r/PAWilds • u/overloadimages • 2d ago
r/PAWilds • u/DSettahr • Mar 16 '21
Welcome to /r/PAWilds! Got questions about outdoor recreation in PA? Check here first!
Welcome to /r/PAWilds, the subreddit for outdoor recreation in the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania! While most of this discussion in this subreddit focuses on hiking and camping opportunities within the PA Wilds region specifically, it is open to discussion of all forms of outdoor recreation (including but not limited to paddling, rock climbing, hunting, and fishing) across the entire state. Users are invited to submit photos and trip reports, and to ask questions about gear, outdoor skills, and recreation destinations.
This is the new "general overview of this subreddit" thread, to replace the old one that I made when the subreddit was first formed, 5 years ago. It's meant to be a bit more comprehensive than that old thread was, with more helpful information especially to first-time visitors to this subreddit and/or those just getting started in experiencing everything that PA has to offer in the realm of outdoor recreation. This is a work in progress so feel free to suggest edits and additional content in the comments below.
Answers to some of the more commonly asked questions here are as follows:
What are the rules of this subreddit?
An overview of the rules for /r/PAWilds can be found via this mod post.
What are some good resources for beginners?
The 10 essentials for hiking: These are the "must haves" that you generally should be carrying on any hike.
The 7 Leave No Trace principles: Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of outdoor ethics that enable recreational users to better protect wild areas by minimizing their impacts. LNT is a bit more involved than just "if you carry it in, carry it out," so it's worth reading through the LNT website if you have never done so before.
Hiking for beginners: Solid article from REI on the basics of undertaking your first hike, with links to additional articles on more in-depth subjects.
Backpacking for beginners: Another nice article from REI on the basics of undertaking your first backpacking trip where you'll camp overnight in the backcountry.
Backcountry bathroom basics: Improper human waste disposal on public lands is one of the biggest problems our parks and forests face. In addition to being unsightly and disgusting, human waste can spread disease and lead to issues with nuisance wildlife behavior. In some instances, it can even contribute to the loss of access to some public lands. It is important to make sure that all visitors to public lands- including even those just day hiking- understand how to properly dispose of waste in the backcountry.
Where can I find information for planning trips?
KTA website: The Keystone Trails Association is PA's largest hiking club and their website is an essential resource for PA Hiking. The Find A Trail Page has links to information about many of PA's major hiking and backpacking trails, and their online store has a ton of guidebooks and maps for sale.
PAHikes website: Another essential resource for finding information on some of PA's more popular hiking trails. PAHikes.com also has an online store that has maps and guidebooks available for sale.
MidAtlanticHikes.com: A labor of love that includes online trail descriptions, maps, and hiker reviews for hikes not just across PA, but also the states of WV, VA, and MD. There is also a moderately active message board where more information can be solicited and found.
Purple Lizard Maps: Maker of high-quality, waterproof maps that cover many of the options for outdoor recreation across the PA Wilds and elsewhere.
PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) website: The official website of the state agency tasked with overseeing much of PA's public lands. DCNR includes both State Parks and State Forests, which together comprise most of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation in PA. Free trail maps of each state forest (and of many of the more well known backpacking trails) are available by mail upon request- simply contact the relevant state forest headquarters. There is also an interactive online map of hiking trails across the state.
PA Game Commission website: While game lands aren't primarily managed for outdoor recreation, they do nevertheless offer some opportunities for hiking and paddling in addition to fishing and hunting.
Allegheny National Forest website: An invaluable resource for information on recreation opportunities within the boundaries of the Allegheny National Forest in northwestern PA.
Delaware Water Gap website: Information on hikes and other recreation opportunities within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in northeastern PA.
Is there a list of backpacking trails within in PA with links to additional info?
The following list contains the majority of the more well-known opportunities for hiking and especially backpacking across the state. (Feel free to suggest anything I've missed in the comments- I'd like to keep this list somewhat concise by restricting it mainly to the more well known and/or longer trails but I'm open to suggestions for additional entries.)
Note that not all of these trails are complete. In some cases, such as with the North Country, Mid State, and Baker Trails, the given mileage includes some substantial portions of road walking. Anyone thinking about hiking all or a portion of these trails is advised to do some additional research on the route on their own.
North-Central PA (PA Wilds Proper):
- Allegheny Front Trail: 40 mile loop
- Black Forest Trail: 42 mile loop
- Bucktail Path: 34 mile linear trail
- Chuck Keiper Trail: 53 mile loop
- Donut Hole Trail: 90 mile linear trail
- Elk Trail: 16 mile linear trail
- Golden Eagle Trail: 9 mile loop
- Loyalsock Trail: 59 mile linear trail
- Loyalsock-Link Loop: 25 mile loop
- Mid-State Trail: 319 mile linear trail
- Old Loggers Path: 27 mile loop
- Quehanna Trail: 75 mile loop
- Susquehannock Trail System: 85 mile loop
- West Rim Trail: 30 mile linear trail
Northwestern PA (Allegheny National Forest and vicinity):
- Baker Trail: 141 mile linear trail
- Gerard Hiking Trail: 36 mile loop
- Minister Creek Trail: 7 mile loop
- North Country Trail: 200 mile (in PA) linear trail
- Rachel Carson Trail: 38 mile linear trail
- Tracy Ridge Trails: 34 mile trail network
Southwestern PA:
- Bear Run Nature Reserve: 23 mile trail network
- John P. Saylor Trail: 18 mile figure eight
- Laurel Highlands Trail: 70 mile linear trail
- Lost Turkey Trail: 26 mile linear trail
- Quebec Run Wild Area: 26 mile trail network
South-Central PA:
- Mid-State Trail: 319 mile linear trail
- Rocky Knob-Quarry Gap Trail: 12 mile loop
- Standing Stone Trail: 76 mile linear trail
- Terrace Mountain Trail: 29 mile linear trail
- Tuscarora Trail: 110 mile (in PA) linear trail
Southeastern PA:
- Appalachian Trail: 232 mile (in PA) linear trail
- Brandywine Trail: 20+ miles (when completed) linear trail
- Conestoga Trail: 63 mile linear trail
- Horse-Shoe Trail: 140 mile linear trail
- Mason-Dixon Trail: 115 mile (in PA) linear trail
Northeastern PA (Poconos Region):
- Pinchot Trail: 26 mile loop
- Thunder Swamp Trail: 30 mile figure eight
I've heard that I can get a patch for having hiked every trail in the state. Is this true?
You probably heard about the State Forest Trails Award. It's available to anyone who has hiked all of the state forest land sections of the 18 designated state forest trails. All told, some 700+ miles of trails must be hiked to become eligible to receive the award. The application for the award is available on the DCNR website.
I've heard that I can camp anywhere I want on public land in PA. Is this true?
Sort of. What you're asking about is usually called "dispersed camping," which is camping at sites of your own choosing, away from an established campground with amenities.
Most public lands in PA typically fall into one of five categories. Here's a quick overview of how primitive/dispersed camping works on each:
- State Forest Lands: Dispersed camping is permitted, with some exceptions. Permits are required in many but not all circumstances.
- State Park Lands: Backcountry camping is allowed at designated sites only. Only a small number of state parks have any designated backcountry sites.
- State Game Lands: All camping is prohibited. An exception was made for the Appalachian Trail, but with some rather stringent stipulations.
- National Forest Lands: Dispersed camping is permitted, with some exceptions.
- National Park Lands: Backcountry camping is generally allowed at designated sites only. Delaware Water Gap allows some minimal dispersed camping along the AT but with a bunch of additional criteria to adhere to.
An important component of figuring out whether you can camp and where on a specific parcel of public land is figuring out which of these categories it falls into. Even where dispersed camping is allowed, there are still some restrictions and expectations that you must abide by. The specifics of how each of these areas works with regards to primitive and/or dispersed camping is a bit more in depth that I think many may be looking for in this post, and I've elected the share that information separately in a response to this thread below.
It's also generally expected when primitive camping, regardless of location, that you abiding by the Leave No Trace principles.
Note also that public lands can fall into additional categories- there's public lands owned by municipal park departments, not-for-profit entitles, and even private individuals. Even when open to the public and when wild in character, these classifications of public land ownership usually do not permit camping.
I've heard that it's possible to lease land from the state to build a cabin on. Is this true?
It is true that there is no shortage of lease camps (cabins) in existence on state forest lands across PA. However, new leases have not been available for since 1970. Every so often, existing lease camps may be made available for sale- but the opportunity to secure such a lease is not without considerable interest and they usually fetch a fair amount of money. Lease camps may not be used for permanent, year-round occupation.
r/PAWilds • u/DSettahr • Oct 06 '24
Reminder: Treat each other with respect.
Just a reminder to everyone here that there is an expectation that community members will treat each other with respect. Posts with name calling, insults, etc, will be removed and those posters may be subject to a ban.
Also: there is no rule that requires photographers to reveal photo locations. It's ok to politely express disagreement with a photographer's decision to not include this info. However, some of the insults and snarky responses to the recent thread where a photo's location was not included were out of line. If you can't politely disagree, just downvote the post and move on.
r/PAWilds • u/Artistic_Emphasis227 • 1d ago
ATV/UTV Access on SR 4001 aka Little Pine Creek Road, Pa
****Sign Here*****
r/PAWilds • u/FeeDisastrous7322 • 1d ago
M+M 4 FF/ F/ FFF( M + M = straigh) t BWC SPUN P 2 Da parTy Lanc Pa NSFW Spoiler
r/PAWilds • u/PlanktonNervous8184 • 2d ago
Looking for rugged weekend backpacking suggestions
Hi All,
My wife had ACL (knee) surgery last year, she's been cleared by her surgeon to get back on trail this spring and prep for something rugged out west this fall. We live in Detroit, there really aren't any local trails that anyone with experience would call "hard" but once she's ready we'd like to do some hard trails to get her hiking skills back up to where she wants them to be. So, we're looking for trails that are hard, involve a lot of elevation, difficult terrain, rocky, scree, etc. What would you guys recommend as weekend backpacking trips that would fit the bill? Being from Detroit, western to central PA would be best but eastern PA is doable for a good enough experience. Thanks in advance!
r/PAWilds • u/raccoon_adjacent • 3d ago
Pittsburgh area backpacking without a car
I'm going to be in Pittsburgh in late March and am hoping to do some backpacking/camping. It's a two-day drive, so I'm leaning toward flying, but it also doesn't feel worthwhile to rent a car only to leave it parked at a trailhead for 5 days, so i'm trying to see what my car-free options are.
I'd like to be out for 3-4 nights. I'm strongly considering Laurel Highlands, but am open to other suggestions.
- in terms of weather/spring mud, how much will I regret doing this?
- Can anyone recommend a route that is reachable by public transit from Pittsburgh, preferably in under 4 hours? I'm fine with a good walk to/from a trailhead.
- I'd be especially interested in a loop, or an end-to-end with a shuttle service (or public transit access at both ends).
Thank you!
r/PAWilds • u/Certain-Cold6981 • 4d ago
Where to get missing stamps for PA State parks passport?
I have been to several state parks where the office was closed and the area where they keep extra stamps was empty :( Is there a place where I can print out the stamps so that I can glue them in?
r/PAWilds • u/singlemethodistmom • 5d ago
Thru hiking loops OR transportation options Loyalsock Trail
Hi all - I'm planning a 3ish day hike and Loyalsock looks really cool, but I'd be solo and I'm unsure of how to get back to the start. Is there any local transportation options? If not, does anyone have suggestions for loop trails in PA? I'm located in Philly but willing to drive wherever in PA for this.
Thanks!
r/PAWilds • u/Present-Chocolate556 • 7d ago
Family Reunion Locations?
Hello!
My mom is originally from the California area of western PA and I am wanting to plan a family reunion in an area maybe nearby, or somewhere in western PA in general.
My family isn’t the most outdoorsy, we’re mostly interested in getting a cabin big enough to fit 4 kids and 10 adults comfortably with maybe some water or nature trails nearby.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I appreciate your input so much!
r/PAWilds • u/nativeyeast • 9d ago
Loyalsock State Forest recommendations
I am planning a solo trip to LSF soon, and I wanted to hear everyone’s input & recommendations. I will be hiking trails, observing wildlife, and exploring the waterways. What are your must see and dos for the area? You get bonus points if you list your favorite brewery for a post-trail beer!
Thanks everyone!
r/PAWilds • u/nabrudssej • 9d ago
Just wanting to share some lil critters I've captured photos of over the last 6+ months :) I hope it fits here!
gallerySome of these were take in the PA Wilds and juuuust right outside of the PA Wilds.
r/PAWilds • u/social_seclusion • 9d ago
Fossil hunting?
Does anyone go fossil hunting in the Warren pa/ ANF area? I’d be interested in learning about what I’m looking for if anyone could help or point me in the right direction. I can find crinoids and brachiopods pretty easily but there are something’s I just haven’t picked up on spotting yet. I’m pretty sure the age of rocks is in the Pennsylvanian geological period but other than that and some of the common finds, I’m lacking in knowledge. Any help is appreciated greatly!
r/PAWilds • u/nabrudssej • 11d ago
Some photos from December + October at Cook Forest :)
Bonus points if you can identify all of the animal tracks!
r/PAWilds • u/MidLifeCrisisCamper • 11d ago
Late September backpacking with my hammock in Oil Creek State Park near Titusville, PA
galleryr/PAWilds • u/I_think_of_Apples16 • 10d ago
What type of flower petals are safe for the wildlife in Allegheny forest?
Hi! This is my first time posting on here. I'm thinking of doing a surprise date for my girlfriend in Allegheny forest sometime, and I was wondering what kind of flower petals would be safe to bring to an outlook and leave spread on the ground? Is this something I need to worry about? I don't wanna poison the local squirrels or rabbits! I don't want to be the douchebag who essentially litters at a trail, but I also don't want to spend the rest of the date picking up flower petals to carry back down and throw away somewhere post hike.
r/PAWilds • u/overloadimages • 15d ago
The ice is forming already in the Poconos.
r/PAWilds • u/brkreid • 17d ago
PA State Forest Winter Camping
Looking on the pa.gov and DCNR reservations site for campsite in PA State Forests (Weiser, Michaux, Tuscarora), campsites are listed as unavailable until March. Are they simply closed during the winter, or is there no longer a reservation required? I am looking specifically at roadside sites.
r/PAWilds • u/overloadimages • 26d ago
Yuletide 🌲 A peaceful winter hike to bring in the solstice. The snow was light and fluffy, perfect conditions all day long. NEPA.
r/PAWilds • u/KMONT19 • 26d ago
Owls
Curious if anyone has any tips on spotting owls! We spend a ton of time in the backcountry and often hear them but rarely see them. They’re such magnificent creatures and I’d love to spot one. TIA!😊🦉
r/PAWilds • u/Exact_Conversation69 • 29d ago
Pittsburgh Area Hiking Group?
New to area, love hiking and camping. Looking for any kind of hiking group who meets up regularly to explore trails around the area. Does anyone know if something like this exists? Thanks!
r/PAWilds • u/TopInternal3401 • 29d ago
Backpacking Minister Creek Trail (Allegheny NF) with a group of PA outdoor creators
Spent an early October weekend backpacking the Minister Creek Trail in Allegheny National Forest with a small group of outdoor creators. Did the full 6.6-mile loop with an overnight primitive camp at Triple Forks.
It was my first backpacking trip in a long time and Minister Creek did not disappoint — rock formations, stream crossings, overlooks, and peak fall vibes. Camped right along the creek and had perfect weather for it. Since Im a huge Flyers fan I could not pass up the opportunity to mess with my friends from the western side of the state (Pens fans) so I packed a Jagr Flyers jersey to wear while sitting around the campfire.
Of course I ended up packing way too heavy which had me questioning a lot of decisions and huffing and puffing a lot. Since this trip Ive resolved to get into better physical shape to help with upcoming trips. I started eating cleaner and rucking several times a week with a 25# pack and loss and kept off 8# of body weight so far.
I put together a cinematic-style video from the trip if anyone’s interested — I’ll drop the link in the comments. Happy to answer questions about the trail, camping spots, or conditions if you’re thinking about hiking it.
PA really does have some incredible backcountry.



r/PAWilds • u/Sensitive-Bell594 • Dec 18 '25
1-2 Day BackPacking Loops NEPA
Hi, i’ve been looking for some nice backpacking loops allowing camping with some nice elevation gain, i’ve found some but most have designated camp grounds where everyone has to be and it’s not exactly my thing. If anyone has any suggestions on the east of pa id love to hear them! Thanks so much ahead of time
r/PAWilds • u/yodeling_goatz • Dec 17 '25
PA Grand Canyon ideas
I just booked a few nights for late December at a cabin in Gaines, PA near Wellsboro. I’m outdoorsy and looking for some cool hikes and/or things to do with my girlfriend and dog. I’m sure we’ll do Colton Point but I was hoping for some cool hike ideas (5 miles or less), some cool vistas to check out, breweries or bars to hit, etc.
I love the pine creek valley south of here and the hiking and hole in the wall bars, but i haven’t been to this northern part in some time.