One of my favorite parts about hiking is talking to other hikers! A few weeks ago, while wrapping…read moreup a different trail, another hiker asked where else I liked to hike. When I admitted I'd never been to Opossum Lake, she looked at me like I was missing out and told me I needed to check it out. Well...challenge accepted! When I got home, I looked it up and discovered it was only about 25 minutes from my house. Somehow, yet again, I had managed to overlook another great outdoor spot practically in my own backyard. A beautiful four-mile trail around a lake? Count me in! I headed out early on a mid-July Sunday morning, hoping to beat both the heat and the crowds. GPS brought me right to the parking area without any trouble, and even though there were already quite a few people there fishing, I had no problem finding a parking spot. The trail itself was fantastic! One of the things I appreciated most was how much the terrain changed throughout the loop. Parts of the trail were covered with crushed stone, others with pine needles, tanbark or natural dirt. It kept the hike interesting without ever becoming difficult. The entire four-mile loop is well-marked, easy to follow and beautifully shaded, making it an excellent summer hike even when temperatures start creeping up. The recent rain left a few muddy spots along the trail, but nothing that slowed me down. PRO TIP: If you're hiking after a rainstorm, use a little extra caution on the wooden footbridges. They can get a bit slick. The trail offered plenty to see along the way. I spotted birds, turtles and beautiful views across the lake and I found myself stopping more than once simply to enjoy the peaceful scenery. One unexpected highlight came when I crossed the spillway bridge. The interpretive signs explaining the history of the dam, the high-water markers and why the bridge was built so high above the creek added a neat educational element to the hike that I wasn't expecting. I always appreciate when a place teaches me something while I'm out exploring. Beyond hiking, it's easy to see why Opossum Lake has become such a popular recreation area. Throughout my visit I saw anglers casting from the shoreline, boats out enjoying the water and families making use of the many picnic areas scattered around the lake. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, paddle or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic, there's plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the scenery. I can already tell Opossum Lake is going to earn a permanent spot on my short list of local hikes. It's close to home. It's easy enough to enjoy without needing to mentally prepare for a mountain expedition. And it's beautiful enough that it never feels like "just another walk." Sometimes you want a huge adventure. Sometimes you just want to lace up your hiking boots, get a few peaceful miles under your belt and spend some time outside. Opossum Lake is absolutely perfect for those days!

'Possum Lake is a great place to go for a quick hike or paddle. My favorite thing is to hike…read morearound the lake in the evening then head out in the kayak. The distance around the lake is, I think, about 3 or 3 1/2 miles and there are some small hills, steps, and mostly dirt or pine-needle-covered terrain. In terms of kayaking, I can paddle around all areas in about an hour. It's a convenient, easy-to-get-to location and it's open until 10pm.

If you're looking for an easy but super cool hike with big payoff, Hammonds Rocks in Michaux State…read moreForest is a must. I stopped by on a warm, sunny October Sunday morning while in the area for the National Apple Harvest Festival (about 30 minutes away), and somehow had the whole place to myself. It was so peaceful--just the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze and the occasional thud of acorns falling from the trees. The walk in is short and easy--basically a flat stroll past a couple of informational signs to reach the boulder outcropping. From there, the fun begins! Hammonds Rocks is about 400 feet long, with massive stone formations to climb, wander, and explore. I spent about 45 minutes hopping from stone to stone, taking photos, and checking out different angles of the formations. Even without climbing, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the view, though the tall trees do block some of it. Still, with the leaves just starting to turn to their fall colors, it was absolutely beautiful. The info signs are worth a pause, too--they really put things into perspective. One noted that when the sediments making up these rocks were deposited, the spot where I was standing was on the shore of a great ocean...530-600 MILLION years ago. Wild. Absolutely mind blowing! As for access: don't panic when Google Maps tells you the next few miles are unpaved. The gravel road is manageable if you take it slow and keep an eye out for some monster ruts. (Speaking from experience: this 40-something woman in her beloved Alfa Romeo made it just fine.) Just don't attempt in winter without knowing what you're getting into--the roads aren't maintained in snow or ice. Overall, Hammonds Rocks is an easy, low-effort, high-reward stop. Whether you're climbing, photographing, or just taking in the history and scenery, it's a great way to spend part of your day in Michaux.

This is the worst camp site ever in the ground. Are the rocks very hard to get a good steak in the…read moreground. The campers that come there are disgusting. There was this fat white woman with her kid kid is noisy and very rude. Very intrusive in my area and she never scolded him once.The rangers are nasty liars they judge you the accuse of things fine for some thing that wasn't posted so they fined us and we didn't know that we couldn't do So we got fine for it

Beautiful area just a short walk to the falls. Easy access and walk. Additional trail, short,…read moreacross the parking lot. Take a rain coat!! Enjoy

We had a wonderful time at the falls and there wasn't a lot of people there nature was absolutely…read moregorgeous

Worlds End is another fantastic state park in Pennsylvania! There are a lot of sights to see and…read morethings to do. Unfortunately, the weather interfered with our ability to see as much as we had hoped, but we still had a great time! There is a nice visitor center with a variety of historic and nature info available, including some great info on the CCC work that took place in the park (there's a really nice interactive model of a CCC camp too) and how and where the park name is suspected to have been derived from. There is a real snake to look at, as well. A very nice playground is located nearby, and this section of the park also offers easy access to the Loysalsock Creek and the beach with a snack bar, plus multiple picnic tables and shelterhouses. It's beautiful even just to look at the valley walls and the creek itself. There are several gorgeous vistas available, some by foot and some by foot or car. We especially liked the Loyalsock Canyon Vista, which can be reached on foot or by car. It is located next to the Rock Garden, which is a very neat grouping of giant rocks and boulders that is a lot of fun to check out. The park also offers camping and plenty of trails. Worlds End is located within the Loyalsock State Forest, so there is also a lot more that one could explore in the area.

Ricketts Glen used to be my favorite PA state park, but World's End has totally won me over. The…read moremost important reasons: 1) The hikes here are a little more challenging, a little longer, and just generally more enjoyable for me. 2) The family campground is spacious - the tent sites and modern electric sites are interspersed, but you don't feel like you're right on top of the next site over. 3) The bathroom facilities are clean and warm, no matter what time of year I've visited. Big ups to maintenance and the camp hosts. 4) The camp hosts and visitors center personnel are fantastically kind and helpful. They obviously love this park. 5) Fun stuff like the Forksville General Store, Snack stands, swimming hike, Haystacks, Rock Garden, and all kinds of other interesting places to explore! I've been here with friends, with my family, and by myself, and I've thoroughly enjoyed each trip, so I'll definitely be back for more!

By far the best! The service, atmosphere, the food! You get that small town hospitality that it's…read moreknown for. It's the only ice cream place in Williamsburg and they get a good many people from different areas (furthest I met lived in Ebensburg!) just for their tasty food! The owners are so down to earth and take their time with each and every customer. They don't rush you or look overwhelmed. They employ a good many high schoolers, personally I never had a problem with any of them they are just like the owners. A few years ago they put a car port with tables up which is nice! There's also another seating facing the river, a pravillion, and many other shady seating. The trail is right beside them it's my favorite part of Williamsburg. The river sound and shade can make you lose track of time peaceful and certain areas have beaches to picnic or swim. A hot summer day here will make the life stresses leave. With lower trail you'll never stop going it's worth it all.

This is a well maintained trail winding through the woods along the Frankstown Branch of the…read moreJuniata River and made over an old railroad bed so it's nice and flat for the most part. It goes from Alexandria, PA to Williamsburg, PA and a bit beyond. It's great for biking, horseback riding or just walking. You can park at the Alfarata Station in Alexandria or at the Water Street Flea Market, or at the Flowing Spring Station if you're coming from the other direction. There are four other stations along the way.

Nice area to visit. Great for kids. Lots of huge rocks to climb around on. Plenty of parking…read more Concession stand available. Primitive bathrooms. It's free to visit, donations boxes posted at trailhead.

Beautiful fall day in Pennsylvania. Cross country drive from Pittsburgh to Clearfield. We see a…read moresign for Bilgers Rocks and decide to check it out. There were three separate photo shoots happening, including a bride - complete with wedding dress. The locals know what they've got here regarding backdrop opportunities, for sure. The area is very beautiful, and the rocks are house- sized. The area has a large parking area, trail maps, pavilions, camping and a forest snack bar. Definitely worth a day trip for any nature lovers. Maybe worth a weekend for you wilderness lovers!

It's a nice place to hike and ski in the winter they also have snowmobile trails if your daring you…read morecan stay at the many campsites with no facility's I wouldn't in the winter time but summer would be fun

This smaller state park was a welcome respite for a short walk while driving along I-80. The…read moretrails were well marked and restrooms in good order. We appreciated the close proximity to the Interstate highway.