This Little-Known State Park in Pennsylvania Is a Hidden Gem Worth Visiting

Pennsylvania is a sprawling state, and although it's near my home state of New Jersey, I haven't come close to exploring it all. While there are a whopping 124 state parks, many of which are true hidden gems not well-known outside their geographical area, there's one little-known Pennsylvania state park that's a must-visit.

As with the many state parks that have some special features you can't find anywhere else, Swatara State Park is a perfect example. It's located in the center of the state within reasonable driving distance of cities like Lancaster, Harrisburg, Allentown, and Lebanon, for those looking for a day trip destination. Read on to discover why this park is worth a visit from anywhere in Pennsylvania.

Why This Pennsylvania State Park Is Worth Visiting

Coming in at 3,520 acres, Swatara State Park, located between Blue and Second Mountains within the Swatara Valley, is rarely too crowded, yet it's full of wonderful outdoor activities perfect for a summer visit. But that's just scratching the surface — the reason it's one of my favorites is because it's home to a truly one-of-a-kind historic building that you can see for yourself on an easy 3.1-mile trek along the Bordner's Cabin Trail.

Swatara State Park is a picturesque little haven located near a lot of major cities, but somehow, it still feels secluded. The park features forests and wetlands, including Swatara Creek, and is full of trails, many of which are incredible for hiking, biking, and spotting wildlife. There are even some spots that allow mountain biking and horseback riding! It's a nature lover's paradise, both on land and on the water.

Swatara Creek weaves through the park, and it's a rarely-crowded destination offering great opportunities for on-the-water recreation. You can launch a kayak and let it carry you down the water, or cast a line on the creek and fish for smallmouth bass. The park is also home to Trout Run, the park's only trout-stocked stream, and spring is prime time for fishing here.

The most interesting part of the park is definitely Bordner's Cabin, a historic site that dates back to 1939. Built by local teacher Armar Bordner and made entirely from on-site materials, it precedes the creation of the park. Bordner fought to remain in his house despite the land being taken over by the state, and it's been preserved ever since.

Today, the cabin is no longer a residence, but has been preserved as a historic structure within the park and restored with new roofing. Feel free to go inside, take a look around, and explore the most unique cabin in all of Pennsylvania.

You don't have to go far for your next stop; the cabin is right next to the beautiful Acrigg's Falls, which is a cascading waterfall that flows through the rainy seasons and provides some amazing photo opportunities. These are just some of the sites that make this park an amazing retreat on a hot summer day.

What To Know Before You Go

Located in both Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, Swatara State Park is one of the most underrated Pennsylvania parks for a day trip. The park is open daily from sunrise until sunset, and there is no entry fee. Due to its remote location, cell phone service can be a bit spotty, so keep that in mind. As with any state park, practice Leave No Trace principles, including carrying out all of your disposable waste as there is no trash or recycling facilities in the park.

Have you explored Swatara State Park yet? If not, tell a travel buddy why this is one of the most extraordinary hidden state parks in Pennsylvania to plan a visit! You can see more on the PA Parks website, and check out the AllTrails trail listing to see more photos of Bordner's Cabin Trail.

If you plan to go hiking in more remote parks like this one, we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails+. The app offers point-by-point directions that are invaluable when exploring a new area. And if this isn't enough adventure for you, you're less than an hour by car from my favorite spot in the Keystone State: Knoebels, an incredibly charming retro amusement park.