Still on the hunt for ways to spend a leisurely summer day? Well, on those days when you’re not in or on the water, lace up your hiking boots for a hike along the water. After all, the water – whether a winding river or a lazy stream – provides an idyllic backdrop for a stroll anytime of the year. Here are seven glorious waterfront trails in Pennsylvania that are particularly spectacular in the summer.
- Schuylkill River Trail
All Trails/Dennis Crasper Enjoy picture-perfect views of the water along the Schuylkill River Trail. The expansive trail stretches more than 120 miles through several Pennsylvania counties. However, one popular stretch - 30 miles from Philadelphia to near Valley Forge - promises a little bit of everything, from the excitement of the big city to the quiet of the quaint country. The Schuylkill River Trail is ideal for hikers, bikers, and walkers.
- Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Flickr/Allie_Caufield Explore Pittsburgh along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The popular waterfront trail, broken into several sections, spans a total of 24 miles. Walk, hike, or ride your bike through a variety of Pittsburgh neighborhoods, including the North Shore, South Side, and downtown Pittsburgh.
- Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
All Trails/Zachary Balls Stroll, jog, or bike along the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, which spans 14 miles along the Susquehanna River. Hop on and off at one of several access points, which allow you to hike some or all of the trail. The trail will lead you through the Borough of Columbia, Chickies Rock County Park, Marietta, and East Donegal Township.
- Allegheny River Trail
All Trails/Bob Kwiat Start your hike along the picturesque Allegheny River Trail in Oil City. Or, simply start at one of the access points along the 32-mile trail that passes through Franklin, Brandon, Foxburg, and Parker, the later of which is the smallest city in the United States.
- Lehigh Gorge Trail
All Trails/Jorge Contreras Hike next to the Lehigh River along the Leigh Gorge Trail, a rail-trail that meanders for 26 miles. Wear your sturdiest hiking shoes for the scenic trail that will take you by an assortment of waterfalls and the remains of the Lehigh Canal’s Upper Grand Section. And, keep an eye out for the native wildlife along your journey.
- Karl Stirner Arts Trail
Facebook/Karl Stirner Arts Trail Embrace nature and art along the 2.4 mile Karl Stirner Arts Trail, of which 1.75 miles meanders along Bushkill Creek. The inspirational trail in Easton provides a spot for aspiring artists to share their work on the revolving Young Masters Wall. And, it provides hikers and walkers with the chance to mingle with nature and art.
- Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Facebook/Lackawanna River Heritage Trail Explore some or all of the 70-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, which starts in Pittston at the confluence of the Lackawanna and Susquehanna Rivers. The picturesque trail is ideal for hikers, walkers, and bikers. Journey through more than 30 towns as the trail winds through Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties.
These spectacular waterfront trails in Pennsylvania aren’t, of course, the only trails that promise memorable strolls or hikes. What other types of trails do you enjoy? Join the conversation below. Then, click here to read about eight trails that will lead you to extraordinary ruins.
All Trails/Dennis Crasper
Enjoy picture-perfect views of the water along the Schuylkill River Trail. The expansive trail stretches more than 120 miles through several Pennsylvania counties. However, one popular stretch - 30 miles from Philadelphia to near Valley Forge - promises a little bit of everything, from the excitement of the big city to the quiet of the quaint country. The Schuylkill River Trail is ideal for hikers, bikers, and walkers.
Flickr/Allie_Caufield
Explore Pittsburgh along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The popular waterfront trail, broken into several sections, spans a total of 24 miles. Walk, hike, or ride your bike through a variety of Pittsburgh neighborhoods, including the North Shore, South Side, and downtown Pittsburgh.
All Trails/Zachary Balls
Stroll, jog, or bike along the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, which spans 14 miles along the Susquehanna River. Hop on and off at one of several access points, which allow you to hike some or all of the trail. The trail will lead you through the Borough of Columbia, Chickies Rock County Park, Marietta, and East Donegal Township.
All Trails/Bob Kwiat
Start your hike along the picturesque Allegheny River Trail in Oil City. Or, simply start at one of the access points along the 32-mile trail that passes through Franklin, Brandon, Foxburg, and Parker, the later of which is the smallest city in the United States.
All Trails/Jorge Contreras
Hike next to the Lehigh River along the Leigh Gorge Trail, a rail-trail that meanders for 26 miles. Wear your sturdiest hiking shoes for the scenic trail that will take you by an assortment of waterfalls and the remains of the Lehigh Canal’s Upper Grand Section. And, keep an eye out for the native wildlife along your journey.
Facebook/Karl Stirner Arts Trail
Embrace nature and art along the 2.4 mile Karl Stirner Arts Trail, of which 1.75 miles meanders along Bushkill Creek. The inspirational trail in Easton provides a spot for aspiring artists to share their work on the revolving Young Masters Wall. And, it provides hikers and walkers with the chance to mingle with nature and art.
Facebook/Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Explore some or all of the 70-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, which starts in Pittston at the confluence of the Lackawanna and Susquehanna Rivers. The picturesque trail is ideal for hikers, walkers, and bikers. Journey through more than 30 towns as the trail winds through Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties.
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