According to Punxsutawney Phil, it’s looking like an early spring! So, if you’re just excited as us for some outdoor adventure, we have the ultimate bucket list for you. We worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to give you six of the top things to do in PA this spring and where to do them.
1. Get out and take a hike at a Pennsylvania state park
Lace up your boots this season and hit one of the more than 600 PA trails. The change in weather is a great time to observe the natural world springing back to life at one of Pennsylvania’s 124 free state parks. Just three miles from Newark, Delaware, White Clay Creek Preserve in Landenberg offers 1,388 acres of exploration and a variety of trails from hiking trails to connector trails to loops. Find yourself crossing the border of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania on many of the available pathways.
A true Pennsylvania trail experience and what is considered an outdoor rec icon to the state, Ohiopyle State Park is a must-do outdoor activity when in the Laurel Highlands. With a variety of options in the park to channel your inner adventurer, we attest their hiking trails are a must with 79 miles of terrain to tackle, ranging from a short-day hike to a challenging backpack excursion.
Nestled near State College, Black Moshannon State Park offers 3,394 acres of recreational opportunities, but the hiking trails of the forest and wetlands are one-of-a-kind. With 20 miles of trails that pass through a variety of habitats, the Seneca, Indian, Bog and Hay Road trails, and a short section of the Moss-Hanne Trail, are all connected making it suitable for looped hikes.
Just north of the Maryland state line, Michaux State Forest is where you can take on a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Not only does it offer access to one of the most notable hiking trails in the country, but with an array of diverse hiking experiences, you can participate in a challenging hike or a scenic stroll along the 100 miles worth of trails– whatever your outdoor heart desires.
2. Jump on a bike and discover the state’s expansive rail trails
Get back to the pedals this spring on a scenic Pennsylvania rail trail. Home to more than 100 rail trails statewide covering over 2,100 miles, these types of trails combine history with the great outdoors with a shared-use path built on a former railroad right of way. From the world-renowned, 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail and 150-mile, multi-state Great Allegheny Passage to the 20-mile Perkiomen Trail in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of scenic trails for you to strap into and explore the state’s vast landscape.
For more of a scenic, immersive ride, the Armstrong Trails and Redbank Valley Trails are great options to engulf yourself in Pittsburgh’s surrounding nature. The Armstrong Trails offer 36 miles of riverside riding along the Allegheny River, with historic sites like the Brady Tunnel adding a unique charm. While the Redbank Valley Trails span 51 miles of tranquil beauty, featuring picturesque bridges, rock formations, and vibrant spring blooms, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
If you find yourself in south central PA, the York Heritage Rail Trail is a springtime gem. Stretching 21 miles from York to the Maryland line, pedal past historic railroad sites and reward yourself with a pit stop in downtown York for some tasty local treats. With wildflowers popping and the air buzzing with spring vibes, this trail turns a simple bike ride into a rolling adventure.
3. Spring is a great time to scout out geologic features
From the Pole Steeple in Pine Grove State Park to fossil hunting in Swatara State Park, spring is the season to dig deep and uncover some of PA state parks’ rocky secrets.
Trough Creek State Park’s Balanced Rock is nature’s ultimate balancing act, defying gravity and wowing visitors on top of a dramatic cliff. Surrounded by spring blooms and the park’s rugged beauty, it’s the perfect spot for an awe-inspiring hike and an unbeatable photo op!
A must-see for the geology buff: Lehigh Gorge State Park is where Mother Nature shows off her dramatic side, with the Lehigh Gorge slicing through cliffs like a pro. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just taking in the views, this geologic gem makes spring feel like one epic adventure.
Last but not least, Susquehanna Riverlands State Park is the ultimate spot to catch the mighty Susquehanna River doing its best rock-and-roll impression, with stunning cliffs and rugged terrain that tell a geologic story millions of years in the making. This park-wide geologic gem is a must-see when in York.
4. Visit an Environmental Education Center to learn about the magic of spring renewal
With blooming flowers, chirping birds, and seasonal sights, it's the ideal time to stop by one of PA’s Environmental Education Centers to learn about nature while enjoying all the vibrant changes happening around you.
Before you explore Presque Isle State Park, be sure to learn about the surrounding nature at Tom Ridge Environmental Center, situated just at the entrance of the park. Filled with exhibits and trails that showcase the season’s magical renewal, find birdwatching and hands-on activities to fully embrace nature’s comeback.
Kings Gap Environmental Center in Carlisle is where spring comes to life, with trails, programs, and exhibits that highlight the natural world’s revival. Whether you're hiking to scenic overlooks or participating in interactive learning opportunities, it's the perfect spot to witness this annual transformation in full bloom!
Jennings Environmental Education Center is where spring throws its biggest party, with wildflowers blooming and forests coming to life in a colorful burst. Get ready to explore, learn, and witness nature’s ultimate glow-up as you hike, discover, and soak in the seasonal magic.
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is where spring throws a forest-wide celebration, with wildflowers popping and trees showing off their freshest leaves. It’s the perfect spot to hike, explore, and watch the wilderness’ spring makeover unfold in all its leafy, blooming glory.
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is where the upcoming season pulls out all the stops, with hills, flowers, and critters all making their big debut. Hike, explore, and observe nature’s “spring cleaning” in action—filled with fresh blooms, new life, and plenty of chirps!
5. Hershey isn’t the only sweet spot in the Commonwealth, spring = maple sugaring
Spring is maple sugaring season in Pennsylvania, when the trees are ready to sweeten your day with fresh sap and the air is filled with the smell of syrup in the making. From mid-February to March, you can tap into this sweet tradition, learn the process, and indulge in a taste of Pennsylvania’s sweetest springtime treat with these upcoming events:
Maple Harvest Day returns to Washington Crossing Historic Park on February 22nd. This family-friendly event will have you learn the process and history of maple syrup production with hands-on stations that demonstrate the craft. Plus, pancakes to accompany the final product are a great addition to this sweet, free event. Registration is required.
Jennings Environmental Education Center will be hosting their must-attend maple event – A Sweet Stroll Through Maple History - on March 2nd. Choose from one of four time slots to enjoy a guided walk taking you through the history of maple sugaring, see a working evaporator, and get a taste of spring itself – fresh, real maple syrup.
Attend Hills Creek State Park’s annual Maple Open House on March 15th. This free event will give you an up-close look at the maple sugaring process, from tree to table. Learn how to identify maple trees, how to tap trees and collect sap, the history of maple syrup making, and try the finished product.
6. A scenic drive is a great way to get outside even if there is still a little chill in the air
Scenic drives in Pennsylvania are perfect for every season. However, the spring air hits different as you’re tackling the open roads of the legendary Route 6, keeping your eyes peeled along a wild elk-viewing drive in the PA Wilds, or discovering the charm of the off-beaten path of PA’s byways, like the Historic National Road Scenic Byway.
The Bucktail State Park Scenic Byway is one of spring’s ultimate road trips, where forests bloom, streams sparkle, and wildflowers practically wave hello. Hop in, roll down the windows, and cruise through Pennsylvania’s best-kept secret as it shows off its springtime glow!
Take the VIP tour in Upstate PA as you drive along The Gateway to the Endless Mountains Byway. With winding roads, blooming fields, and mountain views that feel like a postcard come to life, buckle up and let the scenic beauty of the Endless Mountains shine.
State Route 144 through Sproul State Forest is a springtime paradise, with towering trees, babbling brooks, and vibrant green landscapes that feel like nature’s own art show. This scenic drive is the perfect way to unwind, immerse yourself in the forest’s beauty, and watch Pennsylvania burst to life under the spring sun.
For more spring activity inspiration in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up to date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around the state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.