Which way?
Photo by: Cheryl Scott (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back to your Internet “home on the range” here at AllCampgrounds. As part of our continuing series on the best in hiking, we’re going to hit the trail today and showcase some of the hottest places to go hiking nationwide. Many of these scenic and historic trails are situated convenient to tent camping, and a few are accessible near RV parks and campgrounds, so nobody is left out. The longest, best-maintained trails wend their way through both modern and primitive camp grounds, and include breathtaking scenery that non-hikers just won’t get a chance to enjoy. (more…)

Lightning: Beautiful, deadly, and a real concern for hikers!
Photo by: Thomas Bush (Stock Exchange)

Welcome one and all to AllCampgrounds, where we’ve been learning all about hiking lately.

It’s a great activity that you can combine with tent camping, roughing it in primitive backcountry camp grounds, or just about any other visit to your local park.

No matter where you’re staying, though, the very first thing to be aware of is the weather: and if you’re in an area where lightning is possible, you know that it can whip up suddenly and unexpectedly.

Here are some tips to make sure you stay safe and sound, even if there’s a thunderstorm when you’re well along the trail. (more…)

Evidence of beachfront hiking!
Photo by: Timo Balk (Stock Exchange)

Good to see you again at AllCampgrounds, your premier guide to camping on the web.

You know, in theory nothing could be simpler than hiking: at heart, it’s just walking, set in someplace fun and interesting to be.

Just about all campsites have some kind of hiking opportunity, whether it’s a full-fledged nature trail, a nearby mountain, or a landscaped pathway around the camp grounds.

But as simple as it seems, if you’ve never hiked before or you’re new to camping the best hiking trails, there are a few things you should know.

And, naturally, AllCampgrounds is here to give you the inside scoop. (more…)

Camping is a time to experience nature. One great way to do this is hiking. That’s not to say that the two have to go hand in hand, but most campgrounds either have day trails, or are located near areas where trails are available. These trails are usually clearly marked, come in various distances and are already mapped. If you are thinking to yourself, what fun is hiking on a trail that everyone uses you obviously haven’t spent much time in the woods. There comes a time (especially for first time hikers) when all those trees look alike. It is easy to become disoriented. Unless you are already a pro at using a compass and a topographical map you should start small and work your way up to a full wilderness hike.

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Pine Creek Gorge - Photo by S. Webster

Deep in the woods of Northeastern Pennsylvania, near the small town of Wellsboro, you will find some of the most beautiful camping and hiking spots anywhere. This is the location of the Pennsylvania “Grand Canyon,” also known of as Pine Creek Gorge. If you are looking for peace and quiet, or you prefer hiking, rafting, fishing or photography you will find it all and more.

State Parks Near the Canyon

Leonard Harrison State Park is located on the east rim of the canyon. This is where you will find the most famous scenic views of the Pine Creek Gorge. Leonard Harrison also is the more modern of the two state parks surrounding the canyon and includes flush toilet, hot showers, a playground for the kids and a sanitary dump station. Some sites have electricity.

Leonard Harrison is also home to the famous “Turkey Path Trail.” Along the two miles trail down, you will find beautiful waterfalls and scenic views. Wildlife and wild flowers are abundant, and the fall foliage is breathtaking.

Colton Point State Park is located on the west rim of the canyon. It is a much more rustic facility if you really want to experience the outdoors. Hiking trails are abundant and fishing is great if you don’t mind carrying the equipment down the trail and the catch back up! There are no facilities for kids on this side, so unless your kids really like camping and hiking, it probably isn’t the best option.

Hills Creek State Park is located about 20 miles from the actual canyon. It does, however, have boating and swimming facilities, a snack bar, and modern facilities.

Army Corp of Engineer Parks

Ives Run Camp Ground, also known as Tioga Hammond Lake, is another great place to camp that is near the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It is a great facility for kids. There are RV sites with full hook-ups down to tent sites in a primitive area. There are playgrounds, a beach for swimming along with swimming from campsites in certain areas, boating, water-skiing and other water sports, hiking trails and gardens, and just a whole lot to do.

Ives run is also located close to the New York State Border and the Corning Glass Museum as well as other attractions for rainy days.

Wynken, Blynken, & Nod Statue - Photo by S. Webster

What Else is There to Do?

If you are tired of camping, fishing and hiking, or it’s raining, there are several other options.

Animaland Zoological Park is right near Leonard Harrison State Park. It has over 200 exotic, wild, and domestic animals housed in a 12 acre landscaped exhibit. There is a snack bar and gift shop.

Wellsboro is located about 12 miles from the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. This picturesque town has gift shops, antique stores, and great restaurants. Don’t forget to visit “The Green,” located across from the Tioga County Court House, and view the famous Wynken, Blynken and Nod sculpture and fountain inspired by the poem of the same name by Eugene Field.

Wellsboro, PA - Photo by S. Webster

If you still need more to do, stop at the visitors center and learn about Pennsylvania’s scenic Route 6 and all it has to offer.