Appalachian Trail: Pennsylvania Section
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The pinnacle overlook on the appalachian trail in pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to 229.6 miles of the scenic Appalachian Trail. The trail stretches from the small town of Pen Mar at the Pennsylvania-Maryland border to the Delaware Water Gap, where Pennsylvania meets New Jersey.
Pennsylvania is often referred to by backpackers as “Rocksylvania” due to its notoriously rocky terrain. However, this designation is somewhat overblown. The rocks aren’t as bad as some may suggest.
The midpoint of the Appalachian Trail is located within this state, indicated by an official marker to highlight this accomplishment. Also, along the way, hikers can enjoy several breathtaking overlooks, including Pole Steeple, Pulpit Rock, The Pinnacle, and many other views.
Trail Facts
Length: 229 Miles
Trail Blazes: White
Elevation Gain: 11,919 Feet
Peak Elevation: 2,458 Feet
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Highlights
The Pinnacle Overlook
Official Appalachian Trail Midway Point
Pulpit Rock Overlook
Lehigh Gap Rock Scramble
Pole Steeple Overlook
Rock scrambling at the lehigh gap on the appalacian trail
Maps & Information
Appalachian Trail PA Guidebook: This pocket-sized guidebook covers the 229-mile Pennsylvania section of the AT. It contains interpretive information, mileage, points of interest, shelter locations, water sources, and trail photos. There are also five optional topographical maps that go along with the guide, which are sold separately.
Appalachian Trail PA Map (sections 1-6): Delaware Water Gap to Swatara Gap. The map shows the route of the AT with elevation profiles, side trails, and other general information.
Appalachian Trail PA Map (sections 7-8): Swatara Gap to Susquehanna River. The map shows the route of the AT with elevation profiles, side trails, and other general information.
Appalachian Trail PA Map (sections 9-11): Susquehanna River to PA Route 94. The map shows the route of the AT with elevation profiles, side trails, and other general information.
Appalachian Trail PA Map (sections 12-13): PA Route 94 to US Route 30. The map shows the route of the AT with elevation profiles, side trails, and other general information.
Appalachian Trail PA Map (sections 14): US Route 30 to PA-MD State Line. The map shows the route of the AT with elevation profiles, side trails, and other general information.
AllTrails App: For backpackers who prefer to navigate with digital maps, the AllTrails app is excellent. It uses your mobile phone’s GPS to track your position on the route. You’ll find the Appalachian Trail along with over 400,000 other trails. The app provides you with elevation profiles, mileage, campsites, water sources, and points of interest.
midway point on the appalachian trail in pennslvania
Terrain
As I mentioned earlier in this article, Pennsylvania's terrain has a reputation for being very rocky and difficult to hike. However, even though it can get rocky, it's mainly isolated to the northern half of the trail in Pennsylvania.
The trail's southern half is much flatter and has noticeably fewer rocks, especially in the Cumberland Valley section. In fact, it's easier to hike big miles in the southern sections of the trail.
The overall elevation isn't that bad, with the trail ranging from 200 feet at its lowest point to only 2,458 feet at its highest point. The most challenging section has to be hiking up from the Lehigh Gap, where you're climbing with your hands and feet, scaling a rock face and large boulders. Fortunately, this encompasses only a small portion of the overall trail.
Dangers
For the most part, the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail is pretty safe to hike. However, no trail is entirely safe. Here are two main dangers to consider when planning a trip.
The first danger is rocks. In certain sections, the trail can be littered with them, and you could easily lose your footing and fall or twist an ankle. With such rough terrain, good shoes are a must. I recommend Altra Lone Peak 9 shoes. These shoes provide excellent traction.
A second danger is rattlesnakes. Pennsylvania has a large population of them. During the summer months, they love to sun themselves along the trail. Make sure to watch the terrain ahead of you and listen for that rattle.
pulpit rock on the appalachain trail in pennsylvania
Bugs
On the Appalachian Trail, mosquitoes and gnats are the worst from late spring to early summer, especially if it's been a mild winter and rainy. In autumn, these bugs will almost be no problem at all. Also, there's a healthy population of Ticks in Pennsylvania, which can be a problem almost year-round.
To protect yourself from these insects, use a combination of Permethrin Spray on your clothing and Picaridin Spray on any exposed skin.
To learn about additional ways to guard against these insects, check out my article on How to protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes when hiking.
Water Sources
There are many water sources along the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. The longest dry stretches you'll encounter are between 10 and 13 miles. But, typically, water sources are more frequent than that.
It's not uncommon for some water sources to dry up in the summer months. So, don't wait until you're out of water and then decide to fill up. You could be in for a surprise.
Before any hike, I always recommend having a solid water carry plan. To help you with that, purchase the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Guidebook and maps. They do a great job of showing you where the water sources are and the distances between them.
Also, make sure to filter your water. Protozoa and bacteria are concerns. One of the best water filters on the market is the Sawyer Squeeze because it's lightweight, affordable, and has a fast flow rate.
backpacking a section of the appalacian trail in pennsylvania
Camping
There are two main camping options along the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania: staying in one of the many shelters along the way or pitching a tent in the backcountry.
The shelters can accommodate 6-8 people and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most have a water source nearby, and some even have a privy.
If you want to tent camp along the Appalachian Trail, this can be a little tricky because the trail runs through many different land use areas, and regulations vary significantly. Below, I have the trail broken down into different sections and the regulations associated with them.
Michaux State Forest (south of Deer Lick Shelter to Tagg Run Shelter): Camping isn't permitted within 200 feet of a forest road, within 25 feet of a trail, within 100 feet of a water source, and within 1 mile of an adjoining state park. Campfires are prohibited from March 1st to May 25th.
Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks: Camping is only permitted at park campgrounds for a fee.
Cumberland Valley: Due to the narrow corridor and nearby neighbors, camping isn't permitted between Alec Kennedy Shelter just south of Darlington Shelter except at the official backpacker's campsite south of Boiling Springs.
Darlington Shelter to Wind Gap (PA Game lands): Camping is permitted in PA State Game lands only along the Appalachian Trail and only for backpackers. Hikers must camp within 200 feet of the A.T. and at least 500 feet from a water source. Fires are prohibited except at shelters.
Note: One exception to this regulation is between the Susquehanna River and PA 225 on Peters Mountain; camping is only allowed at designated sites.
Windsor Furnace and The Pinnacle: No camping in this area except at Windsor Furnace Shelter. Campfires are only allowed at the shelter's fireplace/ring.
Wind Gap to Fox Gap: Camping is only permitted at designated shelters and campsites. Campfires are only allowed at designated sites.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Camping is permitted only along the Appalachian Trail and only for backpackers. Hikers may not camp within 100 feet of any water source or within 0.5 miles of a road. Campfires are prohibited.
For more detailed information about the shelters and tent camping along the Appalachian Trail, purchase the Pennsylvania AT Guidebook and maps.
windsor furnace shelter on the appalacian trail in pennsylvania
Popular Section Hikes of the AT
Port Clinton to Highway 309
This section of the Appalachian Trail involves hiking along ridgetops with many exceptional views. Highlights include views from The Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock. This part of the trail is very rocky with a decent amount of elevation.
Length: 25.9 miles
Elevation gain: 4,192 feet
Caledonia State Park to Pine Grove Furnace State Park
This section of the Appalachian Trail is relatively flat and doesn’t have views, but it makes up for it with beautiful forest. You get to hike through large areas of spruce and pine trees, which makes for a nice hike. Also, you get to see the official halfway markers of the Appalachian Trail.
Length: 18.8 miles
Elevation gain: 2,572 feet
Wind Gap to Water Gap
On this section of the Appalachian Trail, you get to enjoy several ridgetop views, including Wolf Rocks, Lunch Rocks, and Lookout Rock. This area is very rocky, but there is not much elevation change.
Length: 16.3 miles
Elevation gain: 1,699 feet