The Best State Parks to Visit in Pennsylvania
If there is one thing the United States should be proud of, it is its parks with lush landscapes, thriving wildlife, and interesting geology that should top the list. However, while national parks often get the spotlight, the country’s state parks should not be underestimated, as it is every bit picturesque and inviting to any outdoor adventurer.
Pennsylvania is blessed with a plethora of state parks—varied in vistas but all beautiful in their own right. If you have been planning on some relaxing “me time” out in the woods, perhaps you should consider these destinations from the Quaker State. Here are the 10 best state parks to visit in Pennsylvania!
Ricketts Glen State Park
Set within the counties of Sullivan, Luzerne, and Columbia, Ricketts Glen State Park is a gem of a park for its old-growth forest. This means this state park’s woods were not disturbed for a long time, thus retaining its pristine natural beauty. For that, it has become one of Pennsylvania's ideal hiking trails and camping spots.
The park has 24 waterfalls, with Ganoga Falls considered the tallest at 94 feet. Skilled hikers can attempt the Falls Trail’s 7.2-mile distance, which will lead them to a few falls in the park, while beginners should settle for the Highland Trail at 3.2 miles. Cabins, deluxe cottages, and camping tents are available if you want to stay the night. Summer is perfect for swimming and fishing at Lake Jean, and winter opens snowmobiling and ice fishing to guests.
Leonard Harrison State Park
Most visitors flock to Leonard Harrison State Park for one reason: to see Pine Creek Gorge, a.k.a. Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon. However, aside from having this 47-mile and thousand-foot gorge, the trail at the bottom of the canyon is an attraction in and of itself. It was voted one of the "10 Great Places To Take A Bike Tour" by USA Today, so expect a crowd of cyclists, hikers, and other outdoorsy folks when you’re there.
Take the Pine Creek Rail Trail to view the gorge up close, or do the Turkey Path for a moderately challenging trek. An environmental educator offers programs about lumber heritage, geology, canyon formation, and local wildlife from April to October. The park’s campground is the only accommodation in the area, although the nearby borough of Wellsboro has places for you to stay (e.g., Bear Mountain Lodge, Penn Wells Lodge). Visit during winter to experience cross-country skiing!
Ohiopyle State Park
With its 20,500 acres of land and 14 miles of Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle State Park is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. The state park’s main pull among visitors is its adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting in Youghiogheny River. Other water activities available in the park are kayaking, canoeing, and floating in the gentle rapids of the river.
Its Great Allegheny Passage is a popular biking spot, while the park's numerous waterfalls are a sight to behold when hiking. Doing the Meadow Run Trail will lead you to Cucumber Falls, a bridal veil waterfall. The Jonathan Run Trail boasts sights of rhododendron-lined Jonathan Run Falls. Love spotting animals on your run? Ohiopyle wildlife has white-tailed deer, river otters, kingfishers, black bears, and even the rare bald eagle!
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Roughly two hours from New York and Philadelphia, Lehigh Gorge State Park is a top pick for tourists looking to experience Pennsylvania’s rugged outdoors. Two of the park’s main attractions are the Lehigh Gorge Trail and the Lehigh River, where whitewater rafting and trout fishing are popular.
After some water activities and hiking, don’t miss witnessing two of the park’s falls: Buttermilk Falls and Luke’s Falls. With its waters beautifully cascading down on smoothened rocks, Buttermilk Falls is amazing to behold, and it’s highly recommended to have a picnic here. While not as majestic, Luke's Falls is easily accessible via the Lehigh Gorge Trail.
Point State Park
Made to be the much-needed green space in downtown Pittsburgh, Point State Park is a conveniently located state park that offers city residents and tourists a place to jog, hike, unwind, and host events close to nature. The Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Three Rivers Regatta, named after the three rivers merging just outside Point State Park, are a music festival and a motorboat fest often celebrated within the premises.
Aside from its local flora thriving in its woodlands area and the convenient Cafe at the Point serving refreshments within the park, the top attraction is the park’s 150-foot fountain. At one point, it was considered the tallest fountain in the United States!
Cherry Springs State Park
Come spend a night or two under the twinkling sky of Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County! With its 2,300-foot-high elevation and little to no light pollution, the night sky here provides an excellent view for stargazing. On a lucky night, you might even glimpse asteroids, Venus, or even the Milky Way!
Amateur stargazers can arrange for a private astronomer for guidance, while those with proper kits can DIY it at the Observation Field. Need a place to stay? Quaint cottages and cabins near the park even have their own observation decks and fire pits for a cozy nighttime hangout. After a night of stargazing, head to Susquehannock State Forest to see a sea of black cherry trees around the park—a testament to the park’s iconic name.
Hickory Run State Park
Tucked between Jim Thorpe and Lake Harmony, Hickory Run State Park is best known for its field full of huge rocks. Boulder Field, with its 720,000 sq ft filled with boulders as far as the eye can see, is the biggest of its kind in the Appalachian region.
Away from the boulders, you’ll find multiple peaceful trails in the park. Don’t get intimidated by The Shades of Death Trail! Early colonists called the area such due to its dense forest, which is now a pleasant one-mile trek through rhododendron blooms. Other notable hikes include the Hawk Falls Trail, which will lead you to the park’s Hawk Falls. Swimming is somewhat allowed in Sand Spring Lake during the summer, but the lake turns into a wonderful skating rink in winter.
Delaware Canal State Park
Heritage and scenic vistas blend in the beautiful and historic Delaware Canal State Park. Its most famous attraction, the Delaware Canal, was used to help transport coal and other important trade along its shores. After hiking through the Delaware Canal State Park Towpath—named Pennsylvania’s 2022 Trail of the Year—visit the Locktender’s House to learn more about the park and canal’s history.
Other notable areas in the park are its 11 river islands, which used to be part of the shoreline but have long eroded and separated. These islands are part of the park’s so-called “natural areas,” which are spots that prohibit too much human intervention and only allow observation from afar. These areas are kept untouched as much as possible so researchers can study the park’s flora and fauna in their natural states.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park attracts many hikers because it is the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail. The park also has two majestic mountain lakes, a historic furnace from the 18th century (evident in its name), and a hiking museum celebrating Appalachian Trail heritage.
While swimming is allowed in Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake, boating has stricter rules to protect their pristine waters. In-season archery hunting is allowed for small game, while picnic tables and pavilions are available for visitors. Eager to reach the Appalachian Trail’s halfway point? Finish a half-gallon ice cream at the park’s store to earn a commemorative wooden spoon! After all, ice cream is always a good reason to go on a hike.
McConnell's Mill State Park
A deep scenic gorge, a historic mill and bridge, and exhilarating outdoor activities await you in McConnell’s Mill State Park. It got its name from one of the first rolling mills in the US, which can still be seen in the park. The 19th-century bridge is also one of the only two remaining covered bridges in the county.
For thrill-seekers, you can opt for whitewater boating at Slippery Rock Creek or go rappelling at the two climbing areas in the park. There’s the beginner-friendly climb of Rim Road, located right across the old mill. Meanwhile, its rugged terrain makes Breakneck Bridge more suited to advanced climbers. If safe trekking is more your speed, at least five trails are available in the park, including the Kildoo Trail, which goes through the old mill and bridge and ends at the tiny Kildoo Falls. Not all waterfalls have to be grand and majestic; it’s okay for some to be adorable!
Sometimes, the weight of the world can be heavy, making it all the more important to refresh ourselves with nature. A simple walk among the trees and a breath of mountain air can invigorate our spirits and refresh our minds.
The United States, particularly Pennsylvania, is lucky to have many places perfect for hiking and camping. With acres of land protected and kept pristine, these national and state parks are almost unparalleled worldwide. From scenic gorges and starry night skies to renowned hiking trails worthy of a dessert treat, these are the state parks to visit in Pennsylvania in 2024. Pack a pair or two of hiking boots and come unwind with nature!
