The best walks and hikes in Keystone State Park
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Hikes in Keystone State Park explore the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands in Westmoreland County. The park's landscape is centered around the 78-acre Keystone Lake, with trails passing through forests and wetland areas. The routes are generally characterized by gentle gradients, making them accessible for a wide range of hikers.
Best hiking trails in Keystone State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Keystone State Park loop via Davis Run Trail, a 4.3 mile (6.9 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to complete. This route combines a lakeside path with a section through the surrounding woodlands.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Lakeside Trail loop — Keystone State Park, an easy 2.0 mile (3.2 km) path. The trail follows the shoreline of Keystone Lake, offering consistent water views with minimal elevation change.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Stone Lodge Trail loop — Keystone State Park, a 1.1 mile (1.8 km) trail leading through a forested hillside, often completed in about 35 minutes.
- Hiking in Keystone State Park is defined by lakeside paths, mature hardwood forests, and quiet wetlands. The trail network offers options suitable for different ability levels, with most routes being relatively flat.
- The routes in Keystone State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from a number of reviews. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Keystone State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
7
hikers
6.93km
01:52
80m
80m
Hike the easy 4.3-mile Davis Run Trail Loop in Keystone State Park, featuring varied terrain, lake views, and a scenic conifer tunnel.
4
hikers
3.21km
00:50
20m
20m
Enjoy an easy 2.0-mile hike on the Lakeside Trail in Keystone State Park, offering scenic views of Keystone Lake and a relaxing outdoor esca
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1.81km
00:34
70m
80m
Hike the easy 1.1-mile Stone Lodge Trail in Keystone State Park, offering forested hillsides and potential lake views.
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29
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3.98km
01:02
30m
30m
The Twin Lakes Park Loop is an easy 2.5-mile hike with 100 feet of elevation gain, offering scenic views of Twin Lakes.
4.0
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13
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2.86km
00:45
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Keystone State Park
Tips from the Community
The Twin Lakes are a recreational area for walkers and anglers. The main route around the lakes is also suitable for strollers.
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Davis Run Trail cuts across the wetlands of Keystone State Park and continues up to the forest of hardwood and conifer trees. The trail comes alive in spring with new life filling the vernal pools.
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The centerpiece of the park is its two namesake lakes, which offer a serene and picturesque setting for various outdoor activities. There is a 2.5-mile trail that gently winds around two picturesque lakes, making it an ideal choice for leisurely walks, jogs, or bike rides. You can enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the lakes, spot various wildlife, and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty.
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Designed with accessibility in mind, the walkway provides a gentle path around the park's lakes, allowing visitors of all abilities to enjoy the natural beauty.
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The centerpiece of the park is its two namesake lakes. There is a 2.5-mile trail that winds around the two lakes, making it an ideal choice for walks, jogs, or bike rides.
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Renowned for its diverse recreational opportunities, the park offers camping, modern cabins, and an array of trails for hiking and biking. A serene lake invites visitors to enjoy swimming, fishing, or kayaking. The park's natural beauty, coupled with its modern amenities, creates an ideal setting for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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Originally constructed by the Keystone Coal and Coke Company, the building now serves as a gateway to exploring the park's natural and historical offerings. You can delve into the region's coal mining heritage through informative displays and artifacts showcased within the center.
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As the centerpiece of Keystone State Park, you can enjoy a variety of water-based activities, including fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is also a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing for up-close encounters with the park's diverse wildlife. For those who prefer to stay on land, the surrounding trails provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature observation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails at Keystone State Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome in Keystone State Park but must be kept on a leash and under physical control at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone. The park's hillside campground area is also noted as being dog-friendly.
What are the best trails for a family with young children?
For a family-friendly outing, the Lakeside Trail loop is an excellent choice. It's an easy 2-mile (3.2 km) walk with minimal elevation change, offering lovely, consistent views of Keystone Lake that can keep younger hikers engaged.
Which trail offers the best scenic views of Keystone Lake?
Many trails offer views of the lake, but for a route that combines both lakeside paths and woodland scenery, consider the James A. Kell Visitor Center loop from New Alexandria. This walk provides varied perspectives of the park's landscape, including the lake and surrounding forests.
Is there an entrance or parking fee for Keystone State Park?
No, there are no entrance fees to access Keystone State Park or its trailheads. Parking is available free of charge in designated lots throughout the park, making it easy to get straight to your hike.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails?
The trails in Keystone State Park are generally characterized by gentle gradients and relatively flat paths, especially around the lake. Some routes, like the Stone Lodge Trail loop, involve a steeper climb through forested hillsides, but overall the park's terrain is accessible for most fitness levels.
What is the best time of year to hike in Keystone State Park?
Hiking is possible year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and autumn is famous for its spectacular foliage. In winter, the trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, providing a peaceful, snowy landscape.
How difficult are the hikes in Keystone State Park?
The majority of the trails are rated as easy. The park features approximately eight miles of trails with gentle gradients, making it well-suited for casual walkers, families, and those looking for a relaxed day outdoors. Even the more challenging sections are typically short and manageable.
Can I go mountain biking in the park?
The trails within Keystone State Park are designated for hiking. Mountain biking is not a primary activity on these specific paths. The terrain is more suited to walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Where can I find a trail map for the park?
Trail maps are generally available at the James A. Kell Visitor Center within the park. For digital navigation and to discover routes planned by other hikers, you can explore the trails on komoot. You can also find official park maps on the Pennsylvania DCNR website.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Keystone State Park?
The area is well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Hikers often praise the serene lakeside paths, the quiet woodlands, and the variety of wildlife, from waterfowl on the lake to amphibians in the wetland areas.
Are there any other good places to hike near Keystone State Park?
Yes, if you're looking for another nearby option, Twin Lakes Park is a popular choice. It offers a pleasant loop trail around its own lakes and is just a short drive away, providing a similar gentle hiking experience.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The park's diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for waterfowl like herons and ospreys near Keystone Lake. The forests are home to various songbirds, and the wetland areas along trails like the Davis Run Trail are active with frogs and insects, especially in the spring and summer.
Most popular routes in Keystone State Park
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