Looking for a scenic relaxation spot? Then a park is the perfect place.
But not just any park, the state parks near Reading are breathtaking; it’s easy to get lost in their stunning beauty.
Each park has beautiful scenery that is great for having fun, taking pictures, or just relaxing on a warm day.
You could also go hiking, take a camping trip with your family, have a picnic, or even go fishing. There is an endless amount of fun to be had at these parks.
You can take a mini-vacation to a state park and unwind as you bask in the glow of the sunlight.
Let your hair down as the wind blows through it and blows your troubles away as well, or take a jog through the trails on a quiet morning to keep in shape. These parks suit several interests.
The landscapes of these parks are simply remarkable, with clear lakes and beautiful trees that are sure to amaze you. Nothing lifts a moody spirit like a day in the park filled with natural greenery.
In this post, we will be listing five incredible state parks that are perfect for all activities and abilities. Pay a visit to any of these exquisite state parks to give yourself a delightful experience complete with an unforgettable adventure.
These state parks charge no fees, and they are just a few hours away from Reading.
Map of State Parks Near Reading PA
Here is a map of the Pennsylvania state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Reading
This list overlooks some of the best state parks near Reading and a little bit about what makes them so amazing.
1. French Creek State Park
Location: 843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520
This state park is arguable the most beautiful park in Pennsylvania. It is located about 19 miles away from Reading which makes it great for a quick drive to the park.
French Creek provides a peaceful sanctuary for those in need of a quiet place and lively entertainment for those who want to have fun.
Family outings to this park are great because it offers the best of both worlds, allowing the whole family to have a good time irrespective of their contrasting interests.
It offers a vast array of forests, creeks, lakes, wetlands, and fields that make it an ideal spot for hiking, camping, biking, jogging, picnicking, or camping. You can camp over in the cabins or bring a tent and camp the old-fashioned way.
You can also take a dip in the striking lakes of the park if wild swimming is your thing. This park offers two lakes; Hopewell Lake and Scott Run Lake.
There is a disc golf course near Hopewell Lake and over thirty miles of trails for horseback riding, running, or mountain biking.
2. Gifford Pinchot State Park
Location: 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339
This park is home to one of the largest camping grounds in the area. It is equipped with a swimming beach and campsites accessible to people of different abilities.
The peaceful setting of the park and its gorgeous lake only add to its overall appeal. This park offers a variety of fun activities to choose from, and it sits 51 miles away from Reading.
You can have a great time on the disc golf course or the volleyball course. Picnic with your loved ones on the soft grass, or take a peaceful jog through any one of the several trails in the park.
You could also learn more about the environment by joining their environmental education program.
Unlike most parks, the campsite at the Gifford Pinchot State Park is free for all. The park has also included a charging station for electric vehicles. Comfort and convenience is the goal of this state park.
3. Ricketts Glen State Park
Location: 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814
Ricketts Glen state park is situated just 64 miles away from Reading in the gorgeous town of Bento. At this park, guests can have an amazing time with the various recreational activities to choose from.
The picturesque terrain of this state park offers a dazzling backdrop to its guests. Be blown away by a series of flowing waterfalls that gush down glistening rocks. This state park has 24 named waterfalls, each just as breathtaking as the last.
You can rent a boat to paddle over the waters of Lake Jean or hike through the trails. Other recreational activities that you can do at this park include horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, fishing, camping, and hunting.
You can lounge your worries away in one of its ten fully furnished cabins or gaze upon the incredible view from the Grand View Trail.
4. Nockamixon State Park
Location: 1542 Mountain View Dr, Quakertown, PA 18951
This incredible state park is about 32 miles away from Reading. It is an oasis of peace and tranquility combined with many recreational activities.
Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited in Nockamixon State Park, but what this park lacks in swimming availability, it certainly makes up for in boating fun.
Boating and fishing lovers will have a field day sailing through the clean waters of Lake Nockamixon. This lake contains a variety of fish that will give both experts and beginners a chance to improve their fishing skills.
Just north of the lake is a trail suitable for bikers and joggers, and the south side of the lake is great for horseback riding. Hunters are welcome to use the trails as well, but there are specific guidelines that must be adhered to.
In addition, there are numerous environmental education programs available so you can have a good time while learning how to make the planet a better place.
5. Hickory Run State Park
Location: 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661
Hickory Run State Park, located around 50.73 miles away from Reading, covers the base of the Pocono Mountains. There is an activity for every season at this park. Fight the summer heat by swimming in the lake or skating over the ice during the winter.
Hike through the trails and be rendered speechless by the cascading waterfall of Hawk falls. You can also explore the various trails in the park or spend the night in the park. This park offers vintage-style camping cottages that are well furnished.
On the grounds of this park sits a unique scattering of boulders that has remained unmoved for over 20,000 years. This national landmark is accurately named Hickory Run Boulder Field, and it is the largest boulder field in the Appalachian region. Take a walk across this path and soak in the view.
Conclusion
Parks are a great way to have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature. The parks in this list are just a short drive away from Reading and they are loaded with fun activities and gorgeous scenery. You can visit alone or with your entire family because there’s more than enough fun for each member.
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