The 10 Best Pennsylvania State Parks to visit

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse state parks in the United States, offering stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and a rich variety of ecosystems. You can visit manmade lakes, natural lakes, or even a Great Lake. Or visit stunning mountain landscapes or rolling hills.

The PA State Park system is one of the best in the United States. It is also free to enter each of the 124 state parks. It would take the average person years to visit each and every one. That’s why we are making it a little easier. We’ve come up with a list of the 10 best Pennsylvania State Parks to visit.

Here are ten of the best Pennsylvania state parks, each offering something unique for nature lovers, hikers, campers, and adventurers alike:

1. Ricketts Glen State Park

Location: Northeastern Pennsylvania
Notable Features: Famous for its 22 waterfalls along the Falls Trail, including the stunning Ganoga Falls. The park also offers hiking, swimming, and fishing in beautiful Lake Jean.
Activities: Hiking, waterfalls, swimming, fishing, camping, wildlife watching.

2. Ohiopyle State Park

Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania, near the Laurel Highlands
Notable Features: Known for its white-water rafting opportunities on the Youghiogheny River. The park also boasts stunning views of the Ohiopyle Falls and access to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
Activities: White-water rafting, hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and cross-country skiing.

3. Cook Forest State Park

Location: Western Pennsylvania
Notable Features: Cook Forest is known for its towering ancient trees, including one of the oldest and tallest forests in Pennsylvania. The Forest Cathedral, a designated National Natural Landmark, features old-growth trees that are over 350 years old.
Activities: Hiking, canoeing, fishing, camping, and scenic views.

4. Pine Creek Gorge (Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks)

Pine Creek Gorge as seen from Colton Point State Park

Location: North Central Pennsylvania
Notable Features: Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” Pine Creek Gorge offers breathtaking views, especially from the overlooks at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks.
Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, scenic drives, and cross-country skiing.

5. Presque Isle State Park

Location: Northwestern Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie
Notable Features: A popular beach destination with 13 miles of shoreline, this park offers a combination of sandy beaches, wildlife watching, and water-based activities.
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking.

6. Valley Forge National Historical Park

Okay, Valley Forge is no longer a PA State Park but did you know that it was the first state park in the State? It was established in 1893. In 1976, Pennsylvania gifted the park to the United States for the Bicentennial.

Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia
Notable Features: A historic site where George Washington and the Continental Army camped during the harsh winter of 1777-1778. The park combines rich history with beautiful natural landscapes.
Activities: Hiking, biking, history tours, picnicking, and birdwatching.

7. Allegheny National Forest

Location: Northwestern Pennsylvania
Notable Features: With over 500,000 acres of forested land, Allegheny National Forest offers a remote wilderness experience, ideal for camping, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife watching.

8. Hickory Run State Park

Location: Eastern Pennsylvania, in the Pocono Mountains
Notable Features: Known for its boulder field (a National Natural Landmark), this park offers a scenic backdrop of dense forests, wetlands, and mountain streams.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping.

9. Shemokin Mountain (Shikellamy State Park)

Location: Central Pennsylvania
Notable Features: This park offers panoramic views of the Susquehanna River Valley and is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Shikellamy has two major overlooks.
Activities: Hiking, picnicking, fishing, and boating.

10. Mt. Pisgah State Park

Location: Northern Pennsylvania, near the Pennsylvania/New York border
Notable Features: A serene state park with trails that wind through forests and fields, along with a peaceful lake for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Each of these parks has something special to offer, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a dose of history. Pennsylvania’s state parks provide endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Make sure you visit the PA State Parks website to start planning your trip.

Have you visited any of the above state parks? Do you plan on visiting any this year? Do you plan on trying to visit all the the PA State Parks? Let us know in the comments below.