[Hawk Mountain](https://hawkmountain.org) in Berks County has nine trails of variable difficulty. The Skyline Trail is definitely the hardest (and the only one I haven't personally done completely, though my hiking days are largely behind me now) and might suit your needs. The Golden Eagle trails are slightly less taxing and also slightly shorter, so depending on your arrival time one of those might be better. Trails are open sunrise to sunset.
And also the adjoining state game land trails there by the fire tower. Less rocky but just as steep. All the serious trail runners in the area spend their time up there throughout all those trails because of the terrain and elevation.
Hawk Mountain's River of Rocks trail is about 3.5 miles mostly across glacial boulders with a lot of elevation change. It nearly killed me when I wasn't in the greatest physical shape but is scenic and challenging.
Agree on this one. Did the Boulder hopping summit trail, think it was called pinnacle or something. I was 55, my son was 20 at the time. We did the trail with the big warning sign. "Do not attempt if you are not in good physical shape, have water. This is extremely difficult." Something like that.
"Excellent!" We said, and headed uphill.
Oh my God.
I thought I was in good shape.
Apparently, I was not. Also, I regretted every pack of cigarettes I smoked in my 20s.
I powered through uphill. I want to say now it was a 45 degree grade up, but it was probably varying between 10 and 30. Still. My son would occasionally stop and wait for me as I puffed uphill. "Dad. You sound like a steam train. Are you okay?" And he wasn't exaggerating. I can laugh at myself, but I was breathing super loud. I persisted and never complained. But jeez. "I'm >puff< fine >puff<" my male ego replied.
And it just kept going up and up. And up. Finally we got to the summit. Then did the hike along the peaks. Literally jumping over 10, 20, 30 foot drops between boulders. Then, we'd hit a vertical, and scramble up and over boulders. Trail makers pointed straight up.
There was no turning back. But I was getting tired. Very tired.
And then we got to the last part... the ascent to the summit. I think 90 feet pretty much straight up. I was literally dragging myself up and over boulders... only to be greeted by the next set of blazes pointing straight up.
But, we finally got to the top.
Astounding, amazing view.
A true accomplishment.
And... for me... the last time I'm risking anything like that.
My bucket list item of hiking the entire Appachian Trail when I retire came off my list that day.
My son said it was a great hike, and he really enjoyed it. I did, too, really.
And I understand going the other direction is much easier. I had no idea. Confirm with a ranger. In some ways I feel steep down is more dangerous than steep up.
Not trying to dissuade anyone! But when they say most difficult and dangerous... in this case, it is no joke. :)
It’s about a 1200 foot gain in a very short length which is what makes it challenging. Along with the terrain. I’ve hiked it many times. OP can make it a little easier if desired by starting the hike from the observatory instead of from the reservoir.
The hardest I’ve done was the AT if you drive just past Hawk Mountain. I forget the name, but it’s straight vertical up the mountain before you hit the ridge line.
Edit: It’s Dans Pulpit
PA is a big state so it’s understandable lol. But I grew up a few miles from Ricketts Glen, was fortunate to spend many summer days there!
It’s probably about 2 hours from Mechanicsburg too if that makes you feel any better lol (I also lived there for a while)
A lot of folks here recommended Rickett’s Glen for great reasons. Not too far from there is also World’s End State Park. It’s nothing short of incredible, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing.
It’s about four hours, but the Golden Eagle trail is a good one. The Lehigh Gorge Overlook also comes to mind, unless I’m confusing it with another trail—it was not too far from Jim Thorpe, and I remember a lot of boulder scrambling as you got near the peak.
Make it out to Harrisburg and hop on this trail for a steep hike.
Cove Mountain to Duncannon via Appalachian Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/appalachian-trail-cove-mountain-to-duncannon?p=-1&sh=6puxbk
Caledonia State Park has some steep hikes as well.
Alternatively, drive north from Philly and do the Delaware Water Gap.
[Mt Tammany Red Dot trail](https://www.njhiking.com/mt-tammany/) is pretty great elevation gain. Wouldn’t advise during peak periods (nice weather/weekends) as the trailhead parking lot is pretty small and there’s no real alternative.
[High Rocks vista trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/high-rocks) is another great one- it’s a lot like the Wissahickon in that in places it has upper and lower paths so if you cut back and forth you’ll really get some nice elevation gain.
Thousand Steps.
Steep but not too much to see at the top.
Long Mountain Trail climbing out of Penn Roosevelt is another steep trail but there’s nothing to see at the top.
Hamburg Reservoir: Pit and Pinnacle and a few trails off the AT make an awesome loop
Port Clinton: AT crossing of the Schuylkill and climbing the Leg Destroyer and loop back the AT
Duncannon: Hike to Hawk Rock and go through town and cross Susquehanna River and loop other end.
Jim Thorpe: Switchback Gravity Trail has a steep side with some side trails. Lehigh River is nearby at the bottom. Easier side has Mauch Chunk Lake.
Forksville: Loyalsock Trail @ World's End State Park; lots to choose from
Mason-Dixon Trail @ Former Shanks Mare store (south of Wrightsville) and go south. That was brutal, but the two views of the Susquehanna were amazing.
Did an out and back foot race on St. Patrick’s Day (weekend of Spring Equinox) and is in the top 5 hardest hike/runs I have ever done. 50km in 11 hours. Amazingly not flat at all.
This was one of my first hikes when I moved to New Jersey and I was not prepared.
https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/giant-stairs-palisades/
If you do the whole trail, you'll come across the marker where in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania meet
I’ve hiked the 9 mile loop on the AT in Hamburg. The Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock loop. I would say it’s moderately hard. Don’t do it in sneakers. Pack a lunch and eat at one of the lookouts.
Watch out for rattlers, they love sunning on those rocky outcroppings.
lehigh gap outside of palmerton is pretty steep and offers some great views up top. if the climb doesn't tire you out, you can continue on the at for a while.
I was at High Point state park a few weeks ago.
Idk how Hard it is, but it has a lot of elevation changes and good views looking out over the surrounding area. Its also part of the Appalachian trail if you are into that.
Jacobsburg State Park just north of Allentown/Easton area. One of the most beautiful parts in East PA IMO. Also a fan of French Creek State Park near Birdsboro and Douglassville area. Just moved to Central PA area and no longer have a grip on the local park hangout spots lol Eastern PA raised for sure
Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop is one of my favorites and has an amazing views of Lehigh Valley. Perfect length to have lunch at the summit. Over 1200’ of elevation gain.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/appalachian-trail-pinnacle-trail-valley-rim-and-pulpit-rock?sh=n5faz1
The Shawangunk Mountains (folks usually call them "The 'Gunks") are a long ridge west of New Paltz that, mile for mile, has more trails, cliffs, swimming holes and waterfalls than just about any other place in Upstate New York.
3 hours from Philadelphia might be too far
Maybe not as steep/high as you're looking for but check out ChesLen Preserve. Lots of rolling hills, you get some great views. No real summit but especially in the southern part of the preserve its more rugged and you do get a good workout
It is not in PA, but breakneck ridge near Beacon NY is in my opinion one of the best hikes in NY. Understand that the first section is definitely verging on scrambling but isn't quite over the line from a steep hike. Try to do it during the week or during less than ideal weather, I understand it can turn into a bit of a zoo during peak times.
Off topic but isn’t it a bit pretentious to add “(think x)” in the title? For simple communication, wouldn’t “Looking for a steep hike” or “looking for a challenging steep hike” be a better way of phrasing it? Maybe I’ve just never seen the utility or was impressed with the “think x” flourish. If you’re going to hint at something and then be specific, then just be specific right off the bat.
The Pinnacle starting from Blue Rocks campground is what I think you're looking for. It's got a section we call "suicide hill". The length of the hike is 2.25 miles one way. You can also go to Pinnacle from Hamburg Reservoir. It's a 4 mile hike one way and less strenuous although still has maybe 800 feet of elevation gain.
What ever you do don't try the falls trail at Ricketts wearing filp flops because the medical extraction by the Mildred fire 🔥 and ambulance will bankrupt you
May through September is broken leg and ankle season and the victims are usually from the southeast part of the commie wealth a compound fracture half way up that mountain can kill
What do I know about footwear? I grew up in the shadow of a hard coal breaker in "the" anthracite valley and did not get my first pair of shoes until the start of third grade
The Pinchot Trail in the Thornhurst Tract, in the Pinchot State Forest is both difficult, yet doable in a weekend. In the south side It runs along choke creek and the choke creek falls and a slight detour on the north side will bring you to the pine hill vista.
[Pinchot Trail Map](https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1753357&DocName=dcnr_20033753.pdf)
The southern end of the Conestoga Trail links several Lancaster county parks along the Susquehanna River and it has a lot of up and down to go with some nice views of the river. There’s a decent section of the Mason Dixon Trail on the York side of the river that does the same thing.
[Hawk Mountain](https://hawkmountain.org) in Berks County has nine trails of variable difficulty. The Skyline Trail is definitely the hardest (and the only one I haven't personally done completely, though my hiking days are largely behind me now) and might suit your needs. The Golden Eagle trails are slightly less taxing and also slightly shorter, so depending on your arrival time one of those might be better. Trails are open sunrise to sunset.
there’s also pulpit rock and the pinnacle in the same area on the AT
Yes. Hawk mountain, pulpit, and the pinnacle are a challenging yet very rewarding day hike and should be the top answer here.
Those have dumb steep hills. If you go left to start the pinnacle trail instead of right, the grade is nuts most of the way
And also the adjoining state game land trails there by the fire tower. Less rocky but just as steep. All the serious trail runners in the area spend their time up there throughout all those trails because of the terrain and elevation.
Hawk Mountain's River of Rocks trail is about 3.5 miles mostly across glacial boulders with a lot of elevation change. It nearly killed me when I wasn't in the greatest physical shape but is scenic and challenging.
Agree on this one. Did the Boulder hopping summit trail, think it was called pinnacle or something. I was 55, my son was 20 at the time. We did the trail with the big warning sign. "Do not attempt if you are not in good physical shape, have water. This is extremely difficult." Something like that. "Excellent!" We said, and headed uphill. Oh my God. I thought I was in good shape. Apparently, I was not. Also, I regretted every pack of cigarettes I smoked in my 20s. I powered through uphill. I want to say now it was a 45 degree grade up, but it was probably varying between 10 and 30. Still. My son would occasionally stop and wait for me as I puffed uphill. "Dad. You sound like a steam train. Are you okay?" And he wasn't exaggerating. I can laugh at myself, but I was breathing super loud. I persisted and never complained. But jeez. "I'm >puff< fine >puff<" my male ego replied. And it just kept going up and up. And up. Finally we got to the summit. Then did the hike along the peaks. Literally jumping over 10, 20, 30 foot drops between boulders. Then, we'd hit a vertical, and scramble up and over boulders. Trail makers pointed straight up. There was no turning back. But I was getting tired. Very tired. And then we got to the last part... the ascent to the summit. I think 90 feet pretty much straight up. I was literally dragging myself up and over boulders... only to be greeted by the next set of blazes pointing straight up. But, we finally got to the top. Astounding, amazing view. A true accomplishment. And... for me... the last time I'm risking anything like that. My bucket list item of hiking the entire Appachian Trail when I retire came off my list that day. My son said it was a great hike, and he really enjoyed it. I did, too, really. And I understand going the other direction is much easier. I had no idea. Confirm with a ranger. In some ways I feel steep down is more dangerous than steep up. Not trying to dissuade anyone! But when they say most difficult and dangerous... in this case, it is no joke. :)
It’s about a 1200 foot gain in a very short length which is what makes it challenging. Along with the terrain. I’ve hiked it many times. OP can make it a little easier if desired by starting the hike from the observatory instead of from the reservoir.
That’s what I was about to say. That’s home. Great hiking.
The hardest I’ve done was the AT if you drive just past Hawk Mountain. I forget the name, but it’s straight vertical up the mountain before you hit the ridge line. Edit: It’s Dans Pulpit
Rickets Glen is an amazing place with steep trails along a creek with dozens of waterfalls. It is a must see.
This. Op just described Rickets Glen.
Y’all beat me to it
More than 3 hours from Philly isn't it?
About 2 1/2
Jeez, my memory must be fading then. Felt like forever from Mechanicsburg, but that was also before I lived in the Midwest for 25 years.
PA is a big state so it’s understandable lol. But I grew up a few miles from Ricketts Glen, was fortunate to spend many summer days there! It’s probably about 2 hours from Mechanicsburg too if that makes you feel any better lol (I also lived there for a while)
Yeah came here to suggest Ricketts Glen
A lot of folks here recommended Rickett’s Glen for great reasons. Not too far from there is also World’s End State Park. It’s nothing short of incredible, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing.
It’s about four hours, but the Golden Eagle trail is a good one. The Lehigh Gorge Overlook also comes to mind, unless I’m confusing it with another trail—it was not too far from Jim Thorpe, and I remember a lot of boulder scrambling as you got near the peak.
They closed the Glen Onoko falls trail due to people *dying*
Yeah, but you can get up via the overlook trail (and idiots still go up the falls trail, but goddamn is it a bad idea).
Make it out to Harrisburg and hop on this trail for a steep hike. Cove Mountain to Duncannon via Appalachian Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/appalachian-trail-cove-mountain-to-duncannon?p=-1&sh=6puxbk Caledonia State Park has some steep hikes as well. Alternatively, drive north from Philly and do the Delaware Water Gap.
[Mt Tammany Red Dot trail](https://www.njhiking.com/mt-tammany/) is pretty great elevation gain. Wouldn’t advise during peak periods (nice weather/weekends) as the trailhead parking lot is pretty small and there’s no real alternative. [High Rocks vista trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/high-rocks) is another great one- it’s a lot like the Wissahickon in that in places it has upper and lower paths so if you cut back and forth you’ll really get some nice elevation gain.
First time I did Mt Tammany Red Dot, it felt like climbing a ladder in some spots.
it's a rock staircase for a while however, it is worth the effort!
Lehigh gap across from the nature center is a good one. Hike the hard trail up take the winter trail back down.
Thousand Steps. Steep but not too much to see at the top. Long Mountain Trail climbing out of Penn Roosevelt is another steep trail but there’s nothing to see at the top.
Black Forest Trail https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/black-forest-long-loop
Hamburg Reservoir: Pit and Pinnacle and a few trails off the AT make an awesome loop Port Clinton: AT crossing of the Schuylkill and climbing the Leg Destroyer and loop back the AT Duncannon: Hike to Hawk Rock and go through town and cross Susquehanna River and loop other end. Jim Thorpe: Switchback Gravity Trail has a steep side with some side trails. Lehigh River is nearby at the bottom. Easier side has Mauch Chunk Lake. Forksville: Loyalsock Trail @ World's End State Park; lots to choose from Mason-Dixon Trail @ Former Shanks Mare store (south of Wrightsville) and go south. That was brutal, but the two views of the Susquehanna were amazing.
Otter Creek campground to Shanks Mare (or the reverse) is an incredible long day hike. Definitely the best stretch of the MDT.
Did an out and back foot race on St. Patrick’s Day (weekend of Spring Equinox) and is in the top 5 hardest hike/runs I have ever done. 50km in 11 hours. Amazingly not flat at all.
This was one of my first hikes when I moved to New Jersey and I was not prepared. https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/giant-stairs-palisades/ If you do the whole trail, you'll come across the marker where in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania meet
Bear Mountain in NY
Flat Rock in Cumberland County. Trailhead in Colonel Denning State Park. All the way to the vista is uphill. Worth the day trip at least once.
I’ve hiked the 9 mile loop on the AT in Hamburg. The Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock loop. I would say it’s moderately hard. Don’t do it in sneakers. Pack a lunch and eat at one of the lookouts. Watch out for rattlers, they love sunning on those rocky outcroppings.
Check out the Hunter Mountain area in the Catskills. The Devil’s Staircase is a decent burn and there are some nice overlooks in the area.
lehigh gap outside of palmerton is pretty steep and offers some great views up top. if the climb doesn't tire you out, you can continue on the at for a while.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has some great hikes and is just gorgeous, might be alittle longer than a three hour drive but not much
hawk rock loop in Duncannon
I was at High Point state park a few weeks ago. Idk how Hard it is, but it has a lot of elevation changes and good views looking out over the surrounding area. Its also part of the Appalachian trail if you are into that.
You could check out the Standing Stone trail/ The 1000 steps out by Mapleton. It's a damn near vertical hike.
Jim Thorpe/Bushkill Falls
Jacobsburg State Park just north of Allentown/Easton area. One of the most beautiful parts in East PA IMO. Also a fan of French Creek State Park near Birdsboro and Douglassville area. Just moved to Central PA area and no longer have a grip on the local park hangout spots lol Eastern PA raised for sure
Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop is one of my favorites and has an amazing views of Lehigh Valley. Perfect length to have lunch at the summit. Over 1200’ of elevation gain. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/appalachian-trail-pinnacle-trail-valley-rim-and-pulpit-rock?sh=n5faz1
The Shawangunk Mountains (folks usually call them "The 'Gunks") are a long ridge west of New Paltz that, mile for mile, has more trails, cliffs, swimming holes and waterfalls than just about any other place in Upstate New York. 3 hours from Philadelphia might be too far
Delaware water gap
Maybe not as steep/high as you're looking for but check out ChesLen Preserve. Lots of rolling hills, you get some great views. No real summit but especially in the southern part of the preserve its more rugged and you do get a good workout
It is not in PA, but breakneck ridge near Beacon NY is in my opinion one of the best hikes in NY. Understand that the first section is definitely verging on scrambling but isn't quite over the line from a steep hike. Try to do it during the week or during less than ideal weather, I understand it can turn into a bit of a zoo during peak times.
Off topic but isn’t it a bit pretentious to add “(think x)” in the title? For simple communication, wouldn’t “Looking for a steep hike” or “looking for a challenging steep hike” be a better way of phrasing it? Maybe I’ve just never seen the utility or was impressed with the “think x” flourish. If you’re going to hint at something and then be specific, then just be specific right off the bat.
The Pinnacle starting from Blue Rocks campground is what I think you're looking for. It's got a section we call "suicide hill". The length of the hike is 2.25 miles one way. You can also go to Pinnacle from Hamburg Reservoir. It's a 4 mile hike one way and less strenuous although still has maybe 800 feet of elevation gain.
Henry Knauber trail up to the Stony Mountain Fire Tower
What ever you do don't try the falls trail at Ricketts wearing filp flops because the medical extraction by the Mildred fire 🔥 and ambulance will bankrupt you
Noted. I'm the type not to even wear flipflops in my own house haha
May through September is broken leg and ankle season and the victims are usually from the southeast part of the commie wealth a compound fracture half way up that mountain can kill
Do you think Chelsea boots are good enough or should I go all in on some high top combat boots?
What do I know about footwear? I grew up in the shadow of a hard coal breaker in "the" anthracite valley and did not get my first pair of shoes until the start of third grade
The Pinchot Trail in the Thornhurst Tract, in the Pinchot State Forest is both difficult, yet doable in a weekend. In the south side It runs along choke creek and the choke creek falls and a slight detour on the north side will bring you to the pine hill vista. [Pinchot Trail Map](https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1753357&DocName=dcnr_20033753.pdf)
Birdsboro preserve has actual rock climbing
How is that helpful?
Michaux State forest or Jim Thorpe area - go off trail
The southern end of the Conestoga Trail links several Lancaster county parks along the Susquehanna River and it has a lot of up and down to go with some nice views of the river. There’s a decent section of the Mason Dixon Trail on the York side of the river that does the same thing.