- What kind of natural scenery does Pennsylvania offer?
- Pennsylvania is home to breathtaking natural scenery ranging from majestic mountain ranges and deep verdant valleys to open rolling farmlands and deep blue lakes.
- Where can visitors experience Pennsylvania’s natural beauty?
- Much of this beauty can be enjoyed in one of the region’s 121 state parks, 19 national parks, and seven National Heritage Areas.
- What activities can be enjoyed in Pennsylvania’s national parks?
- Many of the national parks are designated historical sites and feature a wealth of outdoor and recreational activities for the whole family to enjoy, from hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
- Why should you visit a park in Pennsylvania?
- Visit one of these stunning parks to experience the natural beauty of the state.
Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania State Parks
- April to June – Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and perfect for hiking and camping.
- September to October – Cool weather, vibrant fall foliage, and ideal for scenic adventures.
- July & August – Warm and humid, great for swimming, boating, and lake activities.
- December to February – Snowy landscapes offering opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hikes.
- Mid-October – Peak time for breathtaking fall colors and crisp outdoor experiences.
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1. Allegheny Portage Railroad
Walk historic tracks and explore canals on an educational day trip.
The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the very first railroad to be built through the Allegheny Mountains in central Pennsylvania. This modern inclined plane railroad was considered a technological wonder in its day and operated between 1834-1854, playing a critical role in opening the interior of the country to the new settlement. Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, approximately 12 miles west of Altoona, the railroad provides train enthusiasts and history buffs an opportunity to learn about our nation’s railroad history. The park features several attractions, including the Summit Level Visitor Center, Engine House #6 Exhibit Shelter, the historic Lemon House, the Skew Arch Bridge, picnic area and several hiking trails.
110 Federal Park Rd, Gallitzin, PA 16641, Phone: 814-886-6150
2. Black Moshannon State Park
Paddle quiet bogs and spot wildlife on a peaceful nature escape.
Perched high on the Allegheny Plateau, Black Moshannon State Park is a 3,394-acre park that features lush forests and wetlands, including the famous Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area. Surrounded by the vast Moshannon State Forest, the park conserves unique, natural environments and is home to a diverse array of fauna and flora, providing excellent bird and wildlife watching for nature lovers. Recreational activities in the park include hiking, mountain biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake, which is fed by small streams and clear springs. Camping is available in the park with basic campsites and rustic self-catering overnight cabins.
4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866
3. Caledonia State Park
Hike forest trails and enjoy a picnic on a relaxing family outing.
Caledonia State Park is a 1,125-acre state park that spans the Adams and Franklin counties is in the northernmost section of the Blue Ridge Mountains known locally as South Mountain. The southern Pennsylvanian park is named after the Caledonia Furnace, an old iron furnace that operated in 1837 and features beautiful natural scenery of low, rolling, fertile valleys and rugged quartzite mountains. The park has a range of recreational facilities, including self-catering camping cabins and basic campsites and an 18-hole, par 68, public golf course. Other activities that can be enjoyed in the park include hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching.
101 Pine Grove Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222, Phone: 717-352-2161
4. Codorus State Park
Boat the lake and camp under stars on a fun summer getaway.
Codorus State Park is a 3,490-acre park in the rolling hills of southern York County that is home to the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg and spectacular natural landscapes. The lake’s 26 miles of shoreline attracts a wealth of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds that use the lake as a rest stop. Recreational activities in the park and on the lake include leisure boating, canoeing, and kayaking, warm water fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking and mountain biking. Services and amenities in the park include an amphitheater, boat launching, and mooring sites, camping, modern restrooms, and an array of environmental education programs that are hosted throughout the year.
2600 Smith Station Road, HANOVER PA 17331, Phone: 717-637-2816
5. The Delaware & Lehigh Canal National and State Heritage Corridor (D&L)
Bike the towpath and discover industrial history on a scenic trip.
Stretching from north to south, across five counties in eastern Pennsylvania, The Delaware & Lehigh Canal National and State Heritage Corridor (D&L) is a 165-mile National Heritage Area that preserves the natural heritage of the region and provides green spaces for the public to enjoy. The multi-use trail and historic transportation route cross canals, rivers, railroads, and trails and is ideal for recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and leisure boating. The Corridor features a variety of ever-changing landscapes from patch towns and mid-18th-century German villages, to the rolling fields of Pennsylvania German farms, and the region’s three largest cities – Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd, Easton, PA 18042, Phone: 610-923-3548
6. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Hike to waterfalls and float the river on an exciting outdoor adventure.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a large park in the Pocono Mountains on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania which is home to the Appalachian Trail, along with more than 100 miles of hiking trails. Boasting incredible natural scenery along the banks of Delaware River, the area features steep ridges and dense hemlock forests, quaint historic colonial villages and an abundance of diverse fauna and flora, as well as the area’s namesake, the spectacular 1000-foot-deep valley between the mountain ridges known as the ‘Water Gap.’
1978 River Road, Bushkill, Pennsylvania
7. Eisenhower National Historic Site
Tour the president’s farm and learn history on an educational visit.
The Eisenhower National Historic Site is located just outside Gettysburg in Cumberland Township, Adams County and preserves the once residence of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. The site also protects the surrounding 690-acre property, which was by General Eisenhower in 1950 as a weekend retreat for the President. The estate and mansion became the Eisenhowers' home after they left the White House in 1961 and today serves as an intimate look into their lives. The property features a skeet range, a putting green, and breathtaking views of the Gettysburg Battlefield and the South Mountain in the background. The site is accessed by a shuttle bus from the Visitor Center.
243 Eisenhower Farm Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325, Phone: 717-338-9114
8. French Creek State Park
Swim, hike, and bike wooded trails on an active weekend trip.
French Creek State Park is a 7,526-acre state park that straddles the Berks and Chester counties along the banks of the French Creek. Located in the Hopewell Big Woods, the park is home to two beautiful lakes, namely the 68-acre warm water Hopewell Lake and the 22-acre cold water Scotts Run Lake, which is an excellent fishing lake. The park also features vast forests, the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, which boasts a beautifully restored cold blast furnace dating back to the 1830s, and over 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Visitors can enjoy the Six Penny Day Use Area and Group Camp, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520, Phone: 610-582-9680
9. Friendship Hill Historic Site
Walk riverside trails and explore Gallatin’s home on a quiet retreat.
Friendship Hill Historic Site preserves and honors the country estate and home of early American politician and statesman Albert Gallatin, a Swiss immigrant who served his adopted nation during the early years of the republic. Gallatin is renowned for being Secretary of the Treasury during the Jefferson and Madison administrations and for reducing the national debt, purchasing the Louisiana Territory and funding the Lewis & Clark exploration during his 13-year tenure. The beautifully restored Friendship Hill house offers visitors an intimate look at his life during this time through informative displays and exhibits. Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the Laurel Highlands, the private estate is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset, all year.
223 New Geneva Road, Point Marion, PA 15474, Phone: 724-329-2501
10. Gettysburg National Military Park
Tour the battlefield and reflect on history during a powerful, educational trip.
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Gettysburg National Military Park offers an informative, interactive experience for the whole family. The popular park commemorates the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most vicious battles in the Civil War and offers visitors to explore the battlefield on foot or a two-hour bus tour of the site. Several ranger-led activities and hikes provide an exciting insight into the battle from the essential hospital services that the soldiers had to endure to some of the decisions made by General Robert E. Lee during the campaign. The park is managed by the National Park Service and is open year-round.
1195 Baltimore, Pike, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-334-1124
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Allegheny Portage Railroad
- 2. Black Moshannon State Park
- 3. Caledonia State Park
- 4. Codorus State Park
- 5. The Delaware & Lehigh Canal National and State Heritage Corridor (D&L)
- 6. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- 7. Eisenhower National Historic Site
- 8. French Creek State Park
- 9. Friendship Hill Historic Site
- 10. Gettysburg National Military Park