Pennsylvania

I'll be honest. I wasn't expecting much from Codorus State Park. But, my Saturday was open and I wanted to go somewhere I wouldn't have to fight for legroom. I didn't need anything majestic--just some space. Codorus, centrally located in the picturesque hills of York County, PA, seemed to fit the...

Hiking, trail running, mountain bike riding, cross country skiing and other low impact recreational activities are all part of what Rider Park has to offer. My personal favorite is the 3.6 mile Katy Jane Trail with a 560 vertical rise. It begins on the right side of the parking area. The trails a...

The Haystacks is a great end of the overall Loyalsock Trail. It is easily accessible, and fairly a gentile trail, however, the beginning is still a relatively rocky and will require some initial effort. When the trail intersects the rail road grade, you can turn left and take the path with the ye...

Once you reach the power lines, about a mile after cresting the top of the mountain you can look one way and you’ll see the Susquehanna River. Look the other way, and you’ll see beautiful woods and farm fields in Perry County. Return by the same route for a total of about 7 miles.Parking is at th...

Smith's Knob is a short, but fairly challenging section of the overall Loyalsock Trail. Smith's Knob has a distinctively round peak, and viewed from Rider Park, sticks out to all very easily. The trail starts off very steep, and will require some effort right away. However, it soon becomes more o...

Parking for this trail is at the Blackwell access area off of route 414. Then walk across the the bridge over Pine Creek and immediately hop over the guardrail to your right for the Bohen Trailhead.The beginning of the trail becomes narrow and steep for a short climb. The trail then levels off p...

Once you pass the famous Happy Acres Resort you better slow down. Coming up quickly on your right is the parking area for the Lake Shore Trail.The trails uses the Little Pine Creek damn as its starting point, which itself is a great place to sit and watch for birds, but to have the best experienc...

The Loyalsock State Forest is full of beautiful waterfalls and Mill Creek Falls is one of them. The 12 foot high falls is one of the smaller falls in the forest, but is still worth a visit as it sits in a beautiful grotto and contains a scenic plunge pool. I've also never seen another person in m...

Park at the end of Naval Run Road, at the end of the road to the right, follow the sign for Lance Raisch Trail marked with yellow blazes.  This is the first of three trails that this loop will use.  The Lance Raisch Trail climbs in elevation along Naval Run and after about a quarter mile will ins...

What was once known as the town of Alvira PA, is now known as State Game Lands number 252. During WWII the land was seized by the army and used as an army ordnance. Because of its past, while you are exploring, be on the lookout for old ammunition bunkers that have succumb to years of neglect, an...

This trail is best accessed from the Quaker Race Day Use Area or from the Cabin Colony for cabin occupants. This trail has a dirt or rocky surface, uneven terrain and one steep but short hill. This trail connects to Lakeside Trail at its end to form a 3-mile loop that passes through diverse habit...

Starting from the small parking area on Bunkerhill Rd, head north (turn right) onto Michaux Rd. After about 1/3 of a mile you will reach the Appalachian Trail where you will want to head west (turn left).This will lead you on a leisurely hike through the woods (follow the white blazes). It won't ...

There are multiple ways to access and start the trail, there is a small parking area near the intersection of McCall Dam Road and Route 192 or you can access from the other end near the beach at Halfway Lake.  The trail is well marked with yellow blazes and easy to fall.  This is a simple hike, b...

A drive along Ridge Road will bring you to five scenic vistas looking out over remote Elk State Forest.  You can drive the road and simply stop at the vistas, or you can do an out and back hike from anywhere along the road. On my last visit, I parked at the southern most vista, Square Timber Vist...

From the Blackwell parking access at the route 414 bridge that crosses Pine Creek, walk on 414 east towards Babb's Creek. Shortly after crossing the single lane bridge over Babb's Creek, you will turn right onto Big Run Road.Follow Big Run Road for about 2 miles and when the road makes a sharp t...

Some would argue that the trails hidden inside this state park are some of the most scenic in all of Pennsylvania, while I haven't explored a ton of the state I sure see where the fans of this park are coming from. The campground is very large and reservations would be highly recommended if you a...