by Ryan Reed
August 1st is National Summit Day, celebrated the first Saturday in August. Created by National Backpacker magazine, the day challenges hikers of all ability levels to reach a high point, summit, vista, or overlook just to enjoy the view.
Here in Pennsylvania, and particularly on state forest lands, we are blessed with some truly amazing heights. Perhaps the most notable of all is Mt. Davis in Forbes State Forest. At 3,213 feet, Mt. Davis is the highest point in Pennsylvania. The area offers an observation tower, nice trails, a picnic area, and some of the most attractive scenery anywhere on earth. Learn more about the Mt. Davis Natural Area here.
Fall color from the Mt. Davis observation tower, 2025.
Equally renowned is the Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area (PCGNA), whose many scenic vistas overlook the majestic valley below. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968, the PCGNA is known as the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.”
Many of its picturesque views are accessible from developed trails, particularly along the West Rim Trail. An easy one to get to is the vista at the Bradley Wales Picnic Area along the west rim of the gorge in Tioga State Forest.
Tucked within the natural area are two of Pennsylvania’s most scenic state parks, Colton Point on the eastern rim and Leonard Harrison on the western rim. Both parks offer awesome views of the Pine Creek Gorge.
To the south, a trail network near Slate Run offers numerous inspiring views of the Pine Creek Valley. The Bob Webber, Golden Eagle, and Dragons Back trails in Tiadaghton State Forest offer views from Pine Cliff Vista, Ravens Horn, and Bob Webber vistas. Many other gorgeous overlooks are available throughout the network, including Beulahland, Bonnell Run, Wolf Run Bald, Twin Mountain, and Hillborn Bald vistas. Learn more about the area here.
To the east of Tioga and Tiadaghton is Pennsylvania’s “Endless Mountains” region which includes another state forest sightseeing gem—Loyalsock State Forest. With hiking and mountaintop payoffs almost too numerous to mention, some standouts include High Knob Overlook, Band Rock Vista, Rock Run Vista (from Old Loggers Path) Sharptop Vista (Old Loggers Path), Matt Mertes Memorial Trail, and Rough Hill Trail. Learn more about these hikes here.
The view from High Knob Overlook, Loyalsock State Forest.
Not to be outdone, the central and southcentral Appalachians, including stops in Bald Eagle, Rothrock, Tuscarora, Buchanan, and Michaux state forests offer plenty of treks that pay off with stunning views below. Notable names include the Mid State Trail, Standing Stone, Tuscarora, Flat Rock, Pole Steeple, and Rocky Knob.
View from summit, Flat Rock Trail.
I’d probably need to write another Forest Friday or two to do the topic justice, but here are a few other trails that fit the bill in other parts of the Commonwealth.
- Beartown Rocks- Clear Creek State Forest
- Clark Run Trail- Gallitzin State Forest
- Fred Woods Trail- Elk State Forest
- Allegheny Front Trail- Moshannon State Forest
- Chuck Keiper Trail and Donut Hole Trail(west)- Sproul State Forest
- Luke’s Trail- Weiser State Forest
- Pine Hill Trail- Pinchot State Forest
- Stairway Lake Trail- Delaware State Forest
With beautiful weather in the forecast tomorrow, I encourage you to go out and experience what it’s like to feel like you’re on top of the world after a good hike.