Pennsylvania’s state parks are great places to visit any time of the year. When life begins to get a bit repetitive, break out of your everyday routine and head to one of the area’s state parks, which offer thousands of acres that are ideal for every outdoor activity imaginable. Soak up the sun while swimming at the beaches at several of the state parks. Fly a model airplane or go horseback riding. Southwestern Pennsylvania’s state parks, all family-friendly, promise jaw-dropping beauty, pure relaxation, and plenty of adventure. Would you agree that the following are the eight best state parks to visit near Pittsburgh?

1. Point State Park
Point State Park, 601 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Flickr/Steve Elgersma
Point State Park, at the tip of the Golden Triangle in Pittsburgh, is perhaps the most easily recognizable state park in the area. It offers plenty of traditional activities, including boating, hiking, and biking. In fact, two popular hiking and biking trails – the Great Allegheny Passage and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail – run through the park. History buffs can learn more about Pittsburgh by visiting the Fort Pitt Block House. Locals, thousands of whom flocked to Point State Park, will remember when the famous Giant Rubber Duck floated into town in 2013, docking on the river's edge.
2. Moraine State Park
Moraine State Park Road, Moraine State Park Rd, Franklin Township, PA 16057, USA
Flickr/Kristie
Choose from dozens of activities – from hiking to boating – at the nearly 17,000 acre Moraine State Park or simply soak up the sun's rays at one of the park's two beaches, Lake Arthur and Pleasant Valley Beach. Approximately 40 miles outside of Pittsburgh, the state park features traditional activities as well as some not-so-traditional activities, including disc golf and bird watching from the waterfowl observation deck.
3. Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Keep Life Simple/Google Local
The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park is great for day-trips and family vacations year round. Camping, modern cabins, many trails, and a lake are all within walking distance, providing an ideal setting for wildlife watching or outdoor adventures. The park is within easy driving distance from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the Laurel Highlands, and their many attractions.
4. McConnells Mills State Park
McConnells Mills, Chartiers Township, PA 15301, USA
Flickr/Dave Inman
Seasoned climbers can test their skills at McConnells Mills State Park's two climbing areas while others can hit the nine miles of hiking trails, fish, hunt, or enjoy a picnic at the Kildoo Picnic Area, which also features a play area for kids. The Lawrence County park borders Slippery Rock Creek where, because of dangerous currents, swimming is prohibited.

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5. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Kristin/Google Local
Carve out plenty of time for your visit to Ohiopyle State Park where photo-ops abound. Soak up the unparalleled beauty of the waterfalls, including Cucumber Falls, then slide down the natural water slides. Hikers can choose one of the many trails that cover nearly 79 miles while bikers have 27 miles of biking paths to explore. Ohiopyle State Park welcomes visitors to enjoy both summer and winter activities.
6. Ryerson Station State Park
Ryerson Station State Park, 361 Bristoria Rd, Graysville, PA 15337, USA
Flickr/Chris Collins
Lace up your hiking shoes and hit the 13 miles of hiking trails at Ryerson Station State Park in Greene County, not too far from the West Virginia border. If hiking isn't your style, you'll find plenty else to do: swimming in the free pool, hunting, picnicking, and camping. Outdoor enthusiasts can also engage in such activities as sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing during the winter months.
7. Hillman State Park
Hillman State Park, Burgettstown, PA 15021, USA
Charles H/Google Local
Just 25 miles outside of Pittsburgh in Washington, Hillman State Park caters predominately to turkey and deer hunters and to hikers. However, the state park also features a model airplane field, which requires prior registration and verification of membership to the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Visitors are encouraged to use extreme caution when carrying and operating firearms.
8. Raccoon Creek State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Immerse yourself in outdoor adventure at Raccoon Creek State Park in Beaver County. Raccoon Lake provides an idyllic setting for boaters, kayakers, and fishermen while the more than 7,500 acre state park promises ample opportunity for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. The park also features a sandy beach with a concession stand and a bathhouse.

The eight best state parks to visit near Pittsburgh promise plenty of adventure and excitement, all year around – whether you prefer a challenging or a relaxing outdoor experience. Which state park near Pittsburg is your favorite to visit?

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More to Explore

State parks to visit near Pittsburgh

Sarah M. | February 02, 2022

What are some of the best state parks to visit in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s a nature- and outdoor-lover’s dream. With 121 superlative state parks, we have plenty of places to get out and explore the great outdoors! And while some are perennial favorites (see the question below!), there are so many wonderful state parks to visit in Pennsylvania that tend to get overlooked. Don't make that mistake! Make a promise to yourself to visit some of the lesser-known state parks in Pennsylvania, where you’ll discover local wildlife, incredible trails, and gushing waterfalls. What could be better? Nothing, we say!

What's the most popular state park in Pennsylvcania?

Ohiopyle State Park in Western Pennsylvania sprawls across 20,500 acres, and its many natural features -- from hiking and kayaking to waterfalls and a natural waterslide -- isn't just what makes this park a perennial favorite, it's also what caught the attention of the editors at Travel & Leisure, earning it the title of the best state park in Pennsylvania! A bona fide waterfall treasure trove, Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls are just two commanding cascades you'll see at Ohiopyle. For those looking for a bit more water-bound adventure, the park's location along the Youghiogheny River makes it perfectly situated for recreation of all varieties. In fact, Ohiopyle State Park offers quite a few water activities – whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing, for example. Add it all up, it's an amazing state park near Pennsylvania that you should plan to visit ASAP.

What's a state park in Pennsylvania that I can visit year-round?

One of our favorite state parks to visit in PA is also one of the smallest. But don't let its diminutive stature fool you -- at only 78 acres, the tiny Ravensburg State Park boasts plenty to do, including hiking the picturesque one-mile trail, picnicking, and camping out overnight. It's an absolutely beautiful state park with so many opportunities for outdoor adventure!

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