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Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Looking for the best hiking in Lancaster? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Lancaster. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Lancaster

  • North East, Maryland

    Hike the White Banks Trail at Elk Neck SP

    5.0
    6 mi
    Most people visit Elk Neck to photograph the lighthouse, or access to the Bay (the throttle of speed boats is never far), but don't miss out on the trails. The three mile out-and-back White Banks Trail offers crazy-beautiful views of the Chesapeake as well as a moderately difficult workout. Park ...
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  • Wilmington, Delaware

    Creekside and Brandywine Valley Trail Loop

    4.5
    5.5 mi / 20 ft gain
    This loops starts out from the Rockland Road Trail head.  There is a pay station here that is self-regulated.  Creekside Trail starts here and runs the entire length of Brandywine Creek State Park along the Brandywine River. The trail is an easy 2.6 miles long and continues into First State Natio...
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  • Marysville, Pennsylvania

    Hike Trout Run

    1.0
    1 mi
    Hike along the creek for about a half mile, we stop where the trail meets the stream and let the kids play in the water for a bit and then head back. There are 2 large pull-off parking areas alongside of the road. The spot is exactly 3.7 miles from Adventure Park in Mechanicsburg. If you are unfa...
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  • Wilmington, Delaware

    Hike the Hidden Pond Trail

    4.0
    2.15 mi / 282 ft gain
    Brandywine Creek State Park, a 933-acre park located in Northern Delaware, offers 14 miles of hiking trails, expanses of open fields, and the beautiful Brandywine Creek. The Hidden Pond trail is an excellent hike through the hardwood forests and down to the banks of the creek.  The trail begins ...
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  • New Castle County, Delaware

    Hike the Indian Springs Trail

    5.0
    1.8 mi
    The Indian Springs trailhead is located to the right of the Brandywine Creek State Park Nature Center. The address for your GPS is 41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington, DE, 19807.The trail starts out following along a crafted stone wall built in the 1800's and leads you through the 190 year-old tulip po...
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  • Wilmington, Delaware

    Rocky Run Loop Trail at Brandywine Creek State Park

    3.2 mi / 272 ft gain
    The Rocky Run Trail is a 3.2-mile loop through Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The trail has some nice views of the Brandywine River and the surrounding forest. There are some rocky areas of mild elevation, so be prepared.  The trail is not well marked, and there are many of...
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  • Kempton, Pennsylvania

    Hike the Pinnacles and Pulpit Rock

    4.2
    9 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Park in the lot near the Hamburg Reservoir and hike around the barrier and up the gravel road. Shortly on your right the Appalachian Trail branches off the road. Follow the white blazes of the AT for around 2 miles to the Pulpit Rocks, just before the trail passes the Lehigh Valley Astronomical S...
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  • Cockeysville, Maryland

    Hike the Oregon Ridge Park Trail

    4.0
    4.02 mi / 475 ft gain
    Park in the lot as indicated on the map (see below). This trail is accessible year round, dog-friendly, and is great for families. 
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  • North East, Maryland

    Hike to the Turkey Point Lighthouse in Elk Neck SP

    3.0
    1.6 mi / 60 ft gain
    This hike begins from the parking lot trailhead that is well-marked.  Be cautious - parking is limited and may be full on weekends, and the paved road suddenly ends at the parking lot entrance.  The path is crushed stone, wide, and relatively flat.  Dogs are welcome but must be on leashes.  On th...
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  • Wilmington, Delaware

    Hike Brandywine Park Loop

    5.0
    2.2 mi / 65 ft gain
    It’s a great spot for a quick run or hike. If you want to extend your time outdoors after you’ve completed the loop, there are other trails to choose from as well. The park is dog friendly, but all dogs must be leashed.  Many enjoy this park for its scenic river and bridge views. The well-tended...
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  • Kempton, Pennsylvania

    Hike the Hawk Mountain Lookout Trail

    4.5
    4.5 mi / 500 ft gain
    The 4.5 mile loop Hawk Mountain Lookout Trail takes you up to great views of the skyline of Pennsylvania. Surrounded by the rolling forested landscape and open sky, this trail is scenic through and through. Hike in the Spring to catch the flourishing wildflowers, and keep your eyes peeled for eag...
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  • Wilmington, Delaware

    Hike the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail

    12.35 mi / 1096 ft gain
    If you are going to tour Northern Delaware, look no further than the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. This ~12 mile route links some of the best sites and attractions in the region including Bellevue State Park, Wilmington State Park, Brandywine Creek State Park, Brandywine Zoo, and Rockford Par...
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  • Bear, Delaware

    Hike the Swamp Forest Trail

    6.75 mi / 144 ft gain
    Especially scenic in the fall, this well maintained trail loops around a small pond. It is an easy walk (or bike ride) that has a good chance of numerous wildlife sightings.
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  • Carlisle, Pennsylvania

    Hike to the Cumberland Valley Overlook

    4.0
    6 mi
    This hike is steep at points but the climb up the mountain has lots of switchbacks so it isn't just straight up. The hike is beautiful and during the summer there are lots of blackberry and raspberry bushes along the trail that we stopped to snack on. The Overlook is just before you crest the top...
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  • Malvern, Pennsylvania

    Hike Valley Forge

    3.9
    2.5 mi
    There are many trails to choose from on Mt. Misery and a good place to start is at the parking lot located at the intersection of Yellow Springs Road and Library Lane (off of the main Valley Creek Road).The Mt. Misery Trail starts there, heads up through the trees about 0.75 miles and meets up wi...
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  • Duncannon, Pennsylvania

    Hike Hawk Rock, PA

    4.0
    2 mi / 750 ft gain
    This is a steep and rocky hike, but is well worth the absolutely stunning view of Perry County - including Shermans Creek and the Susquehanna River.This particular trail is also part of the Appalachian Trail and the AT can be accessed part way up the trail if you wish to head north on the AT, oth...
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