Destinations
Pennsylvania outdoors
Waterfall canyons, mile-deep gorges, and ridge trails: Pennsylvania is a forest state built for hikers who like a payoff.
Top parks in Pennsylvania
See all 126 parks
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Forty miles of the Middle Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey: waterfalls, the Mount Tammany climb, river canoeing, and primitive river camping.
Gettysburg National Military Park
The Civil War's pivotal battlefield in Pennsylvania. The battlefield and grounds are free, but the museum, the film, and the Cyclorama need a ticket, and a licensed guide is the standout way to tour.
Independence National Historical Park
The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in old-city Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell is walk-in free, but Independence Hall now requires a free timed ticket from recreation.gov in peak season.
Bald Eagle State Park
A 5,900-acre central Pennsylvania park on Foster Joseph Sayers Lake: open-water boating, a sand beach, lakeside trails, a marina, and a modern campground.
Ohiopyle State Park
Laurel Highlands river country: the Youghiogheny's whitewater, Cucumber Falls, the Ferncliff peninsula, the Great Allegheny Passage, and the big Kentuck Campground.
Presque Isle State Park
A sandy Lake Erie peninsula and Pennsylvania's only seashore: 11 beaches, a working lighthouse, the 13.5-mile Karl Boyes loop, and prime birding at Gull Point.
Ricketts Glen State Park
A Pennsylvania waterfall mecca: the 7.2-mile Falls Trail past 21 named waterfalls in a National Natural Landmark, plus Lake Jean, a campground, and cabins. The Falls Trail closes in winter without ice gear.
Worlds End State Park
A rugged 780-acre gorge park in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains: the Loyalsock Creek S-curve, the Canyon Vista overlook, year-round cabins, and swimming holes.
Allegheny Islands State Park
Accessible only by boat, the 50-acre Allegheny Islands State Park consists of two alluvial islands and seven shoals in the Allegheny River.
Planning a Pennsylvania trip
Pennsylvania does not have a marquee national park, and that is part of its charm. What it has instead is a deep bench of state parks and state forests that quietly outpunch their reputation. Think waterfall glens, a gorge people fairly call the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, and ridge-line trails that roll for dozens of miles through hardwood forest.
If you only had a long weekend, start with the headliners. Ricketts Glen, in the northeast, strings 22 named waterfalls along a single loop, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, and the Falls Trail is the kind of hike that makes a first-timer fall for the state. Ohiopyle, in the southwest, packs whitewater on the Youghiogheny River, the easy walk to Cucumber Falls, and a hub on the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail into one busy park. Up north, Pine Creek Gorge drops about 1,450 feet, and the overlooks at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks deliver the view without a hard climb. For a longer effort, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail runs roughly 70 miles along Laurel Mountain, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on the eastern border adds waterfalls and river miles.
Timing matters here. Fall is the headline season: foliage peaks from late September into early October in the north (Pine Creek Gorge, the Allegheny National Forest) and a week or two later farther south, with crisp days in the 50s and 60s F that are ideal for walking. Summer is warm and humid, often 80s F, and great for the rivers and reservoirs. Winters are real, with snow and ice that open up cross-country skiing and even ice climbing at Ricketts Glen, so plan accordingly.
The through-line on what to pack is traction and layers. Those waterfall trails are gorgeous and genuinely slick, so grippy footwear earns its place, and rain is common enough that a shell belongs in the bag year-round. Bring layers you can shed on the climb and add at a breezy overlook, plenty of water, and microspikes if you are hiking the glens once the temperature drops.
Getting around Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is wide, and the easiest plan is to pick a corner and fly into the nearest hub. Pittsburgh International (PIT) anchors the southwest and puts you about an hour from the Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle State Park. Philadelphia International (PHL) anchors the southeast and is the natural gateway to the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap, roughly a two-hour, 120-mile drive northeast. For the northern tier and Pine Creek Gorge, smaller regional airports like Williamsport (IPT) or State College (UNV) get you closer, though many travelers still drive in from Pittsburgh or Philadelphia.
A car is essential once you land, since the best parks sit well off the interstate grid. Distances between regions are real: Pittsburgh to the Pine Creek Gorge area is roughly 3 to 4 hours north, and Pittsburgh to Ricketts Glen in the northeast is a solid 4 to 5 hours, so most trips focus on one part of the state rather than crisscrossing it. Within a region the driving is easy and scenic. The Laurel Highlands cluster (Ohiopyle, the Great Allegheny Passage trail towns, the ridge trail) is tight enough to base in one town, and Pine Creek Gorge's two rim parks, Leonard Harrison and Colton Point, sit on opposite sides of the canyon about an hour apart by road. Fill the tank before heading into the state forests; services thin out fast.
State park directory
Every Pennsylvania state park
A source-backed inventory layer for planning breadth. Full Kit Authority guides are marked when a park has camping detail, rules, and packing notes; the rest link straight to the official page.
126 parks
5 full guides · 120 with photos
Bald Eagle State Park
State Park
The 5,900-acre Bald Eagle State Park is in the broad Bald Eagle Valley of northcentral Pennsylvania.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Full guideOhiopyle State Park
State Park
Ohiopyle State Park encompasses roughly 20,500 acres of the Laurel Highlands, with the Youghiogheny River Gorge offering some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States.
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Pennsylvania DCNR
Full guidePresque Isle State Park
State Park
Presque Isle State Park is Pennsylvania's only seashore, a sandy peninsula on Lake Erie and a National Natural Landmark favored by migrating birds.
- Swimming
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Full guideRicketts Glen State Park
State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park comprises 13,193 acres and harbors the Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark with 22 named waterfalls along the Falls Trail System.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Pennsylvania DCNR
Full guideWorlds End State Park
State Park
Worlds End State Park sits in a narrow S-shaped valley of Loyalsock Creek and spans 780 rugged acres surrounded by Loyalsock State Forest in the Endless Mountains.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Full guideAllegheny Islands State Park
State Park
Accessible only by boat, the 50-acre Allegheny Islands State Park consists of two alluvial islands and seven shoals in the Allegheny River.
- Fishing
- Boating
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageArchbald Pothole State Park
State Park
Archbald Pothole State Park is a 150-acre park in northeastern Pennsylvania.
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBeltzville State Park
State Park
The 3,002-acre Beltzville State Park is in the southern foothills of the Poconos.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBendigo State Park
State Park
The 100-acre Bendigo State Park is in a small valley surrounded by picturesque hills.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBenjamin Rush State Park
State Park
Benjamin Rush State Park is located in the North East section of Philadelphia and is the only state park within the city boundary.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Biking
- Winter Sports
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBig Pocono State Park
State Park
Big Pocono State Park is in Monroe County in northeastern Pennsylvania.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBig Spring State Park
State Park
Tucked in the side of Conococheague Mountain, Big Spring State Park is a quaint picnic and hiking spot maintained by Tuscarora State Forest.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Winter Sports
- Historic Site
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBlack Moshannon State Park
State Park
Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands and conserves unique, natural environments.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBlue Knob State Park
State Park
Blue Knob State Park offers year-round wilderness adventures on 6,128 acres of woodland.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBoyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
State park system area
The 1,025-acre Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area straddles Blue Mountain and is the habitat of large trees of numerous species, which are homes for deep forest birds, especially warblers.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Sports
- Historic Site
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBuchanan's Birthplace State Park
State Park
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park is an 18.5-acre park nestled in a gap of Tuscarora Mountain in Franklin County.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Historic Site
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBucktail State Park Natural Area
State Park
Bucktail State Park Natural Area provides a beautiful 75-mile scenic drive along PA 120 from Emporium, through Renovo, to Lock Haven.
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Paddling
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageCaledonia State Park
State Park
The 1,125-acre Caledonia State Park is in Adams and Franklin counties, midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg along Lincoln Highway, US 30.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageCanoe Creek State Park
State Park
The beautiful, 961-acre Canoe Creek State Park features a 155-acre lake, wetlands, old fields, and mature forests, which provide critical habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageChapman State Park
State Park
The 862-acre Chapman State Park includes the 68-acre Chapman Lake on the West Branch of Tionesta Creek.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageCherry Springs State Park
State Park
Cherry Springs State Park is nearly as remote and wild today as it was two centuries ago.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageClear Creek State Park
State Park
Clear Creek State Park encompasses 1,901 acres in Jefferson County.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageCodorus State Park
State Park
The 3,500-acre Codorus State Park is in the rolling hills of southern York County.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageColonel Denning State Park
State Park
Colonel Denning State Park, in north-central Cumberland County, has 273 acres of woodland and a 3.5-acre lake.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official page
Show 102 more Pennsylvania parks
Colton Point State Park
State Park
On the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the 368-acre Colton Point State Park offers rugged overlooks with great views of the canyon.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageCook Forest State Park
State Park
The 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park and 3,136-acre Clarion River Lands lie in scenic northwestern Pennsylvania.
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageCowans Gap State Park
State Park
Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre park in the beautiful Allens Valley of Fulton County.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageDelaware Canal State Park
State Park
A walk along the 58.89-mile-long towpath of Delaware Canal State Park is a stroll into American history.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageDenton Hill State Park
State Park
Denton Hill State park is located in the upper reaches of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageElk State Park
State Park
The 3,192-acre Elk State Park is in the rugged mountains of northern Pennsylvania.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageErie Bluffs State Park
State Park
The 587-acre Erie Bluffs State Park lies along the Lake Erie shoreline in western Erie County, twelve miles west of the city of Erie.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageEvansburg State Park
State Park
Evansburg State Park is in southcentral Montgomery County between Norristown and Collegeville.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageFort Washington State Park
State Park
Rich in modern recreational facilities and historical significance, Fort Washington blossoms with flowering dogwood in the spring.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageFowlers Hollow State Park
State Park
The 104-acre Fowlers Hollow State Park is in a narrow valley created by Fowler Hollow Run.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageFrances Slocum State Park
State Park
Frances Slocum State Park consists of 1,035 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania's Luzerne County.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageFrench Creek State Park
State Park
Once an industrial complex for the fledgling United States of America, today French Creek State Park is an oasis for people and wildlife.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageGifford Pinchot State Park
State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park, a 2,338-acre, full-service park, is in northern York County along PA 177 between the towns of Rossville and Lewisberry.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageGouldsboro State Park
State Park
Gouldsboro State Park, in Monroe and Wayne counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, contains 2,800 acres of land.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageGreenwood Furnace State Park
State Park
The park is on the western edge of the Seven Mountains in northeastern Huntingdon County, an area of rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, breathtaking vistas, and peaceful solitude.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageHickory Run State Park
State Park
The 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageHillman State Park
State Park
This park is managed for hunting by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Biking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageHills Creek State Park
State Park
Located in scenic Tioga County, the 407-acre Hills Creek State Park abounds in wildlife.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageHyner Run State Park
State Park
Hyner Run carves a small valley from the surrounding steep mountains, creating a cozy, quiet place for outdoor adventures.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageHyner View State Park
State Park
Hyner View State Park features a scenic vista and is a favorite spot for hang gliding.
- Picnicking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageJacobsburg Environmental Education Center
State park system area
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center encompasses 1,168 acres of forests, fields, and creeks, which provide a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageJennings Environmental Education Center
State park system area
Jennings Environmental Education Center is one of several state parks specifically dedicated to providing environmental education and recreational programs to the community.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageJoseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area
State park system area
Straddling Peters Mountain, the 803-acre Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area is dominated by large hardwood trees.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Sports
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageKettle Creek State Park
State Park
Kettle Creek State Park consists of 1,793 acres along Kettle Creek in western Clinton County.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageKeystone State Park
State Park
The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park is great for day-trips and family vacations year-round.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageKings Gap Environmental Education Center
State park system area
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center consists of 2,531 acres of forest on South Mountain, with more than 25 miles of hiking trails.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageKinzua Bridge State Park
State Park
The 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, is the home of the reinvented Kinzua Viaduct.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Historic Site
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageKooser State Park
State Park
In the heart of the Laurel Highlands at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser State Park spans 250 acres of forest with a trout stream running its full length.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLackawanna State Park
State Park
The 1,445-acre Lackawanna State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania, ten miles north of Scranton.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLaurel Hill State Park
State Park
Laurel Hill State Park consists of 4,062 acres of mountainous terrain in Somerset County.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLaurel Mountain State Park
State Park
High atop Laurel Ridge at close to 3,000 feet in elevation, Laurel Mountain State Park features a family-oriented downhill skiing area and views of the Ligonier Valley.
- Winter Sports
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLaurel Ridge State Park
State Park
The 13,625-acre Laurel Ridge State Park stretches along Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown.
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLaurel Summit State Park
State Park
Laurel Summit State Park is a six-acre scenic picnic area 2,739 feet above sea level, with picnic tables, a pavilion, water, and a restroom.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Biking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLeonard Harrison State Park
State Park
On the east rim of the canyon, the 585-acre Leonard Harrison State Park has modern facilities, a visitor center, and the most famous scenic views of the canyon.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLinn Run State Park
State Park
The varied topography and mixed hardwood and evergreen forest make the 612-acre Linn Run State Park a scenic place for picnicking, hiking, and cabin rentals.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLittle Buffalo State Park
State Park
Little Buffalo State Park centers on Little Buffalo Creek, where thousands of people come to picnic, swim, fish, hike, and experience nature and history.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLittle Pine State Park
State Park
The 2,158-acre Little Pine State Park sits within a mountain section of Tiadaghton State Forest in the Pennsylvania Wilds, centered on the 45-acre Little Pine Lake.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLocust Lake State Park
State Park
Known for its popular camping area, the 1,772-acre Locust Lake State Park nestles on the side of Locust Mountain around the 52-acre Locust Lake.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLyman Run State Park
State Park
The 595-acre Lyman Run State Park in scenic Potter County surrounds the 45-acre Lyman Run Lake within a mixed northern hardwood forest.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Hiking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMarsh Creek State Park
State Park
Marsh Creek State Park spans 1,784 acres in the rolling hills of Chester County and contains the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMaurice K. Goddard State Park
State Park
The 2,856-acre Maurice K. Goddard State Park features the 1,680-acre Lake Wilhelm, popular with anglers and boaters, plus wetlands and mature forests that support abundant wildlife.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMcCalls Dam State Park
State Park
The quiet, remote eight-acre McCalls Dam State Park sits along White Deer Creek and is surrounded by Bald Eagle State Forest.
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMcConnells Mill State Park
State Park
McConnells Mill State Park encompasses 2,546 acres of the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark with scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and a historic gristmill and covered bridge.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMemorial Lake State Park
State Park
Memorial Lake State Park covers 230 acres near the base of Blue Mountain in Lebanon County, surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMilton State Park
State Park
Milton State Park is an 82-acre island on the West Branch Susquehanna River, with day-use facilities on its northern half and a wooded southern half.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMont Alto State Park
State Park
This quiet 24-acre park features a pavilion, picnicking, and trout fishing, and is the oldest park still in the Pennsylvania state park system.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMoraine State Park
State Park
The 16,725-acre Moraine State Park centers on the 3,225-acre Lake Arthur with 42 miles of shoreline and offers year-round recreation across restored landscape.
- Biking
- Boating
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageMount Pisgah State Park
State Park
The 1,302-acre Mount Pisgah State Park lies in the Endless Mountains region of Bradford County, with the 75-acre Stephen Foster Lake at the base of Mt. Pisgah.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageNescopeck State Park
State Park
The 3,550-acre Nescopeck State Park encompasses wetlands, forests, and diverse habitats between Mount Yeager and Nescopeck Mountain, with Nescopeck Creek running through it.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageNeshaminy State Park
State Park
Neshaminy State Park covers 339 acres along the Delaware River in lower Bucks County and includes picnic areas, a swimming pool, a marina, and a children's spray park.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageNockamixon State Park
State Park
The 5,286-acre Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County surrounds the 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon, a destination for boaters and anglers.
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Biking
- Disc Golf
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageNolde Forest Environmental Education Center
State park system area
Nolde Forest encompasses more than 725 acres of deciduous woodlands and coniferous plantations, with a trail network linking streams, ponds, and an environmental education center.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageNorristown Farm Park
State park system area
The 690-acre Norristown Farm Park is a working farm in continuous use since colonial times, with hiking trails, a trout nursery, wetlands, streams, and 15 historic buildings.
- Biking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageOil Creek State Park
State Park
Oil Creek State Park tells the story of the early petroleum industry along scenic Oil Creek, the site of the world's first commercial oil well.
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageOle Bull State Park
State Park
Ole Bull State Park consists of 132 acres along the Kettle Creek Valley in Potter County, in an area known as the Black Forest for its dense tree cover.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Biking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageParker Dam State Park
State Park
The 968-acre Parker Dam State Park offers a scenic lake, rustic cabins, and a campground, and serves as a gateway to Moshannon State Forest.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePatterson State Park
State Park
Located in a remote area, Patterson State Park has two rustic picnic pavilions and serves as a trailhead for the Susquehannock Trail.
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Camping
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePenn-Roosevelt State Park
State Park
This 41-acre park sits in the Stone Creek Kettle of the Seven Mountains region, surrounded by an 80,000-acre block of Rothrock State Forest.
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePine Grove Furnace State Park
State Park
The 696-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park lies at the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with two mountain lakes, the Appalachian Trail, and a historic iron furnace community.
- Hiking
- Biking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePoe Paddy State Park
State Park
Poe Paddy State Park sits at the confluence of Big Poe Creek and Penns Creek, a trout angler's paradise known for its green drake mayfly hatch, with access to the Mid State Trail.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePoe Valley State Park
State Park
Cozy Poe Valley State Park is nestled in a rugged mountain valley in Centre County, with forests surrounding the 25-acre Poe Lake.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePoint State Park
State Park
Point State Park, at the confluence of three rivers at the tip of Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle, is a National Historic Landmark preserving French and Indian War heritage.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePrince Gallitzin State Park
State Park
At Prince Gallitzin State Park, the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau cradle the 1,635-acre Glendale Lake with 26 miles of shoreline.
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Hiking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePromised Land State Park
State Park
About 3,000 acres in size, Promised Land State Park sits on the Pocono Plateau, surrounded by 12,464 acres of Delaware State Forest, with two lakes and rustic cabins.
- Fishing
- Camping
- Hiking
- Boating
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePrompton State Park
State Park
Prompton State Park provides boat launching and picnicking facilities at the 290-acre Prompton Lake, surrounded by 26 miles of hiking trails.
- Boating
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Hiking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageProuty Place State Park
State Park
The five-acre Prouty Place State Park is a remote park offering access to hunting, fishing, and hiking within the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pagePymatuning State Park
State Park
At 16,892 acres, Pymatuning State Park is one of Pennsylvania's largest state parks and surrounds the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir, the largest lake in the Commonwealth.
- Biking
- Boating
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageRaccoon Creek State Park
State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park encompasses 7,572 acres and features the 101-acre Raccoon Lake, with facilities including CCC-era group camps.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageRalph Stover State Park
State Park
Tohickon Creek flows through the 45-acre Ralph Stover State Park, whose nearby High Rocks section offers a scenic overlook of the creek.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Climbing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageRavensburg State Park
State Park
The 78-acre Ravensburg State Park lies in a steep-walled gorge carved by Rauchtown Run, nearly surrounded by Tiadaghton State Forest.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageRaymond B. Winter State Park
State Park
Raymond B. Winter State Park covers 695 acres within Bald Eagle State Forest, centered on Halfway Lake and contained by a native sandstone dam.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Biking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageReeds Gap State Park
State Park
Reeds Gap State Park is 220 acres of wilderness in the New Lancaster Valley of Mifflin County, with hemlocks and white pines along Honey Creek.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageRidley Creek State Park
State Park
Ridley Creek State Park encompasses more than 2,606 acres of Delaware County woodlands and meadows bisected by Ridley Creek, only 16 miles from Philadelphia.
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageRyerson Station State Park
State Park
The 1,164-acre Ryerson Station State Park sits in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania near the West Virginia border, with a swimming pool and campground.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSalt Springs State Park
State Park
The 405-acre Salt Springs State Park features towering old growth hemlocks and a rocky gorge cut by Fall Brook with its three waterfalls.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSamuel S. Lewis State Park
State Park
This 85-acre state park is dominated by Mt. Pisgah, an 885-foot ridge with mowed fields, a pine plantation, and mature woods.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Sports
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSand Bridge State Park
State Park
Sand Bridge State Park is a small picnic spot along Rapid Run, with rustic pavilions on the side of Seven Notch Mountain.
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageShawnee State Park
State Park
Shawnee State Park is 3,983 acres of Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley Province, with the 451-acre Shawnee Lake as its focal point.
- Biking
- Boating
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageShikellamy State Park
State Park
Shikellamy State Park spans two sections at the confluence of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River, with a marina and a 360-foot clifftop overlook.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSimon B. Elliott State Park
State Park
The 318-acre Simon B. Elliott State Park sits in the heart of Moshannon State Forest, with swamp meadows and a mixed hardwood and oak forest.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSinnemahoning State Park
State Park
Sinnemahoning State Park encompasses 1,910 acres in the Pennsylvania Wilds, with a 145-acre reservoir and wildlife including bald eagle, elk, and bobcat.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSizerville State Park
State Park
The 386-acre Sizerville State Park is nearly surrounded by Elk State Forest and serves as a base for exploring nearby public lands.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSusquehanna State Park
State Park
This 20-acre riverfront recreational area is in the city of Williamsport, operated by the Williamsport Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with DCNR.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSusquehannock State Park
State Park
The 224-acre Susquehannock State Park sits on a wooded plateau overlooking the Susquehanna River in southern Lancaster County, part of a complex offering nearly 450 acres of public access.
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Picnicking
- Camping
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSwatara State Park
State Park
The 3,520-acre Swatara State Park consists of rolling fields and woodlands in the Swatara Valley, with scenic Swatara Creek running its length.
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageTobyhanna State Park
State Park
Tobyhanna State Park covers 5,440 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania and includes the 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageTrough Creek State Park
State Park
The 541-acre Trough Creek State Park is a scenic gorge where Great Trough Creek cuts through Terrace Mountain, with trails to Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls.
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageTuscarora State Park
State Park
The 1,618-acre Tuscarora State Park sits below Locust Mountain along Tuscarora Lake and houses the visitor center for Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageTyler State Park
State Park
Tyler State Park consists of 1,711 acres in Bucks County, with park facilities nestled in an original farm and woodland setting along Neshaminy Creek.
- Biking
- Boating
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageUpper Pine Bottom State Park
State Park
Upper Pine Bottom State Park is a small roadside picnic site that provides access to hiking and hunting on the surrounding Tiadaghton State Forest.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageVarden Conservation Area
State park system area
The 444-acre Varden Conservation Area in Wayne County is a donated tract managed by Promised Land State Park as a place to learn about Pennsylvania's natural history.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageWarriors Path State Park
State Park
The 349-acre Warriors Path State Park is a seasonal day-use area on a finger of land bounded on three sides by the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River in southern Pennsylvania.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageWashington Crossing Historic Park
State park system area
Washington Crossing Historic Park preserves the site of George Washington's boat crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolution and is a National Historic Landmark.
- Biking
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageWhipple Dam State Park
State Park
The 256-acre Whipple Dam State Park is a quiet day-use area in central Pennsylvania with a lake for swimming and bird watching plus a beach, picnic area, and hiking.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageWhite Clay Creek Preserve
State park system area
The 1,388-acre White Clay Creek Preserve in southern Chester County centers on the White Clay Creek Valley, a federally designated National Wild and Scenic River.
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageYellow Creek State Park
State Park
The 2,981-acre Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County surrounds the 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake, a destination for boating and fishing and a rest stop for migrating birds.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageBig Elk Creek State Park
State Park
The 1,800-acre Big Elk Creek State Park in southern Chester County lies less than 10 miles northwest of Newark, Delaware.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Horseback Riding
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLaurel Caverns State Park
State Park
Laurel Caverns State Park, Pennsylvania's first and only underground state park, consists of 426 acres of mountainous terrain on Chestnut Ridge in Fayette County.
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLehigh Gorge State Park (North)
State Park
A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterize Lehigh Gorge State Park.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Paddling
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageLehigh Gorge State Park (South)
State Park
A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterize Lehigh Gorge State Park.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Paddling
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageSusquehanna Riverlands State Park
State Park
The 1,044-acre Susquehanna Riverlands State Park lies along the confluence of Codorus Creek with the Susquehanna River, with rock vistas and a stretch of the Mason-Dixon Trail.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official pageVosburg Neck State Park
State Park
Vosburg Neck State Park features 667 acres in an oxbow of the North Branch Susquehanna River, with historic buildings, seven miles of trails, and boating access.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Pennsylvania DCNR
Official page
Inventory source: USGS PAD-US 4.1. Photos are public-domain or Creative Commons via Wikimedia Commons, credited per image. Official reservations and rules remain state-specific, so use the state booking links before committing to dates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best national park in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not have a designated national park, but it is rich in National Park Service sites and standout state parks. For outdoor scenery, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on the eastern border offers waterfalls and river miles, while state-managed Ricketts Glen and Ohiopyle are the must-see natural areas. If you want a gorge view, Pine Creek Gorge (the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania) is the headliner.
When is the best time to visit Pennsylvania's parks?
Fall is the standout season for Pennsylvania's parks and forests. Foliage peaks from late September into early October in the northern tier, including Pine Creek Gorge and the Allegheny National Forest, and a week or two later in the south, with comfortable hiking days in the 50s and 60s F. Summer is warm and humid (often 80s F) and best for rafting and lake recreation, while winter brings snow that opens cross-country skiing and ice climbing at parks like Ricketts Glen.
Where can I see waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
Ricketts Glen State Park in the northeast is the top waterfall destination, with 22 named falls along the Falls Trail loop, headlined by the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. In the southwest, Ohiopyle State Park has Ohiopyle Falls on the Youghiogheny River plus the short walk to Cucumber Falls. The trails near these falls stay slick year-round, so grippy footwear is worth packing.