What are your favorite Hiking spots and why?

[ddefazio]

Last Columbus day weekend a group of my friends and I went up to Devil's trail in the catskills to climb Twin peak. The area was amazing and we had a great time. I am looking at doing another backpacking trip this columbus day weekend and wanted to see a new spot. I have heard some good things about Mount Marcy in new york and olso old rag. I wouldn't mind staying in PA as well. I just want to see something that is amazing...

[imp81318]

White Mountains in NH. Absolutely breathtaking!

[ddefazio]

This looks amazing but it is a little further than I was hoping to be. I am hoping to stay within five hours driving time from Philadelphia and White mountains look to be about 7 hours away.

[shiloh]

Grand Canyon of PA is beautiful

Hawk Mountain is another nice spot

Ricketts Glen State Park -- one of my all time favorites.

Bushkill Falls area

The Delaware Water Gap area

PA has tons of great hiking/scenic spots.

[ddefazio]

Grand Canyon of PA is beautiful

Hawk Mountain is another nice spot

Ricketts Glen State Park -- one of my all time favorites.

Bushkill Falls area

The Delaware Water Gap area

PA has tons of great hiking/scenic spots.

been to all of these spots except PA Grand Canyon. Do you have any details of your experience there?

[shiloh]

been to all of these spots except PA Grand Canyon. Do you have any details of your experience there?

Sure -- been there twice, last time about two years ago. The gorge is beautiful any time of year, but I think early to mid fall is best -- just when leaves are starting to turn. It does sometimes get crowded, especially at Leonard Harrison State Park, which is on the east rim and has more modern facilities. I recommend the Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison for a start -- it goes from rim to Pine Creek at the bottom of the gorge, then back up - it will give you a workout. There's also a trail at the bottom of the gorge along the creek that is really nice.

The west rim is a little quieter, a bit more remote -- also has a state park (Colton Point). Both parks are good starting points for visiting the area. If you have a couple days and want a good, long hike, the West Rim trail is about 30 miles long, and is absolutely spectacular -- vistas that go on forever. There are several primitive campsites along the way. While you're up there, the town of Wellsboro is also worth a visit -- very pretty little town. Lots of other pretty spots along Route 6 up there, it's one of the most beatiful areas in the state, IMO.

[ddefazio]

Have you done any hiking around Mount Marcy? I am looking at the hike and it looks pretty cool. I like the sound of suspension bridges and waterfalls and a 5499 ft peak..

[shiloh]

Have you done any hiking around Mount Marcy? I am looking at the hike and it looks pretty cool. I like the sound of suspension bridges and waterfalls and a 5499 ft peak..

Sorry, no -- does sound great though. If you like mountain hikes, I'll second imp81318 -- the White Mountains are incredible. May be a bit longer of a drive than you want, but it's worth it. If you go up there, try the area around Franconia Notch State Park. Lots of beautiful hiking trails up there, and the peaks are higher than you'll find in PA. I took my wife there for our first vacation 21 years ago this month -- and I think it's still one of our most memorable trips. Mount Washington also is not far from there -- I've driven up but never hiked Mt. Washington, but it's on the bucket list.

[MaxPower]

I'll post a third thumbs up for the White Mtns. HOWEVER!!!! It is no place for a newb or beginner. Weather in the region can go from beautiful to downright deadly in the blink of an eye-wickedest weather in the lower 48! THAT being said, I try to make a trek up Mt. Washington every couple of years and next summer is time again. Mid-summer, mid-week and it is absolutely stunning w/o too many people. Now if you are EXPERIENCED, winter camping/hiking there is a trip that will REALLY show you what you are made of

[ehidle]

Locally, the New Jersey section of the Appalachian Trail - it's mostly rolling, grassy hills, beautiful views, and low level of difficulty. There are also frequent shelters and towns for resupplying.