Backpacking in Pennsylvania is a fantastic way to explore the state’s stunning and varied landscapes. Known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque rivers, Pennsylvania offers a wide array of environments for outdoor enthusiasts to discover.
From the challenging trails of the Allegheny National Forest, which spans over 500,000 acres in the northwestern part of the state, to the scenic paths along the Appalachian Trail, which stretches 229 miles through Pennsylvania, the Keystone State provides a wealth of incredible backpacking experiences.
In this guide, we’ll share essential tips and the TOP 5 multi-day trails to conquer in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to embark on your first wilderness adventure, Pennsylvania has something to offer every skill level.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive in.
Here are the best multi-day backpacking trails in Pennsylvania:
Jason Pratt, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Length: 33.9 mi / 54.5 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 4996 ft / 1523 m
Location: Oil Creek State Park
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 12 200 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
Explore a challenging 33.9-mile loop trail near Rouseville, Pennsylvania, open year-round for backpacking, camping, and hiking. Enjoy solitude, vistas, and waterfalls on the well-maintained Gerard Hiking Trail (GHT), marked with yellow blazes. Camping is only allowed at the equipped shelters with fireplaces. Cross-connector trails offer shorter loops. Spot oil boom remnants, but be cautious of wildlife. Winter visits provide better views, and creek crossings are required.
Length: 27.1 mi / 43.6 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 3805 ft / 1160 m
Location: Loyalsock State Forest
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 9700 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
Explore the challenging 27.1-mile Old Loggers Path loop trail near Shunk, Pennsylvania, best visited from April through October. This well-maintained and marked trail offers solitude, dense woods, creeks, and scenic overlooks in Loyalsock State Forest. Perfect for a 2-3 night backpacking trip, the trail features shelters, wildlife sightings, and manageable elevation gain. With water sources, waterfalls, vistas, and shelters, it’s highly recommended for all skill levels, despite some muddy and rocky sections.
Nicholas_T, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Length: 42.2 mi / 67.9 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 8421 ft / 2567 m
Location: Tiadaghton State Forest
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 17 500 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
Take on the challenging 42.2-mile loop trail near Slate Run, Pennsylvania, best visited from April through September. Enjoy solitude, steep climbs, scenic views, and dense forests along creeks. Spot wildlife like rattlesnakes, deer, and black bears, and follow best practices for bear country camping. Expect gorgeous scenery, long descents and ascents, and ample water sources and campsites, but plan for sections without water.
Length: 43.6 mi / 70.1 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 5019 ft / 1530 m
Location: Moshannon State Forest
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 16 505 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
Explore the challenging 43.6-mile loop trail in Moshannon State Forest near Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, best hiked clockwise from April through October. This well-marked trail offers solitude, diverse landscapes, and 2-4 night backpacking opportunities. Prepare for overgrown sections, downed trees, and varying water availability. The west side is the best-maintained, but the lack of maintenance may make it unsuitable for beginners.
Nicholas A. Tonelli from Northeast Pennsylvania, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Length: 56.9 mi / 91.6 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 10 324 ft / 3147 m
Location: Loyalsock State Forest
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 24 500 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
Explore the challenging 56.9-mile Loyalsock Trail near Laporte, Pennsylvania. This year-round, point-to-point trail offers solitude, streams, scenic views, and forests. Follow yellow discs with red LT or old yellow and red blazes. Expect wet feet and varying creek crossings. Perfect for backpacking, camping, and hiking, with stealth campsites near water. Plan for more than 3.5 days.
Pennsylvania experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, so be prepared for different seasons. Here’s a general overview:
Before making your gear selection, take a look at the weather statistics for Pennsylvania (Easton):
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 40 | 50 | 62 | 72 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 32 | 42 | 52 | 60 | 65 | 63 | 56 | 45 | 36 | 28 |
| Rain/Snow (D*) | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
Not sure if Pennsylvania is right for you?
Don’t forget to check out our backpacking guides for Ohio and Maryland.
Campfires are usually allowed in many places, but make sure to check the rules for any limits or bans on fires. If there are no restrictions, you can use a designated fire ring or make your own rock circle to keep the fire contained. Just remember, in Pennsylvania state forests and parks, keep your campfire at least 25 feet away from any buildings and 10 feet away from things that can catch fire.
When you come across animals while hiking, stay calm and give them enough room to go away. Speak in a calm manner so the animal understands you’re a human and not a danger. Don’t make sudden moves, avoid staring directly at them, and definitely don’t run – doing any of these things might make them attack. Slowly step back without turning your back. Be especially careful during early morning or late evening hikes when animals are more active. It’s a good idea to bring bear spray just in case, but make sure you know how to use it properly before you go. If you encounter aggressive animals, leave the area safely and report it to park rangers.
Journey into the forests, mountains and meadows of Pennsylvania for a backpacking adventure immersed in nature, but prioritize safety. Before following winding trails, acquire a map and inform others of your route. Pack bright clothing, first-aid supplies, flashlights, whistles, and bear-resistant food canisters. Watch your step on rocky and uneven ground. Make noise to avoid surprising bears or other wildlife. With adequate precautions taken, you can revel in the Keystone State’s natural splendor while backpacking. Stay alert, be prepared for the unexpected, and focus on caution so your Pennsylvania backpacking trip can be the rewarding outdoor adventure you envision while keeping safety first.
