We are lucky to have 120 state parks to visit in Pennsylvania, all of which are free and open to the public. Chances are that you’re never further than a 30-minute drive from one of our expansive and gorgeous natural landscapes. Even better? You can visit them anytime of the year and will probably want to go in each season. Here are 12 of the best parks in Pennsylvania that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

1. Presque Isle State Park, Erie
Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Pennsylvania's most expansive beaches are those found along the coast of Lake Erie, in Presque Isle State Park. The park includes 13 sandy beaches as well as many miles of hiking trails. One of the best parks in Pennsylvania, Presque Isle boasts a full menu of fun - from swimming and boating to surfing and biking. You can even go searching for beach glass. Make sure you visit during the winter, too, for cross-country skiing and ice skating. Learn more on the official website of Presque Isle State Park.
2. Archbald Pothole State Park, Lackawanna
Archbald Pothole State Park, 960 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Archbald, PA 18403, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Clint
The appropriately named Archbald Pothole State Park is home to one of the largest potholes in the world, measuring in at 38 feet deep. It was formed more than 15,000 years ago, and to give an idea of just how big it is: You could fit 35 fire tankers into the massive pothole. The small state park in Pennsylvania is also popular with hikers and hunters. Here's the official website of Archbald Pothole State Park.
3. World's End State Park, Sullivan County
Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Nicholas
World's End State Park is known for trout fishing and white-water kayaking. With more than 20 miles of trails, it is also one of the best parks in Pennsylvania for hiking. It features a beach, perfect for swimming and cooling off in the summer. Other popular activities include wildlife watching, camping, and picnicking. Check out the full list of activities on the official website of Worlds End State Park.
4. Big Pocono State Park, Monroe County
Big Pocono State Park, 980 Camelback Rd, Tannersville, PA 18372, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
If you've ever been to Camelback Mountain, chances are you've also been through Big Pocono State Park. The area attracts many visitors during winter for skiing and snowboarding, but makes for a beautiful destination year-round. If you want to find scenic hiking trails in Pennsylvania, you've come to the right place. Big Pocono State Park boasts nearly nine miles of scenic hiking trails. Stop by the official website of Big Pocono State Park for more information.
5. Buchanan's Birthplace State Park, Franklin
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park, 6235 Aughwick Road, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Clint
The birthplace of the 15th president of the United States is commemorated by a stone monument in the shape of a pyramid. The tiny 18.5-acre state park is popular for picnicking and fishing, too, so you can make a morning or an afternoon of it. Head to the official website of Buchanan's Birthplace State Park for more information.
6. Canoe Creek State Park, Blair County
Canoe Creek State Park, 205 Canoe Creek Rd, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources named Canoe Creek State Park one of the 20 must-see state parks in Pennsylvania. It is the home of the largest nursery colony of brown bats in the state. You'll find an abundance to do too, including hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Check out the official website of Canoe Creek State Park.

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7. Cherry Springs State Park, Potter County
Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Kevin Wigell
Cherry Springs State Park is famous as a destination for astronomers and stargazers. It has some of the darkest skies in the eastern half of the United States, making it the best state park in Pennsylvania for stargazing. The park offers two viewing areas - one for casual stargazers and an overnight area for professional astronomers. Find more on the official website of Cherry Springs State Park.
8. Benjamin Rush State Park, Philadelphia
Benjamin Rush State Park, 15001 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Frank from Philadelphia
Benjamin Rush State Park holds one of the largest community gardens in the entire world. Explore the picturesque state park by hiking or on bike. Cross-country skiing is popular in the winter while radio-flying attracts visitors year-round. Learn more on the official website of Benjamin Rush State Park.
9. Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon County
Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Wherring
Greenwood Furnace was once a thriving iron town in the 1800s, and remnants of it still remain along the beautiful hiking trails. You'll find a ton of things to do outside in Pennsylvania and, most notably, at this state park. It offers hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and camping. Stop by the official website of Greenwood Furnace State Park to learn more.
10. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Butler County
Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Clint
Here you will find 20 acres of natural prairie, the only place where this ecosystem is protected in the state. Explore the cozy state park along one of the hiking trails, or go cross-country skiing after a snowfall in the winter. Check out the official website of Jennings Environmental Education Center for a full list of the park's amenities.
11. Kinzua Bridge State Park, McKean County
Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Clint
A tornado in 2003 destroyed Kinzua Bridge, which was up until that point the world's highest and longest railway bridge. Only a 600-foot portion of the bridge remains, but it's more than worth a visit as it's been turned into a skywalk. Stroll down the skywalk and, at the end, find a glass floor. Peer more than 300 feet down to the forest floor below at what ranks as one of the best parks in Pennsylvania. Head over to the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park for more information.
12. Salt Springs State Park, Susquehanna County
Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Nicholas - Flickr
Salt Springs is the only state park in Pennsylvania managed by a non-profit organization, the Friends of Salt Springs Park. It is home to 500-year-old hemlocks, some of the oldest trees in the state. If you're looking for a ton of things to do outside in Pennsylvania, you've come to the right place. Salt Springs State Park offers hiking, picknicking, wildlife watching, and camping. In the winter, spend a day cross-country skiing or sledding. Stop by the official website of Salt Springs State Park.

What are your favorite state parks to visit in Pennsylvania? Which ones have interesting stories that you know about? Tell us about them in the comments below! Then check out the best lesser-known state parks to visit in Pennsylvania.

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State Parks To Visit In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | February 08, 2022

What are the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania?

With more than 12,000 miles of hiking trails in Pennsylvania, we’re never too far from adventure. If you’re up for a huge adventure, pack a bag and hit the 43-mile Black Forest Trail that meanders through Lycoming County. For a short but sweet trail, follow the Ringing Rocks County Trail. Wear sturdy shoes, and take a hammer with you. The trail leads to a field of ringing rocks. Hit the rock with a hammer to make music.

What are the best parks in Pennsylvania for camping?

With 120 state parks in Pennsylvania, we have so much outdoor space to explore. Sometimes a day to visit the best state parks just isn’t enough. Fortunately, most state parks offer campgrounds. If you’re up for a rustic camping adventure, pitch your tent at Ravensburg State Park. The tiny park offers a fire ring, picnic areas, and showers. Bring your pup along, too. Patterson State Park and Colton Point State Park both welcome campers with no reservations necessary. For a unique adventure, sleep on the beach at Lake Erie, during the summer, at Sara’s Campground. Space is first come first serve, so make sure you arrive early.

What are some fun things to do outside in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s an outdoor lover’s dream come true. No matter the season, you’ll find something fun to do outside in Pennsylvania. Wintertime means snow tubing, skiing, ice skating, sled riding, and hikes through the best parks in Pennsylvania, including Moraine State Park and Salt Springs State Park. Springtime is all about exploring the many outdoor flea markets, farmers markets, and public gardens as the flowers begin to blossom. Stay cool during the summer at one of the many beaches, including the 13 beaches at Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Pumpkin picking, leaf peeping at Pine Creek Gorge and Kinzua Bridge State Park, and farm visits are all fun things to do outside in Pennsylvania during the fall.

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