Pennsylvania has thousands of acres of public lands and trails to explore (including the most expansive system of backpacking trails in the east), and 121 state parks all with no entrance fees! Not sure where to start your next adventure in PA with all the great options? Check out a few of the great state parks you’ll want to visit right away.
1. Ricketts Glenn State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. The large park is comprised of 13,050 acres, harboring Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. The park is home to the incredible, and very popular, Falls Trail which boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls. Ricketts Glenn has many camping options, including pets, and is a favorite for its hiking trails, fishing, swimming beach and more.
2. Little Pine State Park
While Little Pine State Park has excellent camping options, nesting bald eagles, songbirds, herons and otters are the real stars of the park, along with outstanding wildlife watching during the fall migration. The 2,158-acre park is surrounded by a beautiful mountain section of Tiadaghton State Forest and offers unique views along the miles of hiking trails.
3. Pymatuning State Park
Almost everything about Pymatuning State Park is big. At 16,892 acres, it is one of the largest state parks and the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake in the state. Aside from the size, the biggest thing about the park is the fun you can have boating, fishing, swimming, camping and enjoying tons of recreational opportunities. In addition to the state park facilities, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission operate a fish hatchery and visitor center, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission has wildlife viewing areas and a learning center.
4. Blue Knob State Park
Blue Knob State Park offers year-round wilderness adventures on 6,128 acres of serene woodlands. The park is conveniently located within 25 miles of Altoona, Johnstown and Bedford. One of the unique features of the park is the solitude it provides the visitor, with many opportunities to enjoy the quiet and refreshing serenity of the mountains and streams. The elevation of the park can cause air temperatures to be several degrees cooler, which makes it perfect for nights around the campfire.
5. Raccoon Creek State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park has flourished into one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the state after beginning as a Recreational Demonstration Area operated by the National Park Service in the 1930s. The park encompasses 7,572 acres and features the beautiful 100-acre Raccoon Lake. Facilities at the park are a mix of modern and rustic with group camps from the Civilian Conservation Corps era. With a playground, amphitheater and swimming beach, Raccoon Creek offers fun for the whole family.
6. Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park sits on the Pocono Plateau, 1,800 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania’s picturesque Delaware State Forest. Visitors enjoy camping, fishing and boating in two lakes, swimming in the summer months and exploring 50 miles of hiking trails through the surrounding areas rich in historical significance and scenic beauty. Plus, the park features waterfalls along the Little Falls Trail perfect for capturing those magical moments.
