Walking and Hiking in Pinchot State Forest
Pinchot State Forest in Wilkes-Barre offers a stunning natural setting for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its diverse array of amenities, including multiple parking lots, picnic sites, a leisure playground, a swimming pool, bike paths, and scenic viewpoints, the park is well-equipped to cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. ...
Pinchot State Forest in Wilkes-Barre offers a stunning natural setting for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its diverse array of amenities, including multiple parking lots, picnic sites, a leisure playground, a swimming pool, bike paths, and scenic viewpoints, the park is well-equipped to cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Pinchot State Forest provides the ideal backdrop for outdoor activity. The park's Joe Palooka Monument and shelters offer additional points of interest and comfort for visitors. If you're seeking an adventure in nature, Pinchot State Forest is the perfect destination for walking and hiking in Wilkes-Barre.
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Websitehttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/pinchot/index.htm
Essential Amenities in Pinchot State Forest
Pinchot State Forest Sport Facilities
Things to See in Pinchot State Forest
MonumentJoe Palooka Monument
Other Amenities in Pinchot State Forest
Best Walking Routes in Pinchot State Forest
#1 - Audubon Loop Trail
Length: 1.8 milesEst. Time: 31m
Audubon Loop Trail is a 1.8 mile (4,000-step) route located near Trucksville, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 127.9 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#2 - Watres Trail
Length: 5.5 milesEst. Time: 1h13m
Watres Trail is a 5.5 mile (13,000-step) route located near Moscow, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 505.1 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#3 - Pinchot Access Trail
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m
Pinchot Access Trail is a 0.2 mile (500-step) route located near Bear Creek Village, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
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Reviews of Pinchot State Forest
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Pinchot State Forest Leaderboard
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
State Game Lands Number 91 Bear Creek Baseball Fields Seven Tubs Recreation Area Tony Attardo Memorial Park State Game Lands Number 292 FAQs About Pinchot State Forest
Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Pinchot State Forest?
Yes, there are parking lots, picnic sites, leisure playgrounds, and shelters available for walkers and hikers in Pinchot State Forest.
How accessible is Pinchot State Forest?
Pinchot State Forest is accessible with multiple parking lots available, making it convenient for visitors to access the park.
What kind of sports can I do in Pinchot State Forest?
In addition to walking and hiking, visitors can also enjoy swimming in the swimming pool and cycling on the bike paths available in the park.
What is the best season to walk in Pinchot State Forest?
The best season to walk in Pinchot State Forest is typically spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it can get hot and humid, so early morning or late afternoon walks are recommended.
What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Pinchot State Forest?
Pinchot State Forest experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are generally warm and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. It's important to prepare for varying temperatures and precipitation, especially if planning longer hikes or walks.
What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Pinchot State Forest?
In Pinchot State Forest, hikers and walkers may encounter a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and various bird species. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of the natural habitat of these animals while enjoying the forest.
Last updated: Dec 1, 2025
Parks Near Pinchot State Forest
State Game Lands Number 91 Bear Creek Baseball Fields Seven Tubs Recreation Area Tony Attardo Memorial Park State Game Lands Number 292 Latest Check-ins at Pinchot State Forest
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Total Check-ins at Pinchot State Forest
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Pinchot State Forest
#1- Audubon Loop Trail
Length: 1.8 milesEst. Time: 31m
Audubon Loop Trail is a 1.8 mile (4,000-step) route located near Trucksville, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 127.9 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#2- Watres Trail
Length: 5.5 milesEst. Time: 1h13m
Watres Trail is a 5.5 mile (13,000-step) route located near Moscow, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 505.1 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#3- Pinchot Access Trail
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m
Pinchot Access Trail is a 0.2 mile (500-step) route located near Bear Creek Village, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#4- Birchstill Trail
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 18m
Birchstill Trail is a 1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Arrowhead Lake, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 118.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#5- Snow Mobile Trail
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 7m
Snow Mobile Trail is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near Arrowhead Lake, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 13.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#6- Thirsty Hill Trail
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 9m
Thirsty Hill Trail is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near Bear Creek Village, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 3.3 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#7- Sunday Trail
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m
Sunday Trail is a 0.7 mile (1,500-step) route located near Arrowhead Lake, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 9.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#8- McClintock Gate Trail
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
McClintock Gate Trail is a 0.2 mile (472-step) route located near Bear Creek Village, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 23 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#9- Painter Creek Trail
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 12m
Painter Creek Trail is a 0.8 mile (1,500-step) route located near Moscow, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#10- Choke Creek Nature Trail
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 22m
Choke Creek Nature Trail is a 1.3 mile (3,000-step) route located near Arrowhead Lake, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 95.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#11- Behler Swamp Trail
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 13m
Behler Swamp Trail is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#12- McClintock's Gate Trail
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
McClintock's Gate Trail is a 0.7 mile (1,500-step) route located near Bear Creek Village, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 9.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#13- Old Glen Summit
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m
Old Glen Summit is a 2.7 mile (6,000-step) route located near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 157.4 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#14- Powder Magazine Trail
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 17m
Powder Magazine Trail is a 1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 59 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#15- White Line Trail
Length: 1.6 milesEst. Time: 28m
White Line Trail is a 1.6 mile (3,500-step) route located near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 137.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#16- Butler Run Trail
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 20m
Butler Run Trail is a 1.2 mile (3,000-step) route located near Arrowhead Lake, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#17- Stone Lookout Trail
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 19m
Stone Lookout Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Bear Creek Village, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 52.5 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#18- North Line Trail
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 13m
North Line Trail is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Moscow, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#19- Hayes Run Trail
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 23m
Hayes Run Trail is a 1.3 mile (3,000-step) route located near Moscow, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 213.2 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#20- Keller's Swamp Trail
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m
Keller's Swamp Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near White Haven, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 32.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#21- Scrub Oak Trail
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 16m
Scrub Oak Trail is a 1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#22- Sassafras Hill Trail
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 20m
Sassafras Hill Trail is a 1.2 mile (3,000-step) route located near Moscow, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#23- Frank Gantz Trail
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 19m
Frank Gantz Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.
#24- Spruce Hill Trail
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 11m
Spruce Hill Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Moscow, Pennsylvania. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.