Experience NEPA’s Best Short Hiking Trails for Stunning Views
Sometimes the best adventures don’t require miles of trekking or hours on the trail. Northeastern Pennsylvania is filled with short hikes that pack in sweeping vistas, waterfalls and mountaintop lookouts—without an all-day expedition. These short hiking trails prove that you don’t need to conquer ten miles of rugged terrain to experience some of NEPA’s most breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re looking for a quick walk, a family-friendly outing, or just a chance to snap a few photos, these trails deliver big rewards in a fraction of the time. From roadside overlooks to mini-loops that lead straight to waterfalls and ridge line views, you’ll find plenty of options.
Lace up your sneakers and discover just how epic a short hike in NEPA can be.
Jim Thorpe, PA
The 100 Mile View on Flagstaff Mountain in Jim Thorpe delivers sweeping panoramas without the need for a hike. From its mountaintop perch 1,000 feet above town, you can see the Lehigh River, Mahoning Valley and even distant ridgelines up to 100 miles away on clear days. Easily accessible by car, it’s a perfect roadside stop for photographers, families, and anyone chasing one of the Poconos’ most breathtaking vistas.
Tannersville, PA
Perched at 2,100 feet on Camelback Mountain, Big Pocono State Park delivers sweeping views of the rolling Pocono Mountains. For a quick adventure, try the Vista Trail, a short connector that leads straight to breathtaking overlooks. Or take the Indian Trail, an easier 1.3-mile route, where dramatic cliffs and wide-open vistas make the effort well worth it.
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Dingmans Ferry, PA
The Dingmans Creek Trail within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a short, ADA-accessible boardwalk that leads to two stunning waterfalls. In just 0.4 miles, you’ll reach the delicate Silverthread Falls, followed by the towering 130-foot Dingmans Falls with views from both the base and top.
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Susquehanna, PA
Start at Luciana Park to access the Lanesboro Trailhead of the D&H Rail-Trail. Spanning 38 miles through Northeastern Pennsylvania, the trail is rich with history, but its most iconic landmark is the Starrucca Viaduct. This 100-foot-tall stone railroad bridge, built in the 1850s, towers above the trail and makes for an unforgettable backdrop as you walk along its base.
Kempton, PA
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is renowned for its raptor migrations and scenic overlooks, with South Lookout being the easiest to reach. Just 175 yards from the entrance via the Silhouette Trail, this groomed path is accessible for wheelchairs and offers a sweeping view over the River of Rocks, an Ice Age boulder field.
White Haven, PA
Just a short walk at Hickory Run State Park leads to the famous Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark formed during the last Ice Age thousands of years ago. This vast expanse of rocks is both a geologic wonder and a piece of history—visitors can test their balance by venturing out across the rugged terrain for a true adventure.
Honesdale, PA
A short climb rewards hikers with sweeping views of historic downtown Honesdale, the Lackawaxen River and the Pocono Mountains. Perched high above town, Irving Cliff is a quick hike with an epic payoff in Wayne County.
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Jim Thorpe, PA
Just outside Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge Trail offers a scenic stretch with bridge views overlooking the rushing Lehigh River. Along this easy walk, you’ll also pass the Turn Hole Tunnel, a historic remnant of the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad that adds a touch of history to the natural beauty.
Factoryville, PA
The Little Rocky Glen Preserve, protected by the Countryside Conservancy, features a peaceful half-mile out-and-back trail along Tunkhannock Creek that leads to a dramatic gorge. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools make this short hike a serene escape with a big scenic payoff.
Bear Creek, PA
The Yellow Loop Trail at Natural Lands’ Bear Creek Preserve is a gentle 3.4-mile route that highlights the preserve’s peaceful forests and streams. This easy loop leads to a scenic overlook with sweeping views of the Lehigh River valley, offering a big reward without a strenuous hike.
Scranton, PA
Nay Aug Park in Scranton offers quick, easy walks to some of the city’s most iconic natural views. Short paths lead to overlooks of the gorge and cascading waterfalls, including several spots with railings and a pedestrian bridge for a closer look. It’s a perfect urban escape where you can enjoy dramatic scenery without leaving town.
Benton, PA
From the PA-118 parking area, the Lower Falls Trail offers a short but spectacular walk to Water’s Meet, where several of Ricketts Glen State Park’s famous waterfalls converge. Just across the road, the one-mile Evergreen Trail leads to Adams Falls, one of the park’s most photographed cascades. Both options deliver incredible waterfall views without a long hike.
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Montrose, PA
The Overlook Trail at Salt Spring State Park is a quick 0.2-mile walk that leads to a scenic platform high above Fall Brook Creek. Easy and family-friendly, this short hike delivers wide-open views with minimal effort. It’s the perfect stop for anyone looking for a big payoff on a tiny trail.
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Milford, PA
Raymondskill Falls, near Milford in Pike County, is Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall at nearly 150 feet. A short loop trail leads to viewing platforms overlooking the upper and middle tiers, offering dramatic perspectives of the cascading water. The hike is quick and easy, but the views are unforgettable.
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Wilkes-Barre, PA
Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Wilkes-Barre features a network of short trails that wind past natural rock “tubs,” carved out by glacial meltwater. The Main and Audubon Loops lead visitors to cascades, waterfalls, and small overlooks of the gorge. It’s a quick, family-friendly hike with plenty of scenic spots packed into a small area.
Hanover Twp., PA
For a quick hike with a big payoff, the Sugar Notch Ridgetop Trail delivers sweeping valley views, hidden caves and the sound of rushing water. This 3-mile out-and-back path traces the ridgeline of Wilkes-Barre Mountain, leading to overlooks that make the short trek unforgettable.
Hawley, PA
The Wallenpaupack Lake Trail offers 1.5 miles of flat, paved shoreline perfect for a relaxing stroll. No boat required—this easy path delivers stunning views of Lake Wallenpaupack, especially unforgettable at sunrise or sunset.
Keep Chasing Epic Views
These easy trails are just the beginning of what NEPA has to offer. With countless parks, preserves and scenic paths to choose from, there’s always another short hike waiting to be explored.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 6/11/20.
