Best Hiking Trails in Gifford Pinchot State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park cabins provide excellent access to a number of hiking trails that allow you to explore the park at your own pace. Hikers visiting Gifford Pinchot State Park will find routes suitable for all ages and experience levels, with 18-miles of trails guiding you through wild flower meadows, low lying forests, rich wetlands and rugged mountain ridges.
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1. Oak Trail
This wide and gently rolling trail is rated as easy and runs 0.4-miles. Guiding hikers through maturing oak and hickory forests, this trail also features a large diabase rock outcrop.
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2. Ridge Trail
This 1.2-mile trail is rated as moderate and takes hikers to the top of Straight Hill. Butterflies are a common sight at the entrance to the forests and excellent views across the park are afforded at the top of the ridge.
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3. Pinchot Trail
A 1-4-mile trail rated as difficult, this route will challenge even the most seasoned hikers. Wet and rocky, the trail climbs a large rock formation and takes you past an abandoned toboggan run.
Best Family Activities in Gifford Pinchot State Park
With a program that includes a variety of family-friendly activities in any season, you are sure to find something to keep everyone entertained when staying in Gifford Pinchot State Park cabins. From a leisurely yet competitive round of disc golf to a quiet day watching the local wildlife, whatever your interests, you will enjoy a fun-filled day in the park.
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1. Disc Golfing
Two 18-hole disc golf courses provide a spot of friendly competition between family members. The Conewago Day Use Area course is ideal for families with smaller children, whereas the Quaker Race Day Use Area covers more challenging terrain and is a popular spot with more experienced golfers.
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2. Wildlife Watching
Gifford Pinchot State Park hotels will give you access to a wide range of diverse habitats where you can observe many species of waterfowl, seven species of woodpecker and vibrantly colored dragonflies.
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3. Winter Sports
Cross-country skiing and ice skating are both popular in winter, taking advantage of snow-covered trails and the icy lake. The Winter Report will provide you with information relating to snow depth and ice coverage to ensure your snowy excursions are safe.