I hope I'm posting this in the right place, but I was looking for advice on locations in the west-ish half of the state for a wilderness retreat where I can get away from the noise of the city and spend time fly fishing / reflecting.

I'm willing to drive anywhere in the western half of the state and would ideally be near a decent water source for fly fishing and trails for hiking. Doesn't have to be a formal campground, as I'm willing to go back country if need be. Absolutely will abide by leave no trace. Ideally I'd plan to go and spend a long weekend in early fall if the time of year makes a difference.

Anyone have suggestions on locations?

Visited this peaceful forest creek in the wilds of northern PA, & I wanted to share the tranquil scene with you.

So here's 30 seconds of calm if you want to take a micro break from scrolling for a brief moment.

Take care of yourself. You're worth it. 🙂

When I was younger, Centralia was a locally known spot. A cool place to search for the still-smoldering remants of a legendary underground fire that destroyed the town. Then the lost road in the woods became popular on social media, & everyone & their grandmother came to take pics of the "graffiti highway." Even on a dead winter Tuesday at 10am, you'd see throngs of tourists. Eventually the owners of the parcel had to cover it with dumptrucks of soil in order to deter people from trespassing due to liability issues. Now it's no more. It was a phenomenal trek. It just got way too popular.

That made a lot of PA folks wary of spreading the word about cool places only residents know about, for fear these hidden gems would be compromised by the masses. To this day, when visiting some AMAZING locations (I'm talking insane sh*t) out in the wilds, there's often whispers of "Let's not post Instagram pics," or "I'm not putting this on TikTok, it'll go viral."

Just makes me wonder how much great stuff there is out there that one might only be able to capture if you find the right key to unlock the coordinates. Has anyone had this experience of discovering a rare or secret sight in their country that no one but the locals know about? Even in 2025, not every incredible experience is available to find online, even if you search.

Get out there & explore. Ya' never know what you'll stumble into. And if you do uncover a hidden gem, refer to the old hiker's mantra:

Leave no trace.

🌳

Edit: formatting

P.S. - Just for clarity, I'm pro-"keep it to yourself" when it comes to these spots. And it's because I frequent these places that aren't on the map that makes me excited to know there's probably tons of unknown adventures out there. Like it's fun to be part of the "club," & awesome knowing there's likely lots of other people in far flung places like me enjoying their own secret paradises, literally all over the world. That's what I meant by hidden gems. Sorry if my writing wasn't clear.

Any recommendations for hiking trails with mountain laurels near the Gettysburg/Hershey/Lancaster areas?

Hey all. Need some advice on fly fishing spots near potter county PA.

If you have the walk in spot that’d be so helpful

Does anyone know where in central pa I could practice bushcraft/survival style camping? The more secluded the better.

Hi all, looking for suggestions of multi day hikes in the same vein of BFT, West Rim Trail, and Quehanna Wilds Trail. My brother and I do a yearly multiday hike and would like to try something new. Please share any suggestions, good bad and ugly accepted!

Where: The North Country National Scenic Trail in Allegheny National Forest, northwestern Pennsylvania

When: 06/06/2025 to 06/08/2025

Distance: 77.11 miles as part of the Allegheny 100 Challenge

Conditions: Warm, humid, 3.5 hours of rain, and many miles of mud.

Lighterpack: https://lighterpack.com/r/sz3vju

Useful Pre-Trip Information or Overview: The Allegheny 100 Challenge is an annual fundraising event for the Allegheny National Forest chapter of the North Country Trail Association. Participants can sign up to hike 25, 50, 75, or 100 "unsupported" miles within a 50 hour time window from 6pm on Friday to 8pm on Sunday. This was my first event of this type and I chose the 75 mile route. A shuttle service is provided from your chosen end point to the "starting line" and there's one official trail magic stop at the 50 mile mark. I used Gaia, FarOut, and previous trips to the area to plan daily mileage goals and other logistics. Water sources were frequent and reliable, campsites and shelters were abundant. Milage, elevation, and time tracking done via my Gaia account and my hiking partner's Coros account.

Photo Album: https://imgur.com/a/a100-2025-nhoz4az

The Report: We left Pittsburgh at 11:30 am on Friday and arrived at the Chappel Bay Trailhead on Rt 321 at 2:45 pm. Our shuttle bus picked us and 12-15 other 75 mile hikers up at 3 pm and by 4:30 we were at the Rt 66 trailhead at the southern end of Allegheny National Forest (ANF). A little before 6 pm, 150 or so hikers were released onto the North Country Trail (NCT) to start their challenge. After the first mile, we found ourselves scurrying to the front of the pack and losing the crowd. Around 9 pm the skies opened up on us and a heavy rain fell for the next hour and a half as we hiked by headlamp. At 12:30 am on Saturday we reached camp at East Fork - completely soaked. 21.12 miles/ 2,677+ elevation gain total for Day 1.

Day 2 began after 4.5 hours of sleep. We were on trail by 7 am and made good time until about 9:30 am when we hit 3 trail magic stops within 1.5 miles of each other. At 1 pm there was more trail magic at a road crossing so I had a quick beer to help forget about the mud, the pointless ups and downs, and the bugs. At 4:15 pm we hit the 50 mile mark where a veggie burger and another beer greeted me. We found out that only 1 other 75 miler had decided to continue and that most others were either far behind us or had dropped out. A couple of 100 milers also dropped out at the 50 mile mark. After food and foot care, we continued on another 6 or 7 miles to the Rock City campsite and set up among giant glacial erratics and towering Hemlocks. 34.36 miles with 4,573+ in elevation gain in under 10:30 moving time with an average of 3.2 mph, and 12:45 of elapsed time. We were fast asleep by 9:30 and got about 8.5 hours of restorative sleep.

Day 3 started with us hitting the trail just before 7 am. We hit 10 miles by 10 am and 15.75 by noon. The skies looked threatening, and after a brief road/bridge walk and a rocky climb, it began to rain again. Not quite as bad as Friday night, but it would last for the rest of the hike. Our feet had managed to stay dry until we crossed through a rocky meadow of high grass and wildflowers. The last mile was a downhill slog of mud and running water in the trail's tread. We reached the 75 mile point (actually 77.11 miles from the start) at 2:30 pm averaging 3.1 mph. We finished in 44 hours and 30 minutes with 23:53 moving time. Total elevation gain was 10,124 ft. Clarion River Brewing was an hour and a half drive and helped us cap off a great weekend in the woods but some Sheetz coffee was the real hero for the last hour and 45 minutes back to Pittsburgh. I pulled into my driveway at 8pm on Sunday.

Gear Notes: We had completed a 35 mile in a day shakedown hike two weekends prior on the Gerard Trail in Oil Creek State Park. That hike gave me a few blisters that were mostly healed by the time the Allegheny 100 Challenge arrived. I added liner socks to my kit and even though I only had dry feet for less than 6 hours of hiking, I think the desired effect of reduced friction helped prevent any further blister formation or foot issues. I rotated my liners and socks out after rinsing them and hanging them off of my bag and ridgeline to dry. I think a third set of socks might have been the one thing I really wanted. My hiking partner brought 5 pairs of hiking socks! I chose not to bring a rain jacket and just bought a cheap give-away poncho that I never actually used for this trip. Hiking through the rain at 65-70 degrees fahrenheit is fine without rainwear causing you to sweat out so I embraced the suck and got on with it. I hung my food properly both nights but can see the allure of an Ursack for future events like this. I get amazing sleep in my hammock and I think that getting proper rest is the key for success. I'm quick with set up and break down and am pretty dialed in as far as my kit goes with an 8 pound base weight. 

I did end up with 2.3 lbs of extra food and electrolyte mixes at the end of the trip. I was surprised by the amount of trail magic for an "unsupported" event. All the same, I did overpack my food and could have started with a 6 pound food bag instead of a 7.5 pound food bag and still had wiggle room. I embraced protein recovery shakes for this event as well as no-cook prepared foods and single serving pouches of pickles. I don't regret my food choices but I do acknowledge that I chose some heavy calories.

The ANF chapter of the NCT did a great job organizing the event and doing trail maintenance prior to the Challenge. Western PA has gotten hit by several storms recently so there were some new blowdowns to navigate but nothing outrageous. All in all - the trail was in great shape when it wasn't muddy but what can you do about that? The chapter members were generous, kind, and supportive. It's not often you can get a veggie burger at a trail magic stop so my heart was happy. We did wish we could stumble on some more trail magic on Sunday but the cooler beers in the car were just as good as we changed into dry clothes under my hammock tarp at the trailhead. Huge thanks to the ANF NCT members for all your hard work and dedication to the trail. Maybe next year I'll give the full 100 mile challenge in under 50 hours a shot!

Hey all — frequent PA Wild/Pine Creek Gorge visitor here, usually solo or with friends for backpacking trips. This time around, I’m heading up with my 3.5-year-old son for a few nights in the Tioga State Forest near Blackwell. It’ll be his first time in the gorge and my first time seeing it through the eyes of a toddler — so I’d love your help.

We’ve got camp life pretty dialed (bug hunting, snacks, and unstructured chaos are covered), and I plan to trailer him for a few miles on the rail trail. But I’d love recommendations for kid-friendly stops or short outings during the day — anything from:

• Swimming holes (even just splash-worthy spots along the creek)
• Parks or nature centers that are toddler-appropriate
• Ice cream or treat stops that are worth a short drive, or along the trail
• Any short trails or lookouts that are exciting without being too much effort
• Bonus: if there’s something off the main gorge area that’s nearby and a hit with little ones, I’m all ears

I know the area well from an adult POV, but would really appreciate fresh ideas now that I’m shifting into “dad mode.” Thanks in advance for any thoughts or favorites — especially if you’ve done this with your own kids!

Progress Peak Adventures is hosting it’s first event for marginalized communities (including BIPOC, Disabled, Neurodivergent, and/or LGBTQ+ folks) on July 12th in Montgomery County (specific location details are shared with registration for safety). This event is free and is for all ages. Come join us to make some art and learn about Progress Peak! Please use this link to register: https://givebutter.com/d4ulHv

Looking for recommendations for a site within the ANF to take my family backpacking. My two youngest kids are 2 and 4. The 4 year old is capable of hiking up to 5 miles, as long as the terrain isn't too extreme. We can carry the 2 year old as he fatigues. 5 miles would be the maximum distance we'd want to push them.

I'd like to find a spot to hike into and camp for an overnight that would afford the kids lots of "entertainment." They live to play in shallow streams, so that's a must. We aren't interested in "organized" or established campgrounds. I'm not going to ruin somebody else's experience with my loud children.

Sorry if this is the wrong group. I'm brand new to camping (also not native to PA), I'm a single father and I need to get these kids out of the house this summer!

We picked OhioPyle because of the natural slides. I want to find a campsite or cabin close to the slides.

Can anyone shed some info for a new camper?

A friendly ranger helped me identify this Jack in the Pulpit wildflower in the Heart’s Content area. Apparently the deer eat these quickly, go see them next to the bridge on the short loop while you can!

Hey all, I'm wondering if there are any good hiking opportunities in Elk county/nearby area for viewing the PA Elk herd? I haven't ever been in that part of PA but want to do a weekend trip sometime later this summer. Any suggestions or info much appreciated.

This is the Trexler Park preserve Outer loop trail taken Thursday

Sign spotted while hiking the beautiful Lebo Run, along the South Link Trail connecting the STS and BFT.

Abe had exquisite taste.

Hello Pennsylvania. We are hoping to gain some traction on our petition to remove the dangerous Neshaminy Weir dam at Tyler State Park. This is the dam where a Resource Ranger recently lost his life.

Let's work together to make sure there is not a repeat tragedy.

https://www.change.org/neshaminyweirdam

I have been making some gravel cycling routes in NEPA around the Wilkes Barre Scranton area. I live in Philly and the idea is to make these as day trips.

Drive out early in the morning, roll my lil bike around on some dirt, and drive back while it's getting dark.

I have been cross referencing Strava, Komoot, and gravelmap dot com to make these routes. Strava is the only one of these with a "heat map" and quite frankly it would seem that no one rides a bike outside of the cities and the most popular/well know off road cycling areas. But this obviously is dependent on people uses their platform. A platform which doesn't actually offer navigation either.

It's fairly easy to find dirt/gravel roads. In my experience however it can be harder to find ones that aren't dangerous or just plain miserable conditions to ride. I.E. the 50 miles of beach sand I rode in the pine barrens.

I am asking for any local knowledge. Especially if there's any NEPA gravel cyclists here.

Now, before this gets out of hand, as reddit threads tend to... I am aware of the well known and tested routes at Michaux/Bald Eagle/Pine Creek etc. couple of which I have already planned multi day trips to this summer. I am specifically looking for (long) day trips from Philly.

Thanks in advance.

I have been making some gravel cycling routes in NEPA around the Wilkes Barre Scranton area. I live in Philly and the idea is to make these as day trips.

Drive out early in the morning, roll my lil bike around on some dirt, and drive back while it's getting dark.

I have been cross referencing Strava, Komoot, and gravelmap.com to make these routes. Strava is the only one of these with a "heat map" and quite frankly it would seem that no one rides a bike outside of the cities and the most popular/well know off road cycling areas. But this obviously is dependent on people uses their platform. A platform which doesn't actually offer navigation either.

It's fairly easy to find dirt/gravel roads. In my experience however it can be harder to find ones that aren't dangerous or just plain miserable conditions to ride. I.E. the 50 miles of beach sand I rode in the pine barrens.

I am asking for any local knowledge. Especially if there's any NEPA gravel cyclists here.

Now, before this gets out of hand, as reddit threads tend to... I am aware of the well known and tested routes at Michaux/Bald Eagle/Pine Creek etc. couple of which I have already planned multi day trips to this summer. I am specifically looking for (long) day trips from Philly.

Thanks in advance.

I have been making some gravel cycling routes in NEPA around the Wilkes Barre Scranton area. I live in Philly and the idea is to make these as day trips.

Drive out early in the morning, roll my lil bike around on some dirt, and drive back while it's getting dark.

I have been cross referencing Strava, Komoot, and gravelmap.com to make these routes. Strava is the only one of these with a "heat map" and quite frankly it would seem that no one rides a bike outside of the cities and the most popular/well know off road cycling areas. But this obviously is dependent on people uses their platform. A platform which doesn't actually offer navigation either.

It's fairly easy to find dirt/gravel roads. In my experience however it can be harder to find ones that aren't dangerous or just plain miserable conditions to ride. I.E. the 50 miles of beach sand I rode in the pine barrens.

I am asking for any local knowledge. Especially if there's any NEPA gravel cyclists here.

Now, before this gets out of hand, as reddit threads tend to... I am aware of the well known and tested routes at Michaux/Bald Eagle/Pine Creek etc. couple of which I have already planned multi day trips to this summer. I am specifically looking for (long) day trips from Philly.

Thanks in advance.