These 10 Little-Known Natural Wonders In Pennsylvania Belong On Your Bucket List
By Beth Price-Williams
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Updated on December 03, 2023
(Originally published February 11, 2021)
How’s your bucket list looking? Quite a few items already checked off? Or do you still have plenty to do? Living in Pennsylvania means that no matter how many items we tick off, our list grows longer and longer. After all, there’s so much to see and to do in Pennsylvania. You might want to pull out your bucket list right about now and add a visit to some or all of these natural wonders in Pennsylvania . Each of these Pennsylvania natural wonders offers a glimpse into the natural beauty that’s hidden throughout our beloved state.
1. Erie Bluffs – Erie
Erie Bluffs State Park, 11100 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, USA
At a cozy 587 acres, Erie Bluffs State Park boasts quite a bit of natural beauty - one mile of unspoiled shoreline and forest wetlands, for example. (Swimming is not allowed at the park.) The highlight of the park, however, is its 90-foot bluffs that offer sweeping views of Lake Erie and the lush green of the park. Go on a hike that leads to sensational views at one of the 10 best
natural wonders in PA . Learn more on the official website of
Erie Bluffs State Park.
Get a peek at the breathtaking view that awaits atop Erie Bluffs in this YouTube video by
Exploring with George .
VIDEO
2. White Cliffs of Conoy – Marietta
White Cliffs of Conoy, Marietta, PA 17547, USA
The natural masterpiece of Koser Park is undoubtedly the White Cliffs of Conoy. Created by the dumping of limestone and dolomite waste, the White Cliffs of Conoy overlook the Susquehanna River and conjure images of the White Cliffs of Dover in England. Visitors are permitted to explore, and you'll take a 1.5-mile path to reach this natural wonder. However, be careful as the cliffs stand 60 feet above the river and can be dangerous. Read more about the White Cliffs of Conoy, a truly breathtaking
PA natural wonder.
3. Hammersley Wild Area – Austin
Hammersley Wild Area, Austin, PA 16720, USA
Hammersley Wild Area has earned the distinction of being the most remote place in Pennsylvania. Offering tranquility and an abundance of natural beauty, the wild area is a must-add to any bucket list. The wild area spans more than 30,000 acres, and motorized vehicles are not allowed. You can, however, explore its trails on foot. Make sure you let someone know you'll be exploring this
remote spot in Pennsylvania , as cell service tends to be spotty at best. Bring plenty of water and snacks, too. Here's the official website of
Hammersley Wild Area.
4. Laurel Caverns – Farmington
Laurel Caverns, 1065 Skyline Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Laurel Caverns is the deepest cave in Pennsylvania with a depth of 464 feet. However, visitors on the guided tour usually go down just 150 feet. In addition to guided tours, you can go spelunking and caving. The caverns are a seasonal attraction, closing in the winter months to allow the resident bats to hibernate. This is just one of the natural wonders in Pennsylvania the whole family will love. Check out the official website of
Laurel Caverns for more information.
5. Bilger’s Rocks – Grampian
Bilger's Rocks, 1921 Bilgers Rocks Rd, Grampian, PA 16838, USA
At more than 300 million years old,
Bilger's Rocks is truly a natural wonder in PA and well worth a spot on your bucket list. The geological formations feature a series of caves, cliffs, passageways, and boulders. You can even climb the boulders. If you plan to spend the day, bring a picnic along, and go mountain biking after you've explored Bilger's Rocks. You can even spend the night at the campground.
6. Coudersport Ice Mine – Coudersport
Coudersport Ice Mine, Sweden Township, PA 16915, USA
A strange natural phenomenon,
Coudersport Ice Mine in Coudersport welcomes visitors seasonally. The small ice mine freezes over, typically from April through October, during the warmer months while disappearing in the colder months. That makes it a fun spring or summer day trip destination. Find more information, including opening day and hours, on the official Facebook page of
Coudersport Ice Mine .
7. Seven Tubs Recreation Area – Wilkes-Barre
Seven Tubs Recreation Area - Pinchot Forest District, 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA
Editor's Note: Seven Tubs Recreation Area is temporarily closed for improvements.
Tucked on 500 acres in Wilkes-Barre, Seven Tubs Recreation Area boasts a series of natural tubs (created from old potholes), small waterfalls, and pretty scenery. It's an ideal destination if you want to spend a bit of time in nature. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the nature area. (If you like fairy homes, you're in for a surprise, too.) Read more about Seven Tubs Recreation Area, a unique
Pennsylvania natural wonder .
8. Meadow Run Natural Waterslides – Ohiopyle
Meadow Run Slides, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
For a truly unique experience in the summer, glide down the
Meadow Run Natural Waterslides at Ohiopyle State Park. The waterslides offer the perfect spot to cool off, although you might get a few bumps and bruises since you're sliding down a slide made out of 300-million-year-old sandstone. Bring a picnic along and, if you're up for an adventure, check out nearby Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls, just two of the waterfalls at this Western Pennsylvania state park. Find more information on the official website of
Ohiopyle State Park.
9. Falls Trail – Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Most nature lovers love waterfalls. If you're a fan of waterfalls, you will absolutely love Ricketts Glen State Park. For a bit of a challenge, follow the Falls Trail, an epic
waterfall trail in Pennsylvania . While it's considered between moderate and hard, the trail leads to all 22 of the park's waterfalls, making it a true Pennsylvania natural wonder. The tallest, Ganoga Falls, drops down 94 feet. Head over to the official website of
Ricketts Glen State Park.
10. Archbald Pothole – Archbald
Archbald Pothole State Park, 960 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Archbald, PA 18403, USA
Those of us who live in PA know a whole lot about potholes. After all, we tend to run into them quite a bit of the time when we're driving. For the
largest pothole in Pennsylvania , make your way to Archbald Pothole State Park. It's home to the Archbald Pothole, which measures 42 feet by 24 feet at its widest point and boasts a depth of 38 feet. If that's hard to imagine, you could fit 35 firetrucks into the pothole. It's definitely a unique natural wonder in Pennsylvania that's well worth a visit. Check out the official website of
Archbald State Park.
Just how big is the world's largest pothole? Check out this YouTube video by DD Explore to get a better idea.
VIDEO
What are your favorite natural wonders in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Next time you’re up for a road trip, hit the highway on the road trip that will take you to the seven wonders of Pennsylvania . Before you set off, make sure you take a look at our list of road trip packing essentials .
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More to Explore
Natural Wonders In Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams
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December 03, 2023
Are there any other natural wonders in Pennsylvania?
On the hunt for more Pennsylvania natural wonders? You’ll find a ton of natural wonders in Pennsylvania , including:
Explore Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, from Colton Point State Park or Leonard Harrison State Park.
Go stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, which boasts the clearest skies on the Eastern Seaboard.
Climb into a boat for a tour of Penn’s Cave in Centre Hall, the only all-water cave in the United States.
Bring a hammer with you, so you can make music by tapping the rocks at Ringing Rocks Park in Berks County.
View eight breathtaking waterfalls at Bushkill Falls, known as the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.
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Featured Addresses
Erie Bluffs State Park, 11100 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, USA
White Cliffs of Conoy, Marietta, PA 17547, USA
Hammersley Wild Area, Austin, PA 16720, USA
Laurel Caverns, 1065 Skyline Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Bilger's Rocks, 1921 Bilgers Rocks Rd, Grampian, PA 16838, USA
Coudersport Ice Mine, Sweden Township, PA 16915, USA
Seven Tubs Recreation Area - Pinchot Forest District, 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA
Natural Water Slides, PA-381, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Archbald Pothole State Park, 960 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Archbald, PA 18403, USA