Discover 6 Great Trails Near PA Route 6

With thousands of miles of trails within easy access of PA Route 6, the hardest part might be deciding which one you want to explore first. Whether you hike, bike, snowmobile, walk, or run, all of these trails offer exceptional scenery and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. Ranging from beginner to experienced, and from very short to long, here are six of our favorites.

Lake Wallenpaupack Trail

This 2.6-mile out-and-back trail along the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack near the Heritage Community of Hawley is a pleasant way to spend some time outdoors. If you enjoy level walking and running with a maximum amount of scenic beauty, the Lake Wallenpaupack Trail will not disappoint. The packed gravel path heads over the dike and past the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center. Parking is available in the lot near the intersection of Routes 6 and 507. This easy trail is a great stop to stretch your legs during a road trip, or a destination in itself that can be combined with other outdoor recreation activities and night life around Lake Wallenpaupack.

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

It’s hard to argue the exceptional value of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in northeastern Pennsylvania. This 70-mile trail connects more than 30 communities in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and Wayne County.  The trail varies from mixed surface to hard top and is ideal for hikers and bikers. Near PA Route 6, look for access points in Carbondale, Jermyn, Archbald, Peckville, Olyphant, Dickson City, and Scranton. The trail is well-marked and you’ll find plenty of parking and access at trailheads located in these communities.

Pine Creek Rail Trail

The Pine Creek Rail Trail should on every list for hiking and biking in northern Pennsylvania. It’s easy to access: near PA Route 6, check out the Darling Run Access, Marsh Creek Access, and the parking area near Pag-Omar Farms Market off PA 287 near Wellsboro. The Pine Creek Rail Trail provides approximately 62 miles of mixed surface hiking or bicycling through the Pine Creek Gorge, a.k.a. Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, beginning at Wellsboro Junction and ending in Jersey Shore. The trail parallels Pine Creek on its journey through the gorge, and along the way you’ll get dramatic views of the canyon as well as plenty of opportunities to encounter wildlife. There’s even a section of the trail designated just for horseback riding. For more details, click here.

Knox & Kane Rail Trail

The 7.9-mile section of the Knox & Kane Rail Trail, colloquially known as the MJ2KB, connects Mount Jewett to the Kinzua Bridge and was Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Year in 2023. Passing through scenic wooded areas, this is a great trail for nature lovers who enjoy birding, cross-country skiing, hiking, and even snowmobiling when conditions permit. Please note, however, that ATVs and UTVs are not permitted on any portion of the Knox & Kane Rail Trail, including the MJ2KB.

Jakes Rocks Overlook and Mountain Bike Trail

But they all have one thing in common: tremendous scenery. Located in the scenic Allegheny National Forest, at the Jakes Rocks Overlook, you’ll find expansive views of Jackson Bay on the Allegheny Reservoir, Kinzua Dam and the surrounding forest. The mountain biking trails you’ll find here are equally as impressive. Accessed via the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, the Trails at Jakes Rocks provide mountain bikers with a plethora of trails ranging from easy to epic through a variety of terrains. This is one of the premier mountain biking destinations in northern Pennsylvania.

Erie to Pittsburgh Trail

The Erie to Pittsburgh Trail spans 270 miles across western Pennsylvania. Although this trail is still very much a work in progress, several sections have been completed and provide great opportunities for hikers and bikers traveling across PA Route 6 to stop and enjoy some outdoor recreation. The section near the Heritage Community of Corry, known as the Corry Junction Greenway Trail, is 13.1 miles long and follows the Brokenstraw Valley into Clymer, NY. This easy hiking route passes through some scenic and wild country. Biking and cross-country skiing are also welcome here.

Now that we’ve told you about a few of our favorite trails to explore along PA Route 6, it’s time for you to discover the rest. Whether you’re looking for a trail to hike, bike, cross country ski, or snowmobile on, use the search tool below to find a trail near you or in a region across northern Pennsylvania that you hope to explore. In the first box, simply scroll down to find the keyword “Trails,” hit enter, and go!