1. Hawk Mountain
Located in Kempton, Pa., Hawk Mountain is one of the best places in the state for bird watchers. It includes one of the world’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries with over 20,000 birds annually migrating throughout the mountain from summer to fall. Hawk Mountain is also a great place for college students because the sanctuary provides internships and summer classes. Hawk Mountain has a partnership with local schools such as Cedar Crest College and Kutztown University where students are educated on topics such as ornithology and environmental sciences.
2. Glen Onoko Falls
Located near Weatherly, Pa., Glen Onoko Trail is definitely a great place for a summer run. The trail is four miles long and is well known for its magnificent waterfalls and scenic outlooks. There is an ancient legend regarding the highest waterfall, Glen Onoko, which the trail is named after. It has been claimed that Indian Princess Onoko haunts this fall after she plunged to her death when she was told by her father that she was forbidden to marry her one true love.
3. Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen is claimed to be one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania and is another great place for waterfall fanatics. It features several wild waterfalls throughout the park that can be found along the park’s hillside. Guests can also enjoy the scenic views while swimming, boating, and horseback riding at the state park. Ricketts Glen is an enormous park consisting of 13,050 acres and is located across Sullivan, Luzerne, and Columbia counties.
4. The Pinnacle Trail
The Pinnacle Trail is approximately 13 miles long and is located in Hamburg, Pa. Certain parts of Pinnacle stretch across the Appalachian trail and there are many great views of the meadows of the Lehigh Valley. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the wide abundance of wildflowers scattered along the trail as well as any wildlife that may emerge from the brush.
5. Slippery Rock Gorge Trail
The Slippery Rock Trail is located in Slippery Rock Township, Pa. and is a little over five miles long. This trail also features several wildflowers and is a great trail to run and hike on a summer day. The trail is rated difficult due to its slippery sandstone, so only the most daring adventurers should hike this trail.
6. Sunfish Pond Park
Sunfish Pond is located in Stroud Township, Pa. and is a nine mile long loop around the Delaware National Water Gap. The trail loops around a glacier pond where guests can see an abundance of wildlife, including Bald Eagles. The area is great for fishing because the pond is home to an abundance of trout. Whether you’re into fishing, camping, or just plain hiking, Sunfish Pond is a must see destination for all types of adventurers.
7. Hickory Run State Park
The Hickory Run Trail is seven miles long and is located in the Pocono Mountains of Lake Harmony, Pa. The park is 15,990 acres and has over 44 miles of trails. The park has many seasonal activities including swimming along the sand beach of the Sand Spring Lake. The park is also known for it’s 720,000 square feet boulder field which can be seen by hiking the Boulder Field Trail.
