PA Wilds trail

BOOT • BIKE • PA WILDS

Trail Guide

Top-rated hiking and mountain biking spots across Pennsylvania's wildest backcountry. Get out there.

CURATED BY LOCALS

PA Wilds Favorites

Buzzard Swamp Trail System
⛰ HIKE
ANF Gem

Buzzard Swamp Trail System

Marienville, PA — Forest County
Easy–Moderate15+ miles of loopsBEST: Spring & Fall

A network of interconnected trails winding through wetlands and hardwood forest in the Allegheny National Forest. Prime birding territory — over 200 species documented. The trails range from flat boardwalk sections over open marshes to gentle ridgeline walks through towering oaks.

Minister Creek Trail
⛰ HIKE
Best Overnight

Minister Creek Trail

Sheffield, PA — Warren County
Moderate6.8 miles (loop)BEST: Year-round

One of the most beloved backpacking loops in the Allegheny National Forest. Follows Minister Creek through a deep, old-growth hemlock gorge before climbing to scenic overlooks. Primitive camping at designated sites along the route makes this a perfect overnight.

Susquehannock Trail System
⛰ HIKE
Epic Long Trail

Susquehannock Trail System

Galeton, PA — Potter County
Strenuous85 miles (full loop)BEST: Summer & Fall

The STS is a bucket-list long trail for serious hikers — a massive 85-mile loop through the Potter County highlands. Deep in the PA Wilds, this trail system passes through remote ridges, spruce forests, and some of the most undisturbed wilderness in the entire northeast.

Pine Creek Gorge Trail
⛰ HIKE
PA's Grand Canyon

Pine Creek Gorge Trail

Wellsboro, PA — Tioga County
Easy–Moderate26 miles (one-way)BEST: Fall

Often called 'Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon,' Pine Creek Gorge drops over 1,000 feet from the plateau above. The trail runs alongside the creek through a stunning gorge carved by glacial meltwater. Watch for bald eagles soaring the thermals above the canyon walls.

Tanbark Trail
🚵 BIKE
Local Legend

Tanbark Trail

Tidioute, PA — Warren County
Strenuous12 miles (out & back)BEST: Summer & Fall

One of the most technically demanding and rewarding mountain bike trails in the ANF. Tanbark climbs steeply from the Allegheny River valley floor up through old-growth forest to ridge-top views. The descent is fast, rooty, and relentless — it's earned its reputation.

ANF Fat Tire Festival Trails
🚵 BIKE
MTB Hub

ANF Fat Tire Festival Trails

Kane, PA — McKean County
Moderate–Strenuous50+ miles of trailsBEST: Summer & Fall

Home to the Allegheny National Forest's premier mountain bike trail network. This system has something for every rider — from flowy beginner loops to burly advanced lines. The terrain is classic PA Wilds: rooty, rocky, and ridiculously fun. Kane is building into a true MTB destination.

Kinzua Bridge State Park Roads
🚵 BIKE
Gravel Rides

Kinzua Bridge State Park Roads

Mt. Jewett, PA — McKean County
Moderate20+ milesBEST: Summer & Fall

Gravel and forest roads surrounding Kinzua Bridge State Park offer scenic, low-traffic riding through the ANF. The iconic Kinzua Bridge — a collapsed 19th-century railroad viaduct — makes for a dramatic mid-ride destination. Perfect for gravel bikes and adventure cyclists.

North Country Trail (Bike Sections)
🚵 BIKE
Backcountry

North Country Trail (Bike Sections)

Various, ANF — Warren / Forest County
Moderate–Strenuous100+ miles of accessBEST: Summer

Sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail through the ANF are open to mountain bikes and provide epic, remote ridge-riding through Pennsylvania's most wild backcountry. Navigation skills required — this is true wilderness riding far from amenities.

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