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OutsideAtlas Blog

421 articles — hiking safety primers, beginner guides, camping strategy, and state-by-state ranked lists. Every post is grounded in real trail data.

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Pennsylvania

8 ranked-list guides for hiking and parks in this state.

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Complete catalog

8 articles. Newest first.

Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Pennsylvania, Ranked

Pennsylvania's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

Pennsylvania's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Pennsylvania trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

Cascading waterfall through a green moss-covered ravinePhoto: Maddi Bazzocco
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Pennsylvania

Ten gentle, well-marked Pennsylvania trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly Mandarich
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Pennsylvania

Federal parks and recreation areas in Pennsylvania ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Pennsylvania: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Pennsylvania's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Pennsylvania: Leash-Welcome Trails

Hikes in Pennsylvania where dogs are explicitly welcome — picked for moderate length, manageable terrain, and verified leash access.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Pennsylvania: Easy Trails for Kids

Short, gentle Pennsylvania trails sized for kids, grandparents, and recovery days. The ones we'd take our own families on.