Autumn Hike Advice 2018; Where are you going? (Jim Thorpe, Wellsboro: dog friendly, best)

[Muinteoir]

Hey all,

This October, right at foliage peak, my roommate and I plan to go for a long day trip hike in the state. I am looking for advice on the best hike for us. Here is the criteria for the right hike:

1. Ideally, we are looking to stay within three hours one-way of Philly, although we'd venture a bit farther for the right hike.
2. Dog friendly
3. Beautiful view of mountainside fall foliage, ideally with multiple overlooks and a summit to conclude the ascension.
4. Water of some sort. Waterfalls would be ideal, but at least a view of a river or creek.
5. A trail long enough to make it worth our while, at least a two hour, if not longer, hike.
6. Not overly crowded with people? I realize with the criteria and the time of year, this may be difficult.

Right now, I am considering Glen Onoko Falls. It looks like it has both beautiful views of water, and beautiful overlooks of mountains. It pretty much meets all of my criteria, so I am worried it will be insanely crowded. Has anyone been this time of year?

I am also considering Ricketts Glen. Some have told me it is their favorite PA hike. The waterfalls look beautiful, but based off photos, it doesn't look like it has any overlooks or real views of mountains. Same question for those with experience.

Otherwise, even if your hike is all the way out in SW PA, I'd love to hear where you're going and why!

[Patmcpsu]

Glen Okono is a fun little hike, but it's just that: little. The hike itself takes about 15 minutes each way, plus however much time you spend on stops. It is a memorable hike, and the somewhat difficult terrain makes up for its short length. Wear hiking boots (or at least a good pair of sneakers); you will need good traction.

As far as crowds go, yes, there will be people. The waterfall can get a little crowded, but the trail itself has enough space for everybody. I would not call this an intimate secluded hike, however.

That being said, I really like Jim Thorpe (where Glen Okono is) and it's the most convenient taste of the Poconos you'll get from Philly. The town itself is interesting enough to spend an afternoon (or a weekend), especially if you like Irish pubs.

There are other trails around Jim Thorpe that are less impressive than Glen Okono, but then again, should be pretty at peak-foliage. I doubt they'll be crowded.

[Gerania]

I've been to Ricketts Glen on a nice day in October, and there were a lot of people on the Falls Trail.

While I've never hiked and can't recommend it, the Cherry Run Trail loop looks as though it might be nice. It both crosses over and parallels Cherry Run and Bowmans Creek. You'd have enough time to see the waterfall on the short Evergreen Trail south of Rt. 118.

[Mar0]

If you do the loop at glen onoko, it's about for miles and takes maybe 2-3 hours depending on your pace. I prefer this to ricketts glen bc of the crowds.

I like worlds end and doing a few of the trails at hickory run.

[rowhomecity]

Go to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon! And then go over to Cherry Springs State Park which is one of the top 10 places to stargaze in the entire world

Check out and stay in the absolutely cute town of Wellsboro, PA while you visit!

[fisheye]

Here is a link to a Fall Foliage Map: https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/. It is currently set for OCT 1st; but you can slide the date slider to check out any date that you plan on making the trip.

There are many great trips one can make in PA to see the foliage. Some of our best foliage is heading into our higher elevations; but they are the first to turn. Then our valleys will turn later. Philly, where the OP is from, is one of our lower elevations; only around 50 to 150 feet above sea level. Traveling north will take the OP into higher elevations that will turn faster because they are colder.