Have you ever just wished, maybe even out loud, you could just get away from it all - far away from other people and the constant buzz of everyday life? Next time you're feeling that way, start planning a visit to the most remote spot in Pennsylvania. There, embrace solitude among nature as you walk along winding trails, breathe in the fresh air, and admire your lush surroundings.
Go deep into the forest when you visit Hammersley Wild Area, a sprawling 30,253-acre wild area tucked in Susquehannock State Forest.
In fact, the most remote spot in Pennsylvania has earned distinction as the state's second largest wild area. Perhaps just as impressive: You won't find a larger roadless area in PA.
Have you ever been to the most remote spot in Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments! Then, click here to read about Renovo, the most remote town in PA.
Nature’s soundtrack – crickets chirping, birds singing, and the slight rustling of the leaves – accompanied us as we ventured deeper into the woods at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Pennsylvania, a sprawling natural area that promises the chance to unplug and de-stress. The longer we walked, the more peaceful our surroundings, an idyllic way to spend a warm, sunny autumn afternoon. This wasn’t our – my daughter's and my – first time here; the nature reserve has become a sanctuary, a place to escape from life's noise.
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Carys Williams
Our previous visit to Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve was in late March before the color returned to the landscape, and the trees were bare, the ground muddy, and the sky gray. I’d been impatient for spring's arrival and hoped to see the leaves on the trees and the green landscape. This time, however, Mother Nature delivered in a big way with some of the trees painted in fall colors, already-fallen leaves lining the trails, and the sun glittering off the pond.
One thing I’ve noticed each time we visit is the quiet. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, a 134-acre hidden gem with five miles of hiking trails, sits along a quiet, winding road in Fox Chapel. The parking lot was nearly full when we arrived later in the afternoon, but you’d never know so many people were exploring. We’d hear occasional voices as we passed other hikers or kids playing by the pond, but otherwise, all we heard were crickets, birds, and the rustling of leaves.
We walked down the hill, next to the parking lot, that leads to the trails and were greeted by a cranky goose who honked as we snapped a few photos. While we’ve seen the geese on our visits, we’ve never seen ducks on the nearby pond, although they’re said to hang around. A pavilion with a few picnic tables and benches overlooks the small pond where koi swim past lily pads.
Since we weren’t in a hurry, we strolled around until I saw a path leading into the woods. We took it. The predominately dirt trail sat above a small gorge, with fallen tree limbs, foliage, and some trickling water. We passed shrubs filled with ripe red berries, climbed wooden stairs, walked over wooden footbridges, and marveled at huge tree roots. Several tiny waterfalls tumbled into a stream. A squirrel ran through the fallen leaves, and a chipmunk poked his head out of a hollowed log, stopped for a photo, and scurried off.
Carys Williams
The nine trails at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve are all short and sweet, with the longest, Pine Hollow, tallying just .91 of a mile. While I’m not sure which trail we followed into the woods (we didn’t see a sign), we also strolled along the .14-mile Goldenrod Trail, which had a few benches offering beautiful pond views.
If you go: The upper parking lot is off of Dorseyville Road. Handicap parking is available down a paved road by the parking lot. Go down the hill, and you’ll see the several spaces to your right. A nature center and Audubon Nature Store sit right by the upper parking lot.
Carys Williams
Sturdy shoes are a good idea if going on the trails. While the paths are easy, the terrain has some rocky patches and tree roots jutting up from the ground.
Pennsylvania never fails to surprise me. Even after growing up and living a significant part of my life here, I’m constantly amazed at all I still haven’t seen and experienced. We have so many hidden gems that we could probably spend a lifetime exploring and not uncover them all. Take this natural wonder in Erie, Pennsylvania, as an example. If you’re not from the area, you might not have heard of it – well, yet. Whether it’s been on your radar or not, this hidden gem certainly deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
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Locals have long flocked to Wintergreen Gorge, nestled on and near the Penn State Behrend campus to explore via the hiking and biking trail and experience its natural beauty. Created from sandstone and shale during the Ice Age more than 11,000 years ago, Wintergreen Gorge boasts some pretty impressive stats. It measures 3,980 feet long and is 250 feet deep.
A local gem, the gorge receives a lot of foot traffic, which led to concerns from local officials and community members about preserving the site, as it began showing signs of erosion. The ongoing efforts to preserve the gorge and protect local wildlife, while making it accessible to the public, include adding boardwalks over wetlands and creating a trail surface that is conducive to wheelchairs and strollers.
The best way to explore this natural wonder in Pennsylvania is on the 2.3-mile out-and-back Wintergreen Gorge Trail, an easy path open to hikers, walkers, and bikers. Leashed dogs are also permitted on the trail. Before you hit the trail, though, you can park at the lot on Cooper Road (parking on the road itself is not allowed), which has several ADA-accessible spots. Other parking lots are available near Ohio Hall and the Prischak Educational Building. Each offers easy access to the trailhead.
Carve out around an hour to complete the picturesque path that requires some uphill walking, but the climb is worth it for the views. The trail leads to Devil’s Backbone, an overlook that promises sweeping views of Wintergreen Gorge. While those views may be the highlight of the trail, you’ll also pass tumbling waterfalls, wildflowers and mushrooms, and Four Mile Creek. Watch for salamanders scurrying across the path, too.
Have you visited Wintergreen Gorge, a magnificent natural wonder in Erie, Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! While in the area, treat yourself to a hearty (and delicious) meal at Lawrence Park Dinor, an old-school diner in Erie, Pennsylvania. Or, if you’re up for more exploring, set off on another of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.
