Spend Three Days In Three State Parks On This Weekend Road Trip In Pennsylvania

A weekend road trip in Pennsylvania just sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? We have so many amazing destinations that it can be tricky to narrow down what to pack into three days. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, hit the highway on this road trip to three of the best state parks in Pennsylvania. One day is dedicated to each of the parks, so you can pack in a whole lot of fun in three days.

Here are the Google Map directions for the road trip. You can easily customize them, adding your starting and ending points, or switching around the days you visit the parks

Google Maps

Our epic three-day road trip doesn’t require a ton of driving – just 211 miles over 4.5 hours. The minimal driving means you get to spend more time in each state park, rather than on the road.

Flickr/Nicholas T.

Spanning a cozy 405 acres, Salt Springs State Park is an often overlooked, absolutely gorgeous state park that’s perfect for exploration. Bring your hiking shoes for your adventure. The park boasts 16 miles of hiking trails, and you’ll definitely want to follow the Fall Brook Trail. It passes along a picturesque boardwalk, past towering hemlock trees that are more than 300 years old, and to several cascading waterfalls. This is one trail where you'll want to make sure you have your camera.

Advertisement

Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA

Flickr/Nicholas_T

Bring a pair of binoculars, too, because the lush park with fern floors is brimming with wildlife – deer, red foxes, porcupine, beaver, flying squirrels, and red squirrels. Fishing is permitted, and you’ll definitely want to enjoy a leisurely picnic. Explore during the day and reserve one of the rustic camping cottages for an overnight. While the cottages have electric lights and outlets, you’ll have to use the rustic bathrooms nearby. Whatever you do, make sure you get a good night’s sleep, because tomorrow is going to be absolutely epic, especially if you love waterfalls. Here's the official website of Salt Springs State Park.

Advertisement

Related Stories

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State

This State Park In Pennsylvania Is So Little Known, You'll Practically Have It All To Yourself

This Road Trip Will Give You The Best Pennsylvania Beach Day You've Ever Had

Flickr/John McCullough

Ricketts Glen State Park is always a natural choice for a road trip destination for one specific reason: waterfalls. The gorgeous state park is huge, tallying more than 13,000 acres. One of the highlights is, undoubtedly, the 21 named waterfalls, including the 94-foot-tall Ganoga Falls. You can see them all, too, on the challenging 7.2-mile Falls Trail. While the trail is quite challenging due to its rough terrain, the rewards are more than worth it. The park also features more than a handful of other trails, some of which give you a glimpse of some of the waterfalls, or you can also explore on horseback.

Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA

Trip Advisor/theladyisacat

Bring your beach gear along, too, if you’re roadtripping during the summer. Ricketts Glen features a beautiful sandy beach that leads into Lake Jean. The beach has everything you need for a relaxing time – a concession stand and picnic tables, and you can rent a boat if you want to explore the water.

You can camp out overnight too, in one of the modern cabins (which feature bathrooms), by pitching a tent, or parking your RV. Get all of the details on the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park.

Flickr/Malcolm K.

Our final day brings us to Lehigh Gorge State Park. Adventure awaits, especially if you’re a daredevil. If you are, go whitewater rafting through the gorge. The water trail promises a ton of fun and gorgeous scenery. You can also find local outdoor outfitters to lead you on a tour.

Lehigh Gorge State Park - Rockport Access, S Lehigh Gorge Dr, Weatherly, PA 18255, USA

Flickr/Scicolone

The best way to explore, however, is probably on one of the scenic hikes. (Biking is also popular at the park.) Lehigh Gorge State Park boasts 33 miles of hiking trails, including the 1.2-mile Buttermilk Falls and Luke’s Falls Trail. You’ll pass such beautiful scenery as waterfalls, and you’ll stroll through a cave. Learn more on the official website of Lehigh Gorge State Park.

What would be your top three state parks to visit on a weekend road trip in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Then carve out some time to hit the highway on this scenic road trip that will make you fall in love with Pennsylvania all over again.