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    Swatara State Park

    3.7 (6 reviews)

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    Lauren S.

    Came here via an article in Backpacker magazine and it wasn't worth the drive. Did a 12.7 mile loop through the park it was probably better for biking than hiking. The fossils areas didn't seem exciting. It was cool the see the highway be taken back by the earth. Over all if your in local it's with swinging by but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this state park.

    Kinda on the AT
    Jennifer Z.

    Well, we drove up and down Rt 443 several times looking for the address that is listed on here, however we never found it. I suggest you look for Trout Run and park there. Hiking is ok, maybe cause I was already frustrated with trying to find the place. We finally parked at Trout Run trailhead. There is parking lot, one picnic table and two bathrooms (port a potty). The bridge was out of service due to flood damage. The Appalachian Trail runs here, but overgrown most of the way -which is understandable since most hikers won't hike in middle of summer. Walked out of there with no ticks! Touchdown!!!

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    The Pinnacle

    The Pinnacle

    5.0(15 reviews)
    24.7 mi

    Came here on Sat 10/25 to hike with a couple gf's and brought my doggo, Linc, since it's a dog…read morefriendly trail. I work out but I wasn't ready for this trail as a first time hiker lol! I wore sneakers but would have greatly benefited from hiking boots for more ankle support after slipping and tripping my way along the dense leaf covered dirt trail that continued to get more rocky on the ascent. Also, you will need to climb some legit large rocks/boulders to reach the Pulpit Rock overlook but the challenge was well worth it for the views! My gf's & I chose the easy way down which was to take the gravel road alongside the observatory that eventually transitions to pavement. Even the decline of this road was steep in itself. No easy way up or down haha! I saw people of all ages and fitness levels along my hike and plenty of cute dogs! Bring snacks and water to re-energize during a rest break. My one friend packed some TP and I thought it was a great idea cuz you just never know when you might have to go! Parking lot is a joke with ~20-25 spots but many ppl, including us, parked along Reservoir Rd so make sure to get here early in the morning or expect to walk a couple extra miles just to reach the start of the trail.

    Great spot for a day hike, with beautiful views at the two main lookouts - Pulpit Rock and the…read morePinnacle. The hardest part of the hike is getting to Pulpit Rock, as it starts with a fairly steep road to get to the trail, and then some more elevation climb as you get up to the lookout. From there, it's probably another 2.5 miles or so to get to the Pinnacle, but the elevation gain is minimal. Both of these stops provide great views, with lots of raptors flying around if you're lucky! Bring snacks and water, especially on a hot day, and cameras to take pictures!

    Photos
    The Pinnacle - Jerico and myself on a pinnacle hiking adventure  Loving life and the gifts God provides

    Jerico and myself on a pinnacle hiking adventure Loving life and the gifts God provides

    The Pinnacle - Pulpit Rock overlook with my pup

    Pulpit Rock overlook with my pup

    The Pinnacle

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    100 Mile View Overlook

    100 Mile View Overlook

    4.3(3 reviews)
    43.3 mi

    After 3 years of bi annual visits to Jim Thorpe, my boyfriend and I finally went to visit the…read moreoverlook (and it was finally opened - we had a great luck of it being closed the first 2-3 times we drove by it). You have to take a short detour off of either W Broadway or Beaver Run Dr. to Flagstaff Rd. There are signs you can follow all the way up there, on a one way dirt path 1,000 feet above the town, and only 3 miles away from it. We went around 4pm in November, when the sun was blending beautifully with the clouds. The panoramic view is insanely stunning! According to discovernepa.com : "Facing south, you'll take in a breathtaking look at the expansive Mahoning Valley and the rolling Pocono foothills. To the north, the overlook offers a stunning bird's-eye view of Jim Thorpe itself, nestled at the base of the mountains and bordered by the scenic curves of the Lehigh River." We took some pictures, walked around to take the views in. We noticed there is a development in process, so depending how long the construction will take place - I imagine the overlook might get more crowded, or the area more restricted. There is a picnic bench you can sit down at. And apparently there is also a camp site. Just imagine drinking your morning coffee with this view! Definitely will be visiting again when we're in the neighborhood.

    Take in stunning, panoramic views of the rolling hilltops of Carbon County at this overlook in Jim…read moreThorpe. 100 Mile View offers a southern survey of the Mahoning Valley and beyond. To the north, you can capture a bird's eye view of Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge State Park, and the snaking Lehigh River. it is accessible via Flagstaff Road (or put google map) Parking: ample parking on the top.!! but when you are reaching, its one-way dirt road to the top, like hardly 200-300 meter.

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    100 Mile View Overlook
    100 Mile View Overlook
    100 Mile View Overlook

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    Lehigh Park

    Lehigh Park

    4.1(8 reviews)
    47.3 mi

    WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! This hiking/walking/cycling/kayaking spot…read morealong the river is a breathtaking. I have hiked all over the country and this spot is definitely in my TOP FIVE! There's plenty of parking. There's actually a building for your personal needs - #1 & #2 that is incredibly clean. If you're cycling there's a bike pump and tire repair station. Bring your own patches, etc. If you want to dip your toes in the river there are quite a few stairs that lead you to the water. I have been here a few times - and it always surprises. At the parking area there's a bench you can sit at to relax and take in the sounds of the running river. When you walk to the left - over the bridge - you will come upon BUTTERMILK FALLS. Not sure why the name but it's beautiful and soothing. There are a few picnic tables if you should choose to bring some lunch. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take your trash with you!! Whenever possible, bring a bag with you and pick up whatever trash you come across while walking or hiking as not everyone respects nature. If you bring a dog - pick up after it. I attached a few pics & videos. Enjoy!!

    We went here in anticipation on a hike yesterday morning. Once we parked, we came across a short…read morecave and explored inside a bit. If you're afraid of spiderweb or if the water was knee high in mud- all was good! It's was a short walk, get ready to duck your head or slowly walk with your cellphone light to guide you. The cool air in the cave was refreshing before we stepped out to look for the trail. Once you drive past the cave, there was another parking lot a few minutes further abd we parked again. At that point we took a map from the information by the outside board and kept it with us. We walked on this one trail for more than a mile or two until we realized we saw more people riding on bicycles than walking. We found out the bicyclists were on your and individuals can rent bicycles and choose to be part if a tour or bring their own. The trail itself was a good trail for biking, but we didn't know because it was implied anywhere more bikers were on it than walkers. When we returned back to the parking lot after the walk back, you can also bring your own rafts too and large groups of people can bring it down by the water. The hiking trail at Lehigh Gorge State Park was nowhere to be found. On the map, it is shown there is a trail (the brown lines) once you park. There was no parking lot, no signs to indicate where this hiking trail was, and we moved forward to go elsewhere. The map should probably be updated for this hiking trail because we did try to drive slowly and look for it over three times. Please mark accordingly where the hiking trail is for Lehigh State Park on the roads. We would love to come back to bike! It was a steady trail for biking and a gradual incline you can barely notice, making it comfortable to ride slow or fast.

    Photos
    Lehigh Park
    Lehigh Park
    Lehigh Park

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    Worlds End State Park - Playground

    Worlds End State Park

    4.8(28 reviews)
    68.6 mi

    Worlds End is another fantastic state park in Pennsylvania! There are a lot of sights to see and…read morethings to do. Unfortunately, the weather interfered with our ability to see as much as we had hoped, but we still had a great time! There is a nice visitor center with a variety of historic and nature info available, including some great info on the CCC work that took place in the park (there's a really nice interactive model of a CCC camp too) and how and where the park name is suspected to have been derived from. There is a real snake to look at, as well. A very nice playground is located nearby, and this section of the park also offers easy access to the Loysalsock Creek and the beach with a snack bar, plus multiple picnic tables and shelterhouses. It's beautiful even just to look at the valley walls and the creek itself. There are several gorgeous vistas available, some by foot and some by foot or car. We especially liked the Loyalsock Canyon Vista, which can be reached on foot or by car. It is located next to the Rock Garden, which is a very neat grouping of giant rocks and boulders that is a lot of fun to check out. The park also offers camping and plenty of trails. Worlds End is located within the Loyalsock State Forest, so there is also a lot more that one could explore in the area.

    Ricketts Glen used to be my favorite PA state park, but World's End has totally won me over. The…read moremost important reasons: 1) The hikes here are a little more challenging, a little longer, and just generally more enjoyable for me. 2) The family campground is spacious - the tent sites and modern electric sites are interspersed, but you don't feel like you're right on top of the next site over. 3) The bathroom facilities are clean and warm, no matter what time of year I've visited. Big ups to maintenance and the camp hosts. 4) The camp hosts and visitors center personnel are fantastically kind and helpful. They obviously love this park. 5) Fun stuff like the Forksville General Store, Snack stands, swimming hike, Haystacks, Rock Garden, and all kinds of other interesting places to explore! I've been here with friends, with my family, and by myself, and I've thoroughly enjoyed each trip, so I'll definitely be back for more!

    Photos
    Worlds End State Park - Visitors Center displays

    Visitors Center displays

    Worlds End State Park - Playground

    Playground

    Worlds End State Park - Creek

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    Creek

    Swatara State Park - hiking - Updated July 2026

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