Pennsylvania State Parks

Welcome to the main page for Pennsylvania State Parks. This page is designed to provide information related to the many state parks located in the state of Pennsylvania. Below you will a list of all the state parks in Pennsylvania along with the address of the parks. Click on the links below for the individual state parks where you can find detailed information specific to that park.

The State of Pennsylvania Park Quick Facts: 111 State Parks | 20 State Forests | 3 National Historic Parks | 2 National Historic Sites | 1 National Forest | 1 National Memorial | 1 National Wildlife Refuge | 1 National Recreation Area | So many beautiful resources in one State; Priceless

Pennsylvania State Parks Activities

Camping in Pennsylvania State Parks

In Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park is considered to be the Mecca for campers. With an abundance of nature trails and views that will take your Instagram feeds to the next level, this destination welcomes nearly hundreds of overnight visitors each month. With both tent and RV sites, as well as modern cabins available for rent, this park will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.

Renowned as one of the most picturesque spots in Pennsylvania, Worlds End State Park is so highly sought after that you have to make reservations for the summer season far in advance. Plus, the park is situated in Sullivan County where one of Pennsylvania’s best cheesesteaks can be found.

At Kettle Creek State Park, campers love keeping their eyes peeled for the spot’s large populations of bear, otter, and even Pennsylvania’s rare elk herd. Here, pitch your tent high above Kettle Creek Reservoir and wake up to breathtaking views of the sunrise every morning. Remember to stay safe by keeping some bear spray close by in case of an encounter.

Perhaps the darkest location in Pennsylvania, Cherry Springs State Park is so far removed from urban life and civilization that barely any light touches it. For those of you looking to stargaze and see the Milky Way, then this is the best place in the entire United States to do so.

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Hiking in Pennsylvania State Parks

One of the best trails in Pennsylvania is the routes that go through the Ferncliff Peninsula, located at Ohiopyle State Park. Three miles of four interconnected trails with various difficulty levels will take guests to this incredible and peaceful spot, which boasts of flora unique to the region.

Those feeling more adventurous and head over to Greenwood Furnace State Park where the 4.4-mile Stone Valley Vista Loop will take you along steep elevations, rugged terrain, and incredible views of the surrounding valley. Named the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year back in 2016, this route is definitely a must-try for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sweeping views of phenomenal natural landscapes await hikers taking the trail to the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk in Kinzua Bridge State Park. The scenery from this bridge is too epic for words and guests can even check out the pedestrian walkway with a glass-bottom section situated at its end.

For views of Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, take the Turkey Path Trail in Leonard Harrison State Park, a short and rugged route with breathtaking views. This two-mile trail is quite strenuous, though, as it takes you down into Pine Greek Gorge and straight back up. However, the waterfalls and vistas you’ll encounter while on it are worth the challenge. There are a fair number of black bears in Pennsylvania so it’s a good idea to know how to avoid a bear attack if you encounter one.

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Backpacking in Pennsylvania State Parks

For a laid-back and rather chill backpacking adventure, take the 14-mile Loyalsock-Link Loop found at Worlds End Park where you’ll find gorgeous waterfalls, towering rock formations, bubbling streams, and more.

The 36-mile Gerard Hiking Trail at Oil Creek State Park is also a favorite among backpackers with its abundance of well-maintained shelters, glens with waterfalls, and picturesque views.

Fishing in Pennsylvania State Parks

Presque Isle Bay, the oldest harbor on the Great Lakes, features some of the best fishing opportunities in Pennsylvania. Presque Isle State Park sits on the northern shore of this huge body of water, boasting of a ton of piers and lagoons that are all premier spots for anglers looking to reel in panfish, perch, steelhead, muskellunge, northern pike, and more.

Slippery Rock Creek at McConnells Mill State Park is the only catch and release fly-fishing location open year-round. Besides that, though, the creek is known for its incredible trout and smallmouth bass fishing.

Within Moraine State Park lies the 3,225-acre Lake Arthur, a warm-water fishery regularly stocked with channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, and muskellunge, among others. Anglers looking for a tranquil fishing excursion will undoubtedly find this spot to their liking!

Considered to be one of Pennsylvania’s top trout and bass streams, Oil Creek State Park is an angler’s paradise! With a ton of beautiful pools, the fishing opportunities here are unmatched.

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Geocaching in Pennsylvania State Parks

Pennsylvania offers geocaching enthusiasts several challenges and games that they can take part in. For instance, Bald Eagle State Park features the “Overlooking the Lake” quest, which takes place along Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and requires participants to try their hand at locating well-concealed caches.

Hunting in Pennsylvania State Parks

91 of the 121 state parks in Pennsylvania are open to hunting during the season, offering plenty of opportunities for enthusiasts to hunt big game, small game, and waterfowl. While deer hunting is the most popular activity in the state, other game species like the ruffed grouse and the pheasant are also regularly pursued here. So, if you’re looking to hunt for incredible games, then head over to Canoe Creek State Park, Cook Forest State Park, Parker Dam State Park, and more.

Biking in Pennsylvania State Parks

More than 50 miles of biking trails are found at Ohiopyle State Park, which includes over 25 miles of mountain biking trails. The recently-developed McCune Trail is one of the most recommended routes, featuring exhilarating ridge-op and single-track that will take you to spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.

The 1.2-mile Longfellow Trail at Cook Forest State Park is also pretty popular. Here, guests can ride their bikes under towering trees found only in the northeastern United States.

Those who want a chill and relaxing ride should also check out the Lehigh Gorge Trail at Lehigh Gorge State Park. This 25-mile route will take between two to three hours to complete and features gentle downhill conditions, as well as incredible views of the many rock formations found within.

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Boating in Pennsylvania State Parks

The 5,900-acre Bald Eagle State Park is one of the best boating destinations in Pennsylvania, placing no restrictions on the horsepower limit of watercraft vehicles although keep in mind that they do have a 45 mile per hour speed limit.

The recently-built Gifford Pinchot State Park is also a favorite among boating enthusiasts. The 24-acre Pinchot Lake located within is especially popular among catamaran and sailboat sellers.

Bird watching in Pennsylvania State Parks

Pymatuning State Park has the most number of bird species in Pennsylvania; here, glimpses of the Sandhill Crane, the Savannah Sparrow, and the Indigo Bunting are plenty although keep an eye for the Bald Eagles known to frequent the spot.

Another incredible Birding destination is Yellow Creek State Park, which is home to both waterbirds and songbirds. The park’s Waterfowl Observatory Trail in the main recreation area is also a big hit with their families – it’s your turn, now, to keep them entertained!

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Beaches in Pennsylvania State Parks

The natural waterslide found at Ohiopyle State Park is a crowd favorite during the summer season. Here, guests can slide on sandstone that’s millions of years old although be prepared to feel a few bumps here and there. This swimming hole also doesn’t have any lifeguards on duty so keep an eye out for your younger family members!

The 500-foot beach at Raccoon Creek State Park is another popular summer destination, especially among families. The beach also features a concession stand, in case you get hungry, as well as a bathhouse to freshen yourself up. Set up your beach umbrella to protect you from the sun and wind and enjoy the day.

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Rock Climbing and Mountaineering in Pennsylvania State Parks

To say that the rock climbing opportunities at Pennsylvania are unmatched would be an understatement! Those who are into bouldering can do so at Ohiopyle State Park. Situated in the Ohiopyle region of Pennsylvania, this area is famous for its challenging sandstone rocks that make for an incredible bouldering excursion.

Museums in Pennsylvania State Parks

A lot of the parks in Pennsylvania are home to amazing historical sites that give guests the opportunity to learn more about the state’s fascinating history. At Oil Creek State Park, explore the spot where the world’s oil boom first began. Remnants of the oil industry, including a ton of abandoned equipment, are found scattered throughout the park.

On the other hand, French and British forts are found at Point State Park. The English-built Fort Pitt, in particular, was in use until the late 1700s and makes for a great learning experience. Additionally, the Fort Pitt Museum, which houses exhibits on Pittsburgh’s military history, can be visited by guests.

Winter Sports in Pennsylvania State Parks

If you’ve heard of wind skating before, then here’s your chance to try this whimsical sport out! Presque Isle State Park, renowned for its impressive ice dunes during the winter season, offers ice skates to guests looking to enjoy wind skating on the lake. Frozen lakewater, wave surges, and the freezing spray combined together make for a winter adventure like no other.

Sledding and tobogganing is also a popular winter activity at Chapman State Park. Here, a huge warming hut with wood-burning stoves and benches are free for guests to use to escape the cold. Another option is to get a heated jacket. We reviewed 8 of the best heated jackets.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Pennsylvania State Parks

The natural wonders of Pennsylvania make it one of the best diving destinations in the United States. Opportunities here are plenty and can be found all across the state, from Bald Eagle State Park in the north to Prince Gallitzin State Park in the south, to Tuscarora State Park in the east, to and to Yellow Creek State Park in the west.

Orienteering in Pennsylvania State Parks

There are a number of permanently established orienteering courses at Pennsylvania; one of the best – and most challenging – ones is found at French Creek State Park, which is considered by many to be the “Orienteering Capital of North America.” This self-guiding course is open to anyone, regardless of age, experience, and skill level!

Three permanent courses are also featured at Hickory Run State Park. The beginner course, located in the park’s Sand Spring Day Use Area, will take guests about an hour to complete while the advanced one near Saylorsville Dam will take more or less four hours to get through. Still, the experience is well worth it!

Complete Pennsylvania State Park List and Addresses

Here is a complete list of all the state parks in Pennsylvania along with the address for each park. Enjoy all that Pennsylvania has to offer for outdoor actives and natural beauty.

State Parks By State

Click on the links below to go to the main state park page for each individual state in the United States.