6 Best Small Towns In Pennsylvania For Outdoor Enthusiasts
If you are on the hunt for your next outdoor adventure, whether you choose Pennsylvania as a resident or visitor, there is so much natural beauty worth exploring in this Keystone state. Millions of outdoor enthusiasts flock here every year, and locals will tell you the magic is in Pennsylvania's state parks. With one of the largest park systems in the country (124 designated areas spread across 300,000 acres), no two parks are the same. While hiking, biking, boating, and nights under the stars are overlapping features, you will find each park has unique scenic overlooks, quirky trails, and iconic landmarks.
Whether you follow the crowds to a popular waterfall hike or spend your time discovering secluded fishing holes, there is something to intrigue any outdoorsman. A visit to any of these six small towns and their glorious state parks will show you why so many outdoor enthusiasts choose Pennsylvania as their path to adventure.
Benton
Benton may be a tiny town, but its outdoors is anything but small. You will find this charming Columbia County community right on the edge of Fishing Creek, a flourishing trout stream loved by anglers and kayakers alike. But the main reason outdoor enthusiasts flock to Benton is its access to the ever-popular Ricketts Glen State Park. Massive old-growth forests and dazzling waterfall hikes are why this 13,000-acre paradise is packed with nature lovers year-round. There are 22 named waterfalls in total, and the Falls Trail System takes you past 21 of them, including the highest in Ricketts Glenn: Ganoga Falls, a 94-foot-tall wonder.
To see Ganoga and the other falls in all their glory, take the full 7.2-mile loop to behold the cascades from both the lower and upper levels. For an easier hike, the shorter 3.2-mile loop is a great alternative and still lets you see a ton of the 21 cascades. But regardless of which path you take, cooling down in Lake Jean afterward is a must. On the other hand, if you visit Benton in the wintertime, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are what keep the park alive, and Lake Jean stays busy with ice fishers from November through March. No matter the season, Benton has something to keep any outdoor enthusiast returning for more.
White Haven
Bordering the beautiful Lehigh River, White Haven is another Pennsylvania community where fishing poles and kayaks get put to use all summer long. But beyond its majestic waterway, outdoor enthusiasts come to this scenic town for one central reason: Hickory Run State Park. Stretched along the foothills of the mighty Pocono Mountains, this nearly 16,000-acre area has endless recreation and postcard views to keep any outdoor enthusiast enthralled. With two sparkling lakes, miles upon miles of fishing streams, and over 40 miles of hiking trails, your time at Hickory Run can be as easygoing or active as you desire. For a lazy lake day, dip in Sand Spring Lake or sit back and admire the scenery from its sandy shores. Other explorers may prefer walking Boulder Field, a striking "field" of sandstone boulders formed over 20,000 years ago by a melting glacier. For less rocky paths, the Hawks Falls Trail leads you to its majestic 25-foot namesake waterfall, while the popular Fireline Trail rewards its hikers with views of the Lehigh Gorge and a stunning lookout point over the park.
Rockport
Just over 10 minutes from White Haven, it could be easy to miss the sleepy village of Rockport were it not for its claim to fame. The former lumber town, despite its small size and quiet history, is a beloved entry point to Lehigh Gorge State Park. It serves as the park's central access area, so the tiny town meets its fair share of visitors, with around half a million people visiting the gorge every year. Savor the pastoral charms of Rockport, park your car, and embark on the wonders of this magnificent Pennsylvania park.
Winding around the Lehigh River, the massive, sloped Lehigh Gorge is the obvious star of the show. Follow the 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail on a mellow gravel passage for views of the surrounding hills and river. Whether you hike or bike, this popular path leaves plenty of room for outdoor enthusiasts to breathe in the scenes. Along the way, just 0.3 miles upstream from the Rockport Access Area, the towering Buttermilk Falls is a gorgeous spot to stop, whether for a quick photo or a scenic picnic lunch. With almost 30 miles of river, secluded fishing holes are another enticing feature of the trail, while more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts can tackle the white waters via raft or canoe. The Rockport to Glen Onoko river trip is around 12.2 miles long, so guided trips are recommended for less experienced boaters. You can head to nearby towns like Jim Thorpe to book outfitted trips with Jim Thorpe River Adventures, whose "skilled, dedicated river professionals" are thrilled to guide you on your journey.
Forksville
With a little over 100 residents, Forksville is another teensy rural town with some of the prettiest views in the state. Driving through rolling hillsides and sweeping valleys, you can reach town by driving through the historic Forksville Covered Bridge across Loyalsock Creek, setting the scene for a dreamy outdoor experience. From there, you can find World's End State Park at the southern end of Forksville, where the true adventure begins.
The 780-acre area may be smaller than the other parks on this list, but it is also surrounded by Loyalsock State Forest, a 100,000-acre hardwood haven. The forest's infamous 59-mile Loyalsock Trail runs partially through the park, offering a serene blend of landscapes. The trail leads to treasures like Mineral Springs Falls, an enchanting waterfall hidden amongst the trees. If you hike just a bit deeper and cross the road, you can also see the springs the falls were named for. But the park itself offers its own must-see paths and attractions, like the Worlds End Vista overlook near the park office. Also close by is the 2-mile Double Run Nature Trail, which leads to the park's only listed waterfall, the beautiful 12-foot Cottonwood Falls. So whether you stay within the park's borders or venture into the depths of Loyalsock's hardwood hills, Forksville provides a path to some of Pennsylvania's greatest terrains.
Ohiopyle
As of 2023, the town of Ohiopyle has just 35 residents, but with Ohiopyle State Park right in its backyard, outdoor enthusiasts cannot help but bring this quiet town to life. With over 1 million annual visitors, it is one of the most popular parks in the state. Its name, "Ohiopyle" (or "Ohiopehelle"), is thought to stem from various Indigenous words, roughly translating to "white, frothy water"–and this description, by all means, embodies the essence of what to expect on your visit. The heart and soul of this 20,500-acre landscape is the 132-mile Youghiogheny River (nicknamed "Yough"), one of the longest rivers in Pennsylvania. Whitewater rafting is one of the park's most sought-after experiences, and the river's diverse range of flows means even the most inexperienced rafter can ride its waters. In this case, you will want to try the Middle Yough for a more tranquil float. The Lower Yough is where the river picks up speed, while more experienced rafters can tread the exhilarating Upper Yough runs.
Back on land, the wide and wondrous Ohiopyle Falls is another sight to behold. Take in the views and sounds of the plunging river from the Ferncliff Peninsula, where exotic plants and ancient fossils wait to be explored. From here, it is a matter of deciding which of the 79 miles of trails you want to hike next and which of the glorious terrains–canyon, forest, or meadow–is at the top of your list. Easy hikes like the Betty Knox Trail lead through wooded paths, while more challenging paths like the McCune Trail follow the highest ridge in the park to a jaw-dropping overlook.
Elverson
Keeping with the theme of rural Pennsylvania towns with tremendous gateways to the outdoors, Elverson is one of the more underrated. This darling pastoral community claims itself as "the Greatest Square Mile in Pennsylvania". But beyond this friendly square mile, the beauty extends into French Creek State Park, where 7,730 acres of forest, wetland, lake, and field feature some of the prettiest outdoor experiences in the state. Easygoing family adventures and extreme outdoor experiences thrive together in this park, with a range of terrains and hiking levels. Kid-friendly trails like the Hopewell Lake Loop offer a relaxed hike ideal for families with young children, offering gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding forest. The lake's beauty entices even the more experienced hikers, but the Mill Creek Trail is among the more popular paths for hikers and mountain bikers looking for a challenge. This 6-mile mountain trail loops through the forest's towering old-growth trees, intricate rock formations, and babbling creeks. Alongside these trails, there are 35 total miles of scenic paths to explore–whether by hiking boot in the summer or cross-country ski in the winter–so you may just want to set up camp at one of the tent sites, cabins, cottages, or yurts to fully envelop yourself in Elverson's beautiful backyard.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to visiting Pennsylvania's state parks, outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves riddled with the question: which to choose? And while it is true that some natural features overlap from park to park, each of these attractions–whether a waterfall or hiking trail–has something special about it that sets it apart. Some may prefer basking in the powerful rush of Ganoga Falls in Ricketts Glen, while others may find themselves thrilled by the charming trickle of the Worlds End Cottonwood cascade. Many outdoor enthusiasts, though, feel the appeal lies in the beauty of the journey that brought them there as much as it does in the destination. So whether you find yourself on the busiest trail or a slower, less traveled path, the beauty lies in what you make of it–and these 6 Pennsylvania towns have more than enough natural beauty to go around.
