/r/PAWilds

Photograph via snooOG

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 2 million acre area of mostly public land in north-central Pennsylvania. Contained within the wilds are many beautiful forests full of rugged terrain, cascading streams, miles of hiking trails, and plenty of remote backcountry to explore. This subreddit is a community for discussion of the PA Wilds specifically but is open to all things related to hiking, backpacking, camping, and other types of outdoor recreation in PA.

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 2 million acre area of mostly public land in north-central Pennsylvania. Contained within the wilds are many beautiful forests full of rugged terrain, cascading streams, miles of hiking trails, and plenty of remote backcountry to explore. This subreddit is a community for discussion of the PA Wilds specifically but is open to all things related to hiking, backpacking, camping, and other types of outdoor recreation in PA.


Important Links


PA DCNR

PA State Forests

PA State Parks

PA Game Commission

DCNR Interactive Map

Allegheny National Forest

Keystone Trails Association


PA Hiking and Backpacking


DCNR State Forest Trails Award

DCNR Backcountry Camping Guidelines

National Forest Dispersed Camping Guidelines

Leave No Trace Principles


PA Hiking and Backpacking Trails


Allegheny Front Trail: 40 mile loop

Appalachian Trail: 232 mile (in PA) linear trail

Baker Trail: 141 mile linear trail

Bear Run Nature Reserve: 23 mile trail network

Black Forest Trail: 42 mile loop

Brandywine Trail: 20+ miles (when completed) linear trail

Bucktail Path: 34 mile linear trail

Chuck Keiper Trail: 53 mile loop

Conestoga Trail: 63 mile linear trail

Donut Hole Trail: 90 mile linear trail

Elk Trail: 16 mile linear trail

Gerard Hiking Trail: 36 mile loop

Golden Eagle Trail: 9 mile loop

Horse-Shoe Trail: 140 mile linear trail

John P. Saylor Trail: 18 mile figure eight

Laurel Highlands Trail: 70 mile linear trail

Lost Turkey Trail: 26 mile linear trail

Loyalsock Trail: 59 mile linear trail

Loyalsock-Link Loop: 25 mile loop

Mason-Dixon Trail: 115 mile (in PA) linear trail

Mid-State Trail: 319 mile linear trail

Minister Creek Trail: 7 mile loop

North Country Trail: 200 mile (in PA) linear trail

Old Loggers Path: 27 mile loop

Pinchot Trail: 26 mile loop

Quebec Run Wild Area: 26 mile trail network

Quehanna Trail: 75 mile loop

Rachel Carson Trail: 38 mile linear trail

Rocky Knob Trail: 4 mile loop

Rocky Knob-Quarry Gap Trail: 12 mile loop

Standing Stone Trail: 76 mile linear trail

Susquehannock Trail System: 85 mile loop

Terrace Mountain Trail: 29 mile linear trail

Thunder Swamp Trail: 30 mile figure eight

Tracy Ridge Trails: 34 mile trail network

Tuscarora Trail: 110 mile (in PA) linear trail

West Rim Trail: 30 mile linear trail

/r/PAWilds

16,143 Subscribers

6

Loyalsock trail

Does anyone know if there is fishing along this trail? Or another several day hike in or around PA with good fishing along a creek?

6 Comments
2024/04/24
17:08 UTC

7

Over Night on the Morrison Hiking Trail

This is from my solo over night trip in the ANF last year. If you want to get a little feel for the Morrison Hiking Trail feel free to check it out!

0 Comments
2024/04/22
16:19 UTC

5

Lyman run state park

Heading up this weekend, how private are the campsites? Can’t find any picture online, a little worried.

9 Comments
2024/04/21
13:56 UTC

51

Blue skies are the bane of photographers everywhere. 💙, endless mountains region.

11 Comments
2024/04/20
18:09 UTC

3

Mount Davis observation tower renovations

Can anybody tell me if these repairs have been done and if the tower is open now? Thanks!!!

3 Comments
2024/04/19
17:27 UTC

8

Any tips for camping on the pine creek trail in PA?

Will be going solo for the first time, riding my bike from Ansonia to Jersey Shore PA. Can I get an Uber from Jersey Shore back to Ansonia? Any suggestions?

14 Comments
2024/04/19
13:45 UTC

925

Saw this guy in Raccoon Creek State Park!

34 Comments
2024/04/19
11:48 UTC

17

Pine Creek Rail Trail w/Grand Canyon Loop

I took a couple of days to bike the Pine Creek Rail Trail w/Grand Canyon Loop. I love Pennsylvania. The hills were not too bad and weather was just right. I stayed a night at 37 Oak Ridge in Wellsboro that is very close to the trail. Great place and will go again in the fall. The ride back from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore, PA in the morning was wonderful and only encountered 4 people...Encountered some light rain and the path was flat, easy and fast since it has a little slope to it. I wish I would have done this sooner.

8 Comments
2024/04/18
13:06 UTC

12

Minister Creek Trail

Me and my Father in Law gonna be going to the trail hopefully soon, just wanna make sure of a few things: there’s no reservations for sites, if most are full is there other places that are flat we can make camp? In Ohio a lot of the water will destroy filters, water good to go to be filtered and used? And lastly which way is the best way to go? Counter or clockwise, best for camping and sites?

Thank you

15 Comments
2024/04/17
17:10 UTC

6

West Branch Susquehanna River - Water Quality for Filtering?

Hey All,

I've posted previously about a canoe trip I'm planning from Shawville to Renovo along the WB of the Susquehanna and appreciated all of the advice I received so I figured I'd look for a little more help. I'm going to be paddling solo and typically bring a 2 gallon reservoir plus my hydroflask full of water from civilization and then filter as I go to conserve weight. I have read a bunch about the Red Moshannon Creek and its mine pollution issues but have just been made aware that many of the other feeder streams along this section of river are also polluted just less than the Red Mo. I have the ability to bring 7 gal of water from home with me but would prefer to save the weight and space if I am able to safely filter (Katadyn Hiker Pro) as I go but figured I'd ask the group since I'm not local and have never paddled here. If you have any other info or stories to share about the WB, please feel free to chime in as I'm all ears. Thanks

7 Comments
2024/04/17
16:48 UTC

7

Allegheny Forest Disperse Camping

Hi! Looking for a secluded area to disperse camp with a small class b rv where there is good fly fishing. any suggestions? TYIA

6 Comments
2024/04/17
12:18 UTC

9

AT Recommendation

Thinking of doing a quick overnight on the AT before the thru hikers reach PA. I've been to pulpit and pinnacle, but haven't done between there and Lehigh Gap. Any particular stretch you'd suggest for 7-10 miles per day? Ideally I'd bring my dog too, but I saw some mention of scrambles in that section. Anything that would be too difficult for a dog?

0 Comments
2024/04/15
22:18 UTC

11

Canoe retrieval in ANF

It’s been an interesting two days. Long story short, I capsized my canoe in Sugar Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir. I was able to get out without injury and got into dry clothes pretty quick. I was happy to get out of there in one piece. My PFD truly saved me. With all of that said, I couldn’t get my boat back and it is currently floating down Sugar Bay towards Bullis Hollow boat launch as of last evening. Any ideas on someone who might be able to help retrieve it for me? I reached out to the ranger station and they said they would have to get back to me. I did a quick google search to see what I might find but not too much luck. Any thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated!

10 Comments
2024/04/15
15:56 UTC

0

Trailer Sailer here

Are there any good trailer sailing destinations in the PA wilds?

8 Comments
2024/04/13
03:45 UTC

56

Can you kayak the entire Allegheny river? I have a 13' inflatable with two years white water guide and backpacking experience.

Grew up in Pittsburgh and have always wanted to do this

15 Comments
2024/04/12
03:52 UTC

12

McKean County - near Allegheny River / North Scenic Trail

On the day of the solar eclipse, we were pulled off at a trailhead to the north scenic trail I believe. We were about 30 minutes west of Bradford, but we were below the New York border. My son lost a hat there that is very dear to him. It is a camo hat with a buck embroidered on the front. We were posted up there to watch the eclipse for a good two hours and he must’ve dropped it and it being camouflage, the hat must’ve blended into the surroundings and we never noticed it. If anyone can help or guide me to somewhere I may get help, please, it would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: this is the exact pullout we were at

2 Comments
2024/04/09
13:16 UTC

3

When are the leaves going to be in full bloom?

I’m sick of the stick season, I want to drive up to the PA wilds but I’m waiting for everything to be green again. When will the green be in full bloom? 2-3-4 week?

4 Comments
2024/04/07
14:38 UTC

6

Flooding in ANF

How bad is the flooding in the allegheny national forest right now? Planning on a trip soon. TIA

1 Comment
2024/04/06
01:05 UTC

11

Solo camping at Ricketts Glen

I'm a not a very experienced hiker and haven't done much tent camping. Are there any recommendations or advice you all would give for a safe and successful solo trip? I'm planning on staying in the camping grounds of the state park.

15 Comments
2024/04/02
03:49 UTC

12

Need a Hike that goes AWAY from roads

Hi all! Gearing up for another season of hiking/backpacking but the perpetual issue I have every year remains: many of the trails simply aren't remote enough! I'm in the Lehigh Valley and almost every trail has at least some section that has an overlook or a vista that's got a big old road or railway winding through it.

I'm looking for properly remote getaways into the woods, the kind of trails where the last civilization you see or hear is your car at the parking lot. I know in eastern PA that's more difficult than out west near ANF but honestly I'm down to travel if it means getting lost in the woods for a bit. Anyone have any suggestions? Preferably day hikes, but I never shy away from a backpacking trip (I'm planning on doing both Loyalsock and the West Rim at some point this summer). Thanks!

26 Comments
2024/03/31
20:16 UTC

10

Where can I go primitive camping in Eastern Pennsylvania?

I live in the North Eastern Section of New Jersey and me and a couple of friends have been wanting to go primitive camping for some time. We want to just make a shelter, start a fire, and cook some food. I was wondering where can we go primitive camping for a day, any specific areas/trails? I don’t want it to be too far away from New Jersey.

16 Comments
2024/03/31
06:06 UTC

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