As the crisp air of fall arrives, mountain hiking becomes the ideal outdoor activity. This season offers the perfect blend of cool weather and the dramatic beauty of vibrant fall foliage. Before these scenic destinations transition into popular locations for winter sports, take advantage of the perfect conditions for a rewarding climb.

This guide provides a curated list of the best day-trip hikes and mountain vistas conveniently located within driving distance of Bucks County and Philadelphia.

Day Trip Mountain Hiking Destinations Near Bucks County & Philadelphia

John’s Driving School is not affiliated with any of the businesses, organizations, or locations below.

RINGING ROCKS COUNTY PARK

(Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, PA)

Height: Not significant; known for the unique geology.

Driving Time (Approx): 45 minutes – 1 hour

Why It’s Recommended: The park is famous for its boulder field, where the rocks ring when struck with a hammer (bring your own!). It’s a great family outing and offers quiet, rugged hiking trails behind the boulder field that lead to the largest waterfall in Bucks County.

BAKE OVEN KNOB

(Blue Mountain Ridge, Northwest of Allentown, PA)

Height: 1,585 ft.

Driving Time (Approx): 1.5 hours

Why It’s Recommended: This peak sits directly on the Appalachian Trail and is known for its rugged, rocky terrain. The hike features a rock scramble and  beautiful views from the top of the Blue Mountain ridge. A great option for experiencing a portion of the AT without going too far north.

TOP ROCK AT MOUNT HAYCOCK

(Nockamixon State Park Area, Quakertown, PA)

Height: One of the highest elevations in Bucks County.

Driving Time (Approx): 45 minutes – 1 hour

Why It’s Recommended: Known for its challenging bouldering and rock-scrambling sections, this is a popular spot for the more adventurous hiker in Bucks County. It offers a remote, less-trafficked feel and provides excellent views over the Nockamixon area.

BEAM ROCKS

(Laurel Highlands Trail, Forbes State Forest, PA)

Height: 2,661 feet (The rock outcrop rises about 90 feet above the trail).

Driving Time (Approx): 5 – 6 hours (from Philadelphia)

Why It’s Recommended: This is considered one of the most scenic mountain vistas in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania, offering a dramatic 180° view over the ridge. It is a fantastic destination for a multi-day trip that includes exploring the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT).

GILLESPIE POINT

(Tioga State Forest)

Height: 1,800 feet

Driving Time (Approx): 4.5 – 5 hours (from Philadelphia)

Why It’s Recommended: This is a trip for those seeking views of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania (Pine Creek Gorge). It is often nicknamed the “Matterhorn of Pennsylvania” due to its strangely perfect pyramidal shape, which is rare for the region.

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN

(Big Pocono State Park, Pocono Mountains, PA)

Height: 2,133 ft.

Driving Time (Approx): 2 hours

Why It’s Recommended: While famous for its ski resort and water park, Camelback is the highest mountain in the Poconos. It offers about 7 miles of trails within Big Pocono State Park, giving you broad views of the entire region. The trails are rocky but generally manageable, providing an excellent destination for a day trip combined with other Poconos attractions.

MOUNT NITTANY

(State College, PA)

Height: 2,077 feet

Driving Time (Approx): 3.5 – 4 hours (from Philadelphia)

Why It’s Recommended: Known locally as the “Classic Hike” of Central PA, Mount Nittany is an iconic landmark overlooking Penn State University and State College.

MOUNT TAMMANY / MOUNT MINSI

(Delaware Water Gap, PA/NJ)

Height: Mt. Tammany: 1,526 ft. | Mt. Minsi: 1,463 ft.

Driving Time (Approx): 1.5 – 2 hours

Why It’s Recommended: Local hikers agree this is the closest destination for a proper, strenuous mountain hike. The Mt. Tammany Red Dot Trail is famous for its steep ascent (over 1,000 ft. of elevation gain in under 2 miles) leading to spectacular views overlooking the Delaware River. It’s considered the gold standard for challenging day hiking near Philadelphia. Both peaks offer fantastic vistas of the iconic Water Gap landmark.

THE PINNACLE / PULPIT ROCK

(Appalachian Trail, Hamburg, PA)

Height: Pinnacle: 1,650 ft.

Driving Time (Approx): 1.5 – 2 hours

Why It’s Recommended: This is a fantastic, well-known loop hike on the Appalachian Trail that rewards hikers with expansive views after a challenging climb. Locals often describe this as one of the most rewarding and scenic day hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania, perfect for those looking to conquer rocky, AT-style terrain.