways are popular trout streams.

Popular with hikers and bicycle riders, the Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 62-mile converted railroad bed that travels along Pine Creek Gorge at the floor of the canyon. An article in USA Today named the Pine Creek Rail Trail one of “10 great places to take a bike tour” in the world. Local outfitters are available for equipment rentals and excursion information. Pine Creek, the largest tributary of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, itself is famous for fly fishing. The Pine Creek Rail Trail runs from Jersey Shore to Stokesdale which is a length of approximately 62 miles. The hard-packed stone makes for a fairly easy ride or hike, and the trail has a small grade, around 2%. The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a fun family day hike or bike ride, and good exercise for all ages.

Those are just some of the many trails in the Pennsylvania Wilds region! The state parks, the Allegheny National Forest, mountains, gorges, rail trails and country roads of the Pennsylvania Wilds provide the space and variety for every type of hiking adventure you can think of. Check out more trail info at PAWilds.com/activity/trails.