The best walks and hikes around Bucknell

Yes, the Pathway Through Woodland loop from Southwold is a great option for a family outing. For a very accessible walk, the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail offers a 9.5-mile, relatively flat path connecting Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, perfect for all ages and fitness levels.

Many trails in the region are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations. Trails in state forests like Bald Eagle State Forest generally welcome leashed dogs. Local trails like the Dale's Ridge Trail are also popular with dog walkers, but please ensure you keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

For spectacular waterfalls, a day trip to Ricketts Glen State Park is highly recommended. The Falls Trail loop features 21 stunning waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. It's about an hour's drive, but the scenery is well worth it. Be prepared for rugged and steep sections on this trail.

The Dale's Ridge Trail is a popular 2-mile loop that fits this description perfectly. Maintained by the Merrill Linn Conservancy, it typically takes about an hour to complete and includes a rewarding overlook of the Buffalo Valley. It's a local favorite for a quick but scenic hike.

For a more demanding experience, head to Bald Eagle State Forest, which contains a 45-mile section of the rugged Mid State Trail. Another challenging option is the Turkey Path Trail in Pine Creek Gorge, which descends steeply to the canyon floor. For multi-day backpacking, the 30-mile West Rim Trail offers incredible backcountry views.

There is a wide variety of options. The immediate area offers well-known local trails, while a short drive opens up state parks and forests. In total, you can explore over 180 different hiking routes in the region, ranging from easy strolls to difficult mountain treks.

The Dale's Ridge Trail is a well-regarded 2-mile loop with varied terrain. It features some easy, flat sections as well as some more moderate, steeper parts with switchbacks. Hikers find it to be a rewarding walk that takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete.

Yes, the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail is a multi-use trail with both paved and crushed gravel sections, making it ideal for biking as well as walking. It runs for 9.5 miles from Lewisburg to Mifflinburg, offering a scenic ride through local farmland.

The trails around Bucknell are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of the landscape, from the serene riverside paths of the Susquehanna Valley to the beautiful woodland trails and scenic ridge-top views.

For breathtaking views, visit the 'Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania' at Pine Creek Gorge, where numerous vistas are accessible by short walks. Closer to Bucknell, Bald Eagle State Forest offers several stunning viewpoints, such as Penns View and Big Valley Vista, which provide expansive panoramas of the surrounding landscape.

Yes, the Jubilee Lake – Langford Mini Henge loop from Bure Park is a great moderate option. It's a longer walk that provides a bit more of a challenge than the easier local paths while still being very manageable.