Ready for an epic adventure? Get out your hiking boots. Start studying the map. And, begin planning your journey along what just might be Pennsylvania’s – and the United States’ – most memorable hiking trial. The Appalachian Trail runs north to south in Pennsylvania, crossing through 11 counties, promising the adventure of a lifetime.

The Appalachian Trail (AT) spans 2,190 miles from Maine to Georgia. Every year, an estimated three million people explore the trail that passes through 14 states.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
The AT stretches 229 miles in Pennsylvania, traveling from the Delaware River Gap on the New Jersey side to Pen Mar, Maryland.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
The above photo is of the Delaware River Gap.
Of course, you can hike all 229 miles of the AT in Pennsylvania. Or, just choose a small section to explore.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
The AT passes through Boiling Springs. While there, stop by the Appalachian Trails Conservancy's Boiling Springs Office (pictured above).
Be forewarned, however, that the PA portion of the trail has developed something of a, well, rocky reputation. Much of the northern PA portion of the trail is rocky. It's so rocky that some avid hikers have deemed it the place where boots go to die.
Flickr/Joe Coyle
Stop in Duncannon, seen in the above picture from across the Susquehanna River (on the AT Trail).

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So, wear your sturdiest hiking boots for your journey, especially if you plan to hike all 229 miles.
Flickr/sk
Ready to recharge? Take a break at the Port Clinton Gazebo, especially for hikers on the AT, pictured above.
For an easier hike, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy suggests the southern part of the trail in PA as it "offers some of the easiest walking of the entire AT."
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Wind Gap, along the trail, is pictured above.
Whether you hike all or some of the AT in Pennsylvania, you're in for a treat. You'll pass through numerous towns, including Boiling Springs, Duncannon, and Waynesboro.
Flickr/N8ure Lover
The AT Trail also passes through Caledonia State Park (pictured above).
Avoid hiking the AT in Pennsylvania during the autumn, after hunting season has started. The trail runs through areas that are popular with hunters.
Flickr/pEtE
Pine Grove State Forest, above, signifies a milestone for those hoping to hike the entire AT. It's the midpoint of the trail.
Ready to embark on the hike of a lifetime? Click here for more information, including maps.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Drink in the beauty of nature at Michaux State Forest (above), also along the trail.

Have you ever hiked all or part of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania? Share below! Looking for an unforgettable overnight hike? Click here to read about the Gerard Trail in Oil Creek State Park.

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