From fishing and ATV riding to snowmobiling and ice skating, Pennsylvania’s 124 free state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland provides endless year-round outdoor adventure for you to incorporate in your next Great American Getaway itinerary. While each one of our state parks and forests provides a stellar experience, here are some of our top picks to get you started exploring Pennsylvania’s greater than great outdoors any time of year:
McConnells Mill State Park
Portersville
Just a 45-minute drive north of Pittsburgh takes you to McConnells Mill State Park where both history buffs and extreme outdoor adventurers alike can indulge their respective passions. The park’s historic, 19th century gristmill and the Howe Truss design covered bridge – a registered National Historic Landmark - along with an old lime kiln, are key sites for those who love history and historic structures. Dive into a bit of the park’s natural history by exploring the amazing natural geologic wonders created over the past 2 million years along the half-mile Hell’s Hollow Trail. This easy walk takes you past the old lime kiln and stunning Hells Hollow Falls.
The park offers several exhilarating, heart-pounding experiences for highly skilled, outdoor-adventure-seeking enthusiasts. Gear up to climb and then rappel down the park’s two rock climbing areas: the challenging Rim Road and the even more advanced and rugged Breakneck Bridge area where extreme caution is strongly recommended. Enjoy up to six miles of thrilling whitewater rafting action especially in the spring and fall on Slippery Rock Creek with its Class II to IV rapids, depending on water level. Be aware of the mandatory portage around the dam at the historic gristmill. The park’s 11 miles of hiking trails are perfect for advanced and highly experienced hikers to test and perfect their skills with steep to very steep terrain, large changes in elevation, and rocky terrain with huge boulders to navigate over and around left from past glacier activity of eons ago. Along with all the adrenaline-pumping action, you’ll be treated to some spectacular scenery whatever sport or activity you choose at this National Natural Landmark!
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Gardners
Nestled within the 85,500-acre Michaux State Forest and the midway point on the 2,000-mile-long Appalachian Trail, the nearly 700-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park is known as a hotspot for hikers visiting southcentral PA. The park features four miles of hiking trails, two miles of rail trail, two lakes for swimming and fishing (boating and ice skating allowed in the much larger Laurel Lake), and plentiful terrain for wildlife watching and cross-country skiing.
Find all of the necessities for a picnic in the park at the on-site General Store, which is stocked with all of your picnic picks including ice cream and burgers. Stop in the Appalachian Trail Museum to learn more about this iconic eastern trail and be sure to check out the remnants of the ironworks that took place on this site dating back to the mid-1700s. You can even stay overnight in the two-story historic Paymaster’s Cabin that has been fully modernized. Alternatively, you can pitch a tent or park your RV at the campground with its modern facilities to make the most of your time at this PA state park.
Pine Creek Gorge and Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks
Ansonia
Almost 50 miles long and more than 1,500 feet deep in places, Pine Creek Gorge is often referred to as the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” featuring spectacular views, abundant wildlife, and beautiful foliage. You can explore the gorge with a truly up-close view of the canyon floor along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, the 62-mile multi-use recreational trail that runs the length of the gorge and popular with hikers, cyclists, and other outdoor recreation fans. This stunning outdoor attraction is roughly a 4-hour drive from New York City and 3.5 hours from Philadelphia, perfect for a mid-week or weekend PA Getaway with delightful restaurants and lodging in the quaint town of Wellsboro nearby.
Start your visit with a beautiful bird’s-eye views of the 47-mile-long canyon from stunning vistas at the two state parks on the canyon’s east and west rims. The views from Leonard Harrison State Park on the east rim are simply breathtaking, with the park considered one of the best places on the East Coast to enjoy fall’s vibrant colors. The park’s visitors center, gift shop, and viewing area offer insights and examples celebrating the region’s rich history.
Colton Point State Park on the west rim is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, resonating with the rustic charm of the 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps and rugged overlooks providing great views of the canyon below. Adventurous climbers will want to check out the Turkey Path, an extremely challenging 1.5-mile hike down to the canyon floor with a 70-foot cascading waterfall less than a half-mile down.
Cook Forest State Park
Cooksburg
With its 2,300 acres of old-growth forest featuring a veritable “Forest Cathedral” of towering white pine and hemlock trees with white and chestnut oak, black cherry, red maple, and cucumber trees scattered throughout, Cook Forest State Park is a must-visit destination. This National Natural Landmark is perfect for an outdoor PAGetaway with a variety of opportunities for open-air adventures – from water sports to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching to many fun winter activities.
Water sport enthusiasts can enjoy a six-to-ten-mile kayaking or canoe trip down the Class I Clarion River, while fishing aficionados can attempt to reel in trout, panfish, and warmwater game fish. For those who prefer more land-based adventures, the park together with the adjacent Clarion River Lands (CRL) offers 55 miles of hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to super challenging with close to 30 additional miles of multi-use trails between the two areas. There’s a 13-mile bicycle route in the state park along its more lightly traveled roads including a portion of the Hefren Run Trail, while horseback riders will find 24 miles of trails with an additional small loop trail in the park. When conditions allow, the park is transformed into a veritable playground in winter with ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing fun. Be sure to check out the Sawmill Center for the Arts located in the park for a wide variety of hands-on activities and events throughout the year.
Cherry Springs State Park and Susquehannock State Forest
Coudersport
With its jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring view of the night sky, Cherry Springs State Park is one destination that should be on everyone’s PA bucket list. Located atop a 2,300-foot-high mountain with a 360-degree view of the night sky essentially free of light pollution, you can see the Milky Way and thousands upon thousands of stars with your naked eye - an experience like no other! Serious stargazers with equipment will find the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field ideal for night sky viewing with its concrete telescope pads, Wi-Fi, electricity provided, required registration, and strict rules and regulations. The Night Sky Public Viewing Area and the Rustic Campground are perfect for those who just want to spend a few hours gazing up at the stars, with several astronomy-related educational programs offered throughout year.
Explore the 265,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest that surrounds Cherry Springs State Park to extend your great outdoor PA getaway to the area. Featuring some of the most productive stands of black cherry trees in the world and lots of opportunities for outdoor fun, the forest boasts hundreds of miles of streams with native and stocked trout, miles upon miles of roads and trails for mountain biking, designated trails for ATV and snowmobile riding and cross-country skiing, hiking trails galore, plenty of places for camping, and chances to spot some outstanding wildlife.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Benton
Boasting 22 wild, free-flowing waterfalls cascading through rock-strewn clefts in the ancient hillside culminating with the absolutely stunning 94-foot Ganoga Falls, it’s easy to see why Rickett’s Glen State Park is one of the most popular state parks in PA. A National Natural Landmark, the park is an amazing place to spend a day in the great outdoors whether you’re visiting for the waterfalls or other fun outdoor experiences. Hardier hikers can opt to take the more challenging, rocky, and wet 7.2-mile-long Falls Trail for the full waterfall experience. If you’re limited in time or want a bit less challenging hike, you can still see most of the waterfalls by taking the 3.2-mile loop along the Highland Trail. Regardless of which trail you take, proper footwear is highly recommended.
While the waterfalls are Rickett’s Glen major draw, the park offers lots of other types of outdoor fun. The park has 26 miles of hiking trails in total where you can try to spot a variety of wildlife within the old growth timber and the park’s variety of habitats. The park is especially popular with birders who might spy bald eagles, up to 23 species of warblers, and other birds. The 245-acre Lake Jean with its beach and bathhouse is ideal for swimming, boating (with boat rentals available), and fishing. In winter when the waterfall trails are closed, park goers can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing on Lake Jean when conditions allow.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Jim Thorpe
With stunning waterfalls, whitewater adventures, gorgeous scenery all along the Lehigh Gorge, and a fun rail trail to bike or hike, Lehigh Gorge State Park is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, with a bit of history thrown in. The Lehigh River is a key feature of the park, winding through the deep, steep-walled gorge lush with thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls. The river is a popular place for both trout fishing and whitewater rafting, especially during the periodic releases of water from the Francis E. Walter Dam, with its close to 20 sets of class II to III rapids.
Lush with rhododendrons, you can hike and bike along the 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail that borders the Lehigh River and feeds into the beautiful Buttermilk Falls, with opportunities to see wildlife and historic remnants of the Upper Grand Section of the Lehigh Canal. You can even stand inside Lock 22 of the Lehigh Canal for a blast from the past! In winter months, enjoy cross-country skiing all along the Lehigh Gorge Trail and snowmobiling on the 15-mile section of the trail from White Haven to Penn Haven Junction, when conditions allow.
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle
Perhaps best known as one of the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast, ., Ohiopyle State Park‘s 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty offer a rich and dynamic assortment of adventures and experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all stripes. The rushing waters of the Youghiogheny, affectionately called “The Yough” [pronounced “yawk” by those in the know], and its river gorge pass through the heart of the park. Whether cooling off in the river’s natural waterslides or engaging in a wild, heart-pumping whitewater rafting adventure with class I to IV rapids, the Yough does not disappoint!
When not on the water, you can hike along the park’s nearly 80 miles of trails ranging from short day hikes to challenging overnight backpacking excursions that take you through the region’s spectacular scenery complete with waterfalls, ridges, ravines, and, as a designated “Important Mammal Area” and “Important Bird Area,” the chance to spy some amazing wildlife. The Yougiogheny River Trail is another key feature of the park. As part of the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, the trail is really popular with bike riders, joggers, and cross-country skiers in winter. Fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and sledding and snowmobiling in winter when conditions allow round out the activities to enjoy at this storied park.
Presque Isle State Park
Erie
Whether you travel to Presque Isle State Park to enjoy the park’s pristine sandy beaches, study-its unique and ever-changing ecological diversity, visit the lighthouses, or learn about the peninsula’s historical significance, it’s easy to see why the park reigns as the most visited park in PA. While the peninsula is a designated National Natural Landmark, the 65,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, silver-LEED-certified Tom Ridge Environmental Center serves as the gateway to Presque Isle and to discovery.
Surrounded by water on three sides, water-based activities are clearly a major draw with swimming, surfing (yes, surfing!) off the lake-side beaches, fishing in Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay, and boating with moors available at the Marina and canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, and small motorboats available for rent from Presque Isle Canoe and Boat Livery. Wildlife watching is also popular, especially for birders with the opportunity to spy 339 different species due to the park’s unique spot along the “Atlantic Flyway.” You can hike and bike along the park’s trails, many of them deemed “easiest hiking” with the 13.5-mile, ADA-Accessible Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail extremely popular with bike riders, joggers, and in-line skaters.
Elk Country Visitor Center in Elk State Forest
Benezette
Nestled in the heart of Elk State Forest, you’ll find the Elk Country Visitor Center. Here you’ll find a state-of-the-art facility where you can learn all about Pennsylvania’s storied elk herd through a variety of interactive exhibits, including its 4-D theater that takes you along a four-season journey through the eyes of an elk. The center features 245 acres of prime, well-managed forage areas that are optimal for elk viewing, including three easily accessible trails. . A fun way to tour the viewing grounds of these magnificent animals is with a 45-mimute guided tour aboard a covered wagon, ideal for elk viewing and learning a bit about the conservation efforts that led to the restoration of PA’s elk herd.
While elk viewing amidst the area’s amazing scenery is by far the main draw of the visitor center and Elk State Forest, the forest offers lots of other outdoor adventures including some first-class trout fishing along 120 miles of trout streams with names such as Hicks Run, Hunts Run, Brooks Run, and Cowley Run. You’ll also find 17 hiking trails in the forest of varying lengths, some as long as 34 miles and others that are less than two miles long. Mountain biking is allowed on most of the forest’s roads, but prohibited on the hiking trails and certain areas so be sure to check before you start pedaling. The Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail system features 53 miles of designated horseback riding trails and roads.
Forbes State Forest
Laughlintown
Here’s your chance to literally tower over every resident of Pennsylvania with a trip to Forbes State Forest where you’ll find Mount Davis, at 3,213 feet the highest point in all of PA. You don’t even need sturdy hiking boots to reach the pinnacle of Mount Davis since you can drive up to a parking lot with the actual highest point just steps away. Be sure to climb the High Point Observation Tower for outstanding 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
For those who want more challenging outdoor adventures, Forbes State Forest offers plenty of those. The forest boasts more than 100 hiking trails covering more than 250 miles of terrain, with the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail running through the forest’s entire 70-mile length between Ohiopyle and Johnstown. Many of the forest’s trails and roads are open for horseback riding and mountain biking with the exception of the forest’s designated Natural Areas and the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Cold-water fishing is popular along several creeks that run through the forest, including Blue Hole Creek, Jones Mill Run, Mill Run, Quebec Run, Linn Run, Roaring Run, Camp Run, Laurel Hill Creek, and Indian Creek. In winter when conditions allow, there are close to 120 miles of groomed state forest roads and trails for snowmobiling, with cross country skiing and snowshoeing ideal along the forest’s blue-blazed trails.
Washington Crossing State Park
Washington Crossing
Along the banks of the Delaware River in Bucks County lies Washington Crossing Historic Park, the embarkation site of General George Washington’s and his troops’ famed crossing of the Delaware River. On December 25, 1776, in the dead of night General George Washington led his soldiers across the Delaware River in perilous, freezing and icy conditions that resulted in the Continental Army’s first battle win. Experience the sights and sounds of this legendary event as hundreds of reenactors in Continental military dress bring history to life each December with a live reenactment of Washington’s crossing.
The park contains restored 18th century buildings and homes, Revolutionary War gravesites, and the 125-foot-tall Bowman’s Hill Tower with its spectacular views of the Delaware River and surrounding countryside. Washington Crossing Historic Park also features several pathways where you can walk, bike, or cross-country ski when conditions allow. You can also launch a non-motorized kayak or canoe into the Delaware River from the park, or simply enjoy fishing along the river’s banks. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is located nearby, conserving and showcasing the beauty of Pennsylvania’s native plants.
Delaware Canal State Park
Upper Black Eddy
Delaware Canal State Park preserves a key piece of Pennsylvania’s, and the nation’s, industrial history, along with offering an ideal day in PA’s great outdoors during your getaway. The key feature of the park is the nearly 60-mile Delaware Canal and accompanying towpath that for decades was a crucial transportation link to move anthracite coal mined in northeastern PA to cities on the eastern seaboard. Today, the canal is “the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal-building era in the early and mid-19th century” and a designated National Historic Landmark.
Recognizing both its historical importance and as a place to fully enjoy the outdoors, the Delaware Canal State Park Towpath was named Pennsylvania’s 2022 Trail of the Year. The park features a 90-acre pond, miles of river shoreline, and 11 river islands in addition to the canal and towpath. The towpath alone attracts walkers, joggers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and bird watchers, while its access to the Delaware River provides for some great fishing and boating opportunities. Kayaking and canoeing are popular in the canal, on the Delaware River, and at the Giving Pond Recreation Area.
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