What’s the most popular hike in PA? 2 state trails named ‘most scenic’ in the US
If you’re looking to get outside and appreciate the coming fall foliage, you might be in luck — Pennsylvania is home to two of the most scenic trails in the U.S., according to a recent ranking.
Outdoor outfitter Kuhl assessed “America’s Most Loved Hikes” by narrowing the field using hiking navigation app AllTrails. From that, the brand analyzed Google searches, Instagram mentions and average AllTrails ratings and reviews to assign overall scores.
A trail in Northern Arkansas was named the “most loved” hike in the U.S., but in a separate look at the country’s most scenic hikes, two offerings at Pennsylvania’s Ridley Creek State Park made the top 10.
The White Trail and Yellow to White loop took the No. 3 and 4 spots in the nation, respectively.
“This serene loop blends wooded paths, gentle elevation changes, and historic stone remnants,” Kuhl wrote in the July 13 piece of the White Trail. “All that within a short drive reach from Philadelphia. Cool!”
Ridley Creek State Park is located in Media, about a three-hour drive from State College. It covers more than 2,600 acres in Delaware County and includes an 18th century mill village.
The White Trail, which scored a 95 of 100 in the Kuhl analysis, is 4.3 miles long, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and is considered more difficult. It’s a loop and has connectors to other hiking paths in the park.
That includes the Yellow Trail, and the connector between the two also scored a 95 in the Kuhl analysis and came in the No. 4 most-scenic spot. Kuhl says this connector loop covers 4.8 miles. The state classifies the Yellow Trail as a more difficult hike, as well.
The Centre Daily Times has reached out to state park officials for comment on the mention and popularity of the trail offerings.
Kuhl’s most scenic hikes ranking isn’t the only recent designation for Pennsylvania state park facilities. Vacation rental company HomeToGo recently named nine commonwealth parks among the best value stays in the nation — including two in Centre County.
Kuhl’s best hikes in the US
If you’re looking to get outside Pennsylvania, here are Kuhl’s picks for the “most loved hikes” in the U.S.:
- Centerpoint to Goat Trail, Buffalo National River, Ark.
- Lands End Trail, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Calif.
- Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.
- Indian Head and Rainbow Falls, Adirondack Mountain Reserve, N.Y.
- Half Dome via the John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park, Calif.
- Cathedral Rock Trail, Coconing National Forest, Ariz.
- Devil’s Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road, Coconing National Forest, Ariz.
- Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Mont.
- Waihe’s Ridge Trail, West Maui Forest Reserve, Hawaii
- Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nev.