Appalachian Trail Terrain in Pennsylvania
The Appalachian Trail follows ridges of mountains east of the Alleghenies to the Susquehanna River in a long section of Trail notorious for its foot-bruising, boot-destroying rocks. The Trail north of the Susquehanna is characterized by long, flat, rocky ridges broken by fairly strenuous climbs in and out of gaps. About ten miles south of the Susquehanna River, the Trail crosses the Great Valley of the Appalachians to the Blue Ridge. This southern portion of the Trail through Pennsylvania has many sections that are gentle, and grades are easy, making it one of the easiest sections of the Trail.
Pennsylvania can be oppressively hot in summer, and water may be scarce. The Trail crosses many roads, and some shelters are near roads, where scattered crime problems make extra safety awareness a good idea.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has a field office along the Trail in Boiling Springs.
Difficulty Ratings for A.T. Sections
Because the A.T. spans a great variety of terrain, ranging from relatively flat and easy, to extremely difficult, the following scale was created as a general guide:
1 = Flat and smooth
2 = Flat terrain but uneven treadway, or slight elevation change
3 = Moderate elevation change, but well graded trail, or flat trail with very rough treadway
4 = Strenuous climbs, but of moderate duration, or short but steep climbs
5 = Lengthy graded climbs, alternating with easier sections
6 = Extended climbs that may last hours or shorter climbs with difficult footing
7 = Includes rock scrambling that is relatively easy and of short duration
8 = Includes rock scrambling that is somewhat challenging
9 = Rock scrambling that is difficult and extended
10 = Use of hands required for extended periods of climbing, footing precarious, and leaping may be required — not recommended for those with fear of heights and not in good physical condition. Shorter hikers may be at a disadvantage
| At a Glance | |
| A.T. mileage | 229.6 miles |
| Difficulty rating | 2-4 |
| Elevation | 320 – 2,080 feet |
| Guidebook | Appalachian Trail Guide to Pennsylvania |
| When to go | Mid-April through mid-June. September-October. Summer heat and humidity can occasionally be oppressive. |
| Trail clubs | Wilmington Trail Club Delaware River (N.J.-Pa. line) to Pa. 191 in Fox GapBatona Hiking Club Pa. 191 in Fox Gap to Wind Gap Appalachian Mountain Club—Delaware Valley Chapter Philadelphia Trail Club Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club Allentown Hiking Club Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club York Hiking Club Cumberland Valley A.T. Club Mountain Club of Maryland Potomac Appalachian Trail Club |
