There’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to amazing state parks to visit in Pennsylvania. With 121 beautiful parks across the Keystone State, it’s overwhelming knowing where to begin! If you’re itching for something more than the endless bustle of Philadelphia or the fast-paced hustle of Pittsburgh, your best choice is to head out and enjoy one of Pennsylvania’s immaculately beautiful state parks. Whether you love breathtaking sights, encountering an abundance of local wildlife, or just getting away from it all in the great outdoors, these Pennsylvania state parks offer an unparalleled experience for hikers of all skill levels.

1. Sinnemahoning State Park
Sinnemahoning State Park, 4843 Park Dr, Austin, PA 16720, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Nicholas
The five miles of trails at Sinnemahoning State Park offer unique access to Northeastern wildlife. Nestled in between two of Pennsylvania’s enormous state forests, you have quite a good chance to see some of the rare North American fauna during your hike along one of Sinnemahoning’s trails. Portions of the trail include old-growth forests, which have had little human interference, and therefore host an abundance of wildlife. The main trail is perfect for easy-going hikers, and the park offers a more difficult trail for those yearning for a more adventurous experience. Read more about this superlative state park in this recent feature.
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
2. Leonard Harrison State Park
Leonard Harrison State Park
Wikimedia Commons/I.Ruhrfisch
The hiking trails at Leonard Harrison State Park include gorgeous climbs to scenic vistas and thrilling descents to Pine Creek below. Throughout the entirety of the hikes you’ll pass amazing vistas offering breathtaking views. The 4.9 miles worth of trails may sound short, but the steep inclines and declines offer a sufficient challenge to novice hikers, and keep experienced hikers on their toes. Because of the vantage point over the sprawling woodland landscape, Leonard Harrison State Park is the home of many birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, and osprey. Read more about this Pennsylvania state park, which offers some of the best hiking in the state, in this feature.
Wikimedia Commons/I.Ruhrfisch
3. Salt Springs State Park
Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Doug Kerr
Old growth forests are expanses of wilderness which have remained undisturbed by humankind. These forests often showcase the apex of unique and beautiful ecosystems. Salt Springs State Park is the site of one of Pennsylvania’s ancient forests. Massive hemlock trees reaching up to 130 feet in height sprawl across the area, truly a sight to behold. Along the 12.75 miles of trails, hikers will encounter three incredible waterfalls, and of course, the incredible hemlock forests. The trails at Salt Springs State Park range in difficulty, offering a fun and unique visit for hikers of all skill levels. Read more about this hidden gem state park in this recent feature.
Wikimedia Commons/Nicholas
4. Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Flickr/Paul Morris
Hickory Run State Park’s hiking trails may not be as thoroughly mapped out as others, but the park offers a unique sightseeing feature: a field of boulders. The famous Hickory Run State Park boulder field compliments the 44 miles of hiking trails available to park visitors, which cover a wide range of difficulties. As if the boulder field wasn’t enough, the park trails also host a marvelous waterfall, Hawk Falls, as well as an opportunity to see the rhododendrons in full bloom, come mid-June.You may come just to play around in the one-of-a-kind boulderfield, but you’ll certainly feel the urge to return for more scenic hikes along the vast network of trails. Read more about this beautiful PA state park in this recent feature.

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Wikimedia Commons/Doug Kerr
5. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Frank Kovalchek
If you have a hunger for rocky river gorges, natural water slides, and roaring river rapids, then Ohiopyle State Park is the place for you! Not only do they offer incredible views of the Youghiogheny River Gorge and nature’s very own water slides, but the park is also a popular destination for whitewater boating. With 79 miles of trails, every return visit promises to be a unique one, and if you’re daring enough to brave the water slides, you’ll absolutely love the swimming areas. It’s an incredible thrill for hikers and swimmers alike. Read more about Ohiopyle State Park, which has been hailed as *the best* Pennsylvania State Park, this recent feature.
Wikimedia Commons
6. Ricketts Glen State Park
By User:Ruhrfisch (Photo taken by self.) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Ricketts Glen State Park, Ricketts Glen State Pk, Ross Township, PA 18656, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Ruhrfisch
Water, water, everywhere! Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations for Pennsylvania residents, as it is home to over 20 waterfalls, the highest of which drops 94 feet. The most popular is of course the waterfall trail, but the other trails offer scenery just as beautiful. The area is abundant in wildlife, and offers opportunities to see rare critters such as black bears, porcupine and river otters. Hiking is the primary attraction at the park, which offers 22 miles worth of trails. Most of the hiking at Ricketts Glen State Park is steep and in the vicinity of moving water, so caution must be taken on these trails. Hikers of all experience levels are welcome and able to enjoy this natural wonder of a park. Read more about this perennial Pennsylvania favorite in this article.
Wikimedia Commons/Ruhrfisch
7. Worlds End State Park
Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Mwanner
Worlds End State Park’s scenic vista offers a truly remarkable view. The wide rolling mountains of the loyalsock forest are clearly visible for miles and miles, and the winding gorges of endless forest will take your breath away. The 2 mile uphill climb to the canyon vista becomes immensely satisfying when you reach the scenic masterpiece. The park offers over 40 miles of trails for hikers of any and all skill levels, and endless photo opportunities. Worlds End State Park was named for the steep drops first seen by travelers over a century ago, who described the cliffs as the world’s end. Hikes in the area also host unique rock formations, and, in the spring, the gorgeous bloom of the region’s numerous wildflowers. Read more about Worlds End State Park in this recent feature.
Wikimedia Commons/I.Ruhrfisch

What are your favorite state parks to visit in Pennsylvania? Did your favorite spots make the list? Sound off on the comments below!

For some lesser-known state parks in Pennsylvania you’ll want to visit, be sure to check out these 10 PA parks that are worth checking out any time of the year!

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More to Explore

State parks to visit in Pennsylvania

Sarah M. | January 26, 2022

How many state parks are there to visit in Pennsylvania?

Boasting a whopping 121 state parks and natural areas, Pennsylvania is an outdoor lover’s dream. And with so many state parks spread out across the state, it’s natural that some will get overlooked or simply go unappreciated. Our advice? Go for the road less traveled. You’ll discover quite a few little known state parks to visit in Pennsylvania, perfect for visiting any time of the year. Here are 10 of our favorite lesser-known state parks in the Keystone State.

What are some scenic state parks in Pennsylvania?

While each of the state's 121 state parks offers something special in the way of scenic splendor, there are a few that truly shine. For those looking for a John Muir experience in the forest, Laurel Hill State Park is a dream. Snuggled in the Laurel Mountains, Laurel Hill State Park sprawls across 4,062 acres, highlighted by Laurel Hill Lake. The 63-acre lake features a sandy beach, swimming, boating, and fishing. Explore the mountains in the park by hiking or mountain biking. Open all year around, the park also offers a plethora of winter activities, including snowshoeing and ice fishing. Head over to the official website of Laurel Hill State Park.

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