The best walks and hikes around Gastonville
5.0
(3)
68
hikers
22
hikes
Hiking trails around Gastonville, Pennsylvania, are characterized by rolling hills, woodlands, and creek valleys, offering picturesque scenery. The region features a network of accessible paths, many within South Park or along former railway lines like the Montour Trail. The terrain generally has gentle gradients, making it suitable for a range of fitness levels. These natural features provide diverse settings for outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails around Gastonville
- The most popular hiking route is South Park White and Red Loop, a 10.4 miles (16.8 km) trail that takes around 4 hours 37 minutes to complete. This route offers a longer exploration of South Park's varied landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Peterswood Park Loop, an easy 2.8 miles (4.5 km) path. This trail winds through parkland with gentle elevation changes.
- Local hikers also love the Maple Springs Loop, a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) trail leading through wooded sections of South Park, often completed in about 54 minutes.
- Hiking around Gastonville is defined by well-maintained park trails, converted railway paths, and gentle creek-side routes. The network of trails offers options for different ability levels, with a majority of routes rated as easy.
- The routes in Gastonville are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. More than 60 hikers have used komoot to explore Gastonville's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
6
hikers
3.42km
00:54
30m
40m
Hike the easy 2.1-mile Maple Springs Loop in South Park, Pennsylvania, featuring a creek, a pond with a gazebo, and open meadows.
4
hikers
16.8km
04:37
260m
290m
Hike the moderate 10.5-mile South Park White and Red Loop, featuring wooded paths, ponds, and 864 feet of elevation gain.
Sign up for free
3
hikers
4.52km
01:13
60m
50m
Hike the easy 2.8-mile Peterswood Park Loop, gaining 207 feet in elevation while enjoying park amenities and green spaces.
93.5km
24:18
570m
640m
Hike the Montour Trail, a 58.1-mile difficult route through Pennsylvania's varied landscapes, featuring tunnels, viaducts, and woodlands.
4
hikers
3.90km
01:04
60m
60m
Hike the easy 2.4-mile Warm-up Loop Trail in South Park, Bethel Park, featuring rolling terrain and mature forests.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The McDonald Trestle is a historic former railroad bridge, and is now a nearly 1,000‑foot long pedestrian and cycling viaduct on the Montour Trail.
0
0
Wet tunnel with water dripping from ceiling. Very cold almost icy.
0
0
This is a nice little pond in the South Park Game Preserve with some cool turtle watching opportunities.
0
0
This is a lovely little pond within South Park Game Reserve, with a small fountain in the middle. There is a walkway around the pond, so you can see the ducks and turtles up close.
1
0
Westland Junction serves as the pivotal point linking the main Montour Trail with the Westland Branch Montour Trail. Named after the Westland Mine 1, which held significance as a Montour RR servicing point until the early 1980s. Following abandonment, the branch was revitalized by the W&LE in 2012 to cater to the gas plant.
0
0
The Montour Trail was formerly the Montour Railroad and is a very family friendly trail. The trail is mostly smooth crushed limestone, with some sections of asphalt. The entire trail is approximately 47 miles, with multiple branch routes increasing this to approximately 60 miles. This is a multi-user trail, so please be respectful of other trail users.
2
0
The Warmup Loop Trail is situated next to a parking lot in the north of South Park. As the name indicates, it is an easy multi-use trail on natural paths, that often serves as a warm-up before hiking along more trails in the area.
0
0
Between 1928-1932 many stone features were built as part of the style of South Park. The Edgebrook Shelter is one of these structures. Often called Oven Shelters or Camp Shelters you can find other similar ones in this area in different states of repair.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hiking trails near Gastonville?
Yes, the area is well-suited for families. The trails are generally on gentle gradients, with 12 of the 17 routes in the region rated as easy. A great option is the Warm-up Loop Trail — South Park, Bethel Park, which is a relatively short and flat walk. For a different experience, Mingo Creek County Park is a local favorite, offering playgrounds and easy trails alongside the creek.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Many trails in the Gastonville area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check local regulations for the specific park you're visiting. Mingo Creek County Park is particularly popular with dog owners as it features a large, fenced-in dog park where your pup can run off-leash.
What are the trail conditions like on the Montour Trail?
The Montour Trail follows a former railroad line, so the terrain is mostly flat with a crushed gravel surface. It's well-maintained and considered very accessible for hikers of all abilities, as well as for cyclists. It offers a scenic route through woodlands and across features like the Chartiers Creek Bridge.
Are there any challenging hikes in the Gastonville area?
The trails immediately around Gastonville are mostly easy to moderate, focusing on rolling hills rather than steep climbs. There are no routes in the immediate vicinity rated as difficult. For a more strenuous hike, you might consider traveling to Hawk Rock Overlook, which involves a steeper, more significant elevation gain to reach its rewarding viewpoint.
Where can I find the most scenic views while hiking?
For classic Pennsylvania scenery, the trails in the region's parks offer beautiful woodland and creekside views. Peters Lake Park is highly regarded for its tranquil waterside path, perfect for spotting wildlife. The Montour Trail also provides picturesque scenery, especially from its bridges and through its wooded corridors.
What kind of wildlife might I see on the trails?
The parks and trails around Gastonville are rich with wildlife. On hikes, especially near water, you can often spot turtles, ducks, and various fish. The woodlands are home to squirrels, deer, and a variety of bird species. Peters Lake Park is a particularly good spot for wildlife watching.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the best hikes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. South Park has several excellent loop trails, such as the South Park/Montour Connector Trail loop, which combines park paths with a section of the Montour Trail.
Where are the best places to go hiking near Gastonville?
You have several excellent options for hiking. The most popular spots include:
Mingo Creek County Park: A large, highly-rated park known for its varied trails, playgrounds, and picturesque covered bridges.
Montour Trail: A well-maintained and scenic rail-trail that is mostly flat, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Peters Lake Park: A favorite for its tranquil lakeside loop trail, which is great for easy walks and wildlife spotting.
Are there trails with waterfalls nearby?
While the immediate Gastonville area is known more for its rolling hills and creeks, you can find waterfalls if you venture a bit further. Linn Run State Park is a popular destination that features a beautiful stream with several small falls and cascades along its woodland trails.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Gastonville?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, especially along the Montour Trail, and the peaceful, scenic woodlands found within the local parks like South Park and Mingo Creek County Park.
How many hiking trails are there around Gastonville?
There are over 15 designated hiking routes in the Gastonville area. The majority of these are rated as easy, with a handful of moderate options available, providing a good variety for different fitness levels.
Most popular attractions around Gastonville
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
