Pennsylvania is packed with epic state parks, offering everything from thundering waterfalls to hidden swimming holes and massive lakes.
Whether you want to hike through ancient forests, paddle across serene waters, or stargaze under some of the darkest skies on the East Coast, there’s a park for you.
Some parks are built for adventure, with whitewater rapids and mountain biking trails, while others are perfect for unwinding on sandy beaches or in cozy cabins.
No matter what kind of escape you’re after, these must-visit Pennsylvania state parks deserve a spot on your bucket list!
1. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, located in the Laurel Highlands, is 20,500 acres of pure outdoor adventure, with the roaring Youghiogheny River cutting right through it.
This place is famous for its whitewater rafting, with rapids ranging from beginner-friendly to full-on heart-pounding, plus the iconic 20-foot Ohiopyle Falls.
If you love hiking, you’ve got over 79 miles of trails, including the Ferncliff Peninsula, where you can see rare plants and fossils from an era when the state was underwater.
And if biking’s your thing, you can hit the Great Allegheny Passage—a scenic 150-mile trail linking Pittsburgh to Maryland that runs straight through the park.
2. Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is waterfall heaven, with 22 named waterfalls tucked inside its old-growth forests.
The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is a showstopper, but the real thrill is hiking the Falls Trail, a challenging 7.2-mile loop where each waterfall outshines the last.
If you need a break from chasing waterfalls, Lake Jean is perfect for kayaking, swimming, or just chilling on the sandy beach with a picnic.
And in the fall? The whole park explodes into a stunning mix of red, orange, and gold, making it the spot for leaf-peeping.
3. Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is basically the state’s own little beach escape, stretching out into Lake Erie like a giant sandy hook.
It’s got 13 beaches, each with its own vibe—whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or search for beach glass along the shore.
Biking and rollerblading are huge here, thanks to the 13.5-mile loop trail that gives you nonstop lake views, plus a front-row seat to some of the best sunsets in the state.
If you’re into birdwatching, this place draws hundreds of migrating species, from bald eagles to warblers and even the occasional snowy owl.
4. Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park is home to one of the weirdest natural wonders in Pennsylvania—a 16-acre field of boulders that looks like it was dropped here by giants.
The Boulder Field has been sitting pretty for roughly 20,000 years, thanks to ancient glaciers, and you can actually walk across it (just watch your step!).
But that’s not all—this gem has over 40 miles of trails, including the stunning Shades of Death Trail, which winds past mossy trees, tiny waterfalls, and a misty swamp.
In the summer, the sand-bottomed swimming area at Sand Spring Lake is the perfect place to cool off after a long hike.
5. Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park isn’t about waterfalls or beaches—it’s all about the stars, and it’s hands-down the best place for stargazing in the state.
This 82-acre park in the remote Pennsylvania Wilds has some of the darkest skies on the East Coast, meaning you can see the Milky Way on a clear night.
Astrophotographers and space lovers flock here for meteor showers, planetary views, and even the occasional glimpse of the northern lights if conditions are just right.
Whether you bring a telescope or just lay back on a blanket, spending a night under the insanely starry sky here is pure magic.
6. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is where history and the outdoors collide, sitting right in the middle of the legendary Appalachian Trail.
Hikers passing through can stop at the Appalachian Trail Museum—yep, there’s a whole museum dedicated to the 2,190-mile trail.
After that, they can tackle the half-gallon ice cream challenge at the camp store, because nothing says “I’m a serious hiker” like eating an absurd amount of ice cream.
If you’re more into relaxing, the park has not one but two lakes—Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake—perfect for swimming or just kicking back on the shore.
(Please note: the Appalachian Trail Museum normally closes in October and usually reopens in April.)
7. Worlds End State Park
Worlds End State Park sounds dramatic, and honestly, it is—with rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and jaw-dropping mountain views.
This 780-acre park in the Loyalsock State Forest is a hiker’s dream, especially the Canyon Vista Trail, which rewards you with epic mountain views.
Loyalsock Creek runs right through the park, creating perfect spots for fishing and even some wild whitewater kayaking when the water levels are high.
And if you visit in the fall, prepare for rolling hills bursting with color, crisp mountain air, and that perfect crunchy-leaf sound under your boots.
8. Nockamixon State Park
Nockamixon State Park is all about the lake life, with the huge, 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon stealing the show.
Sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding—you name it, if it floats, you can probably do it here, and in the winter, the lake even turns into a hotspot for ice fishing.
The park’s trails wind through woodlands and meadows, but the best way to explore might just be by bike, with a scenic paved path that’s great for a ride along the water.
And if you want to wake up to lake views, the modern cabins on the south shore offer a cozy atmosphere and electric heaters for those chilly nights.
9. French Creek State Park
French Creek State Park is a do-it-all kind of place, with thick forests, two lakes, and miles of trails just waiting to be explored.
Hikers and mountain bikers love the rocky trails, including the challenging Six Penny Trail, which goes through the forest past an abandoned campground.
Hopewell and Scotts Run Lakes are ideal for fishing and kayaking, and if you’re into camping, this park has everything from tent sites to yurts (yes, yurts!).
Bonus history fact: It’s right next to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, where you can see an 18th-century iron furnace, costumed guides, and live demonstrations.
10. Kinzua Bridge State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park is all about big views and even bigger history, featuring the remains of what was once the tallest railroad bridge in the world.
After a tornado took down part of the 301-foot-tall Kinzua Viaduct in 2003, they turned the surviving section into a skywalk.
It has a glass-bottomed viewing platform that allows you to stare straight down into the gorge below!
Walk the park’s trails for panoramic views of the wreckage and the surrounding Allegheny National Forest, which is very stunning when fall colors take over.
If you love a good backstory, the visitor center digs into the bridge’s past, from its record-breaking construction in 1882 to the storm that took down a part of it.
11. Point State Park
Located where Pittsburgh’s three rivers collide, Point State Park is a downtown treasure, with rich history as well as both city and waterfront views.
The giant fountain at the tip of the park shoots water about 150 feet into the air.
It marks the spot where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River—aka one of the city’s most iconic sights.
History buffs can explore the remains of Fort Pitt, a key site from the French and Indian War, or check out the Fort Pitt Museum to see how Pittsburgh got its start.
Whether you’re biking along the rivers, catching a festival, or just kicking back with a Primanti’s sandwich on the grass, this park is the place to take in the Steel City skyline.
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