It’s time to hit the trail!

Whether you’re a casual walker, an avid hiker or have mobility issues, the area has a number of paths and trails to fit most needs.

Pennsylvania’s state parks usually have places to walk and hike, and with 19 miles of trails that vary in length and difficulty, Beltzville State Park is no exception.

Depending on the trek they choose, visitors can see waterfalls, wildlife - or learn how to identify trees through a self-guided tour.

The park near Lehighton even has trails that pass through history - like the 1841 Harrity Covered Bridge, which is just steps away from the beach area, and the Sawmill Trail, which passes below the breast of the Beltzville dam.

“My favorite trail is the Sawmill Trail, which has some very fascinating 18th and 19th century history that can be found along the trail, including the remnants of a gristmill operation, and an abandoned slate quarry that was a small family business dating back to the late 1700s,” Rob Bergstresser, the park’s environmental education specialist, said. “This area was formally part of the village of Big Creek Valley, which was vacated in the mid-1960s to build the dam, but since this area isn’t under water, we can still see some of the history of the area before the dam and park were constructed.”

Bergstresser said walkers can still see remnants of Walter Krick’s dam and elaborate gardens.

“Mr. Krick was a Packerton High School principal who had a home along what is now the Sawmill Trail,” he noted.

Bergstresser added that he has family ties to the area near the trail.

“My ancestors on my mom’s side of my family, the Solt Family, were the first successful pioneers to settle the area way back in the 1770s, during a time when there was still a lot of violence occurring between settlers and Native Americans. Every time I walk the Sawmill Trail, I feel a lot of strong connections with the trail,” he said.

He’ll offer “The History Surrounding the Sawmill Trail” from 9 - 11 a.m. June 1 at the Sawmill Trailhead parking lot. More information can be found at the park’s calendar of events: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/beltzville_state_park.

Also of note are waterfalls that can be accessed by the Wild Creek Trailhead.

Most trails are on the day use area side of the park, however, the Trinity Gorge and Preachers Camp trails are on the Route 209 side.

Maps are available at the park office and several kiosks around the park - just as they are at other state parks.

Tuscarora State Park in Rush Township has a number of trails, too. The longest is the Spirit of Tuscarora Trail - and it is the favorite of park naturalist Robin Tracey.

“It is my fave because it has an array of diverse habitats. It runs along the creek in several spots. You traverse through hemlocks stands and rhododendron tunnels. Throughout the year, there are always different wildflowers to be found,” Tracey said.

She noted that the trail is named after the “Spirit Tree,” which is along the trail.

“It is located down near the creek and is rightfully named due to the different spirits or faces that can be seen on it from different angles,” Tracey said.

The trail was created by Dennis Knauss more than 34 years ago; he maintains it to this day, she said. She often recommends the trail to visitors.

Tuscarora also has the Lake View Trail, which has several paved portions and passes restrooms, picnic tables and benches before connecting to other trails. A lesser known hike is the Crow Trail, a dirt road that meets the southern shore of the lake - across from the swimming area.

Without a doubt, the Bike Trail at Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville is the park’s most popular. A 1.3 mile paved loop around the lake, it sees many walkers and bikers - and even children being pushed in strollers.

It is also handicapped accessible.

Jennifer Holman, a volunteer with the Friends of Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks, said it’s the one she likes best.

“It allows me to reminisce about camping in high school at Locust Lake. This trail is one of the most beautiful and accessible trails we have because it’s paved and regardless of the season has views that are stunning and smells that bring back memories - like campfires, hot dogs or s’mores. You might even see one of the two resident bald eagles if you look closely,” Holman said.

The Bike Trail has a number of exercise stations as well.

Tracey noted that a compass course for orienteering is at Locust Lake, and maps are available at the Locust Lake contact station and Tuscarora park visitor center.

At Mauch Chunk Lake Park near Jim Thorpe, an employee noted the most popular trail is the Switchback Trail. He explained that it is a 13-mile loop that follows the route of the former Switchback Gravity Railroad and is easily accessed from the park’s main entrance.

Mauch Chunk’s Shoreline Trail has a few bridges, travels beneath a thick canopy of trees, and hugs the edge of the lake in many places. Several benches are available, and the trail can be accessed from the camping area, Boat Launch B, the County Environmental Center and the Switchback Trail.

The Lehigh Gorge State Park spans between White Haven and Jim Thorpe, and is connected by the Lehigh Gorge Trail. The trail is part of the Delaware and Lehigh (D & L) Trail.

The D & L Trail has access points throughout the area, including Slatington, Jim Thorpe borough and Walnutport.

The Schuylkill River Trail, which will span 120 miles between Frackville and Philadelphia, has some finished stretches to walk in the area including those near Hamburg, Landingville and Auburn.

A flat, wide path winds around the lower Owl Creek reservoirs in Tamaqua. The Tenderfoot Trail, which may be accessed from the breast of the lower reservoir, takes walkers on a woodsy walk along the lake.