Connect With Mother Nature When You Visit Any Of These 7 Breathtaking Parks In Pennsylvania
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
Nothing compares to spending time outside among nature – feeling the rays of the golden sun on our skin, drinking in the fresh air, and crossing paths with local wildlife. We have so many parks in Pennsylvania – from 121 state parks to countless local, county, and neighborhood parks – where we can really appreciate Mother Nature. Here are seven breathtaking parks in Pennsylvania that are always worth a visit.
Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA
With all that Bald Eagle State Park has to do, you'll probably want to spend more than a day. Fortunately, you have a choice of accommodation in the park - from old-fashioned tents and yurts to a room at The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle. The park boasts a full menu of activities - hiking, boating, and picnicking. During the summer, soak up the sun on the sandy beach that leads into the cool lake water. Here's the official website of Bald Eagle State Park.
Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USA
Tallying a cozy 780 acres, Worlds End State Park sits flanked by Loyalsock State Forest and offers something for nature lovers of all ages. Explore the lush state park on one of its hiking trails, or try your hand at whitewater boating. Swim in the mountain stream during the summer, and visit for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Stop by the official website of Worlds End State Park for more information.
Advertisement
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Ricketts Glen State Park just might be the most breathtaking park in Pennsylvania - and for good reason. It boasts 21 waterfalls that you can see along one trail (Falls Trail). However, it offers so much more than waterfalls, too. Relax on the sandy beach; go hiking, or explore on horseback. Wintertime is popular with cross-country skiers and snowmobiling. Visit the official website for Ricketts Glen State Park for more information.
Wissahickon Valley Park, Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128, USA
Spanning more than 2,000 acres in Philadelphia, Wissahickon Valley Park is brimming with natural beauty. Explore the expansive park on some of its 50 miles of hiking trails, or go horseback riding. Birdwatching, fishing, and biking are all popular activities at the park. You'll also find plenty of spots for a leisurely picnic. Head over to the official website of the Friends of Wissahickon to learn more.
Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA
Breathe in the fresh air as you explore Wildwood Park on foot or by bike. The park and nature sanctuary feature scenic trails that will make you feel a million miles away from it all. Trek through forested areas, meadows, and past marshes during your visit that will surely include plenty of local wildlife. Carve out some time to visit The Olewine Nature Center, too. Admission is free. Learn more on the official website of Wildwood Park.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324, USA
Spanning more than 66,000 acres, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers something for everyone, no matter what time of the year you visit. The park lays claim to more than 100 miles of hiking trails and 40 miles of the Delaware River. It's also home to Dingman Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that's always a must-visit. Start planning your visit on the official website of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Allegheny National Forest, Marienville, PA 16239, USA
You could probably spend your entire life at Allegheny National Forest, which measures more than half of a million acres, and not see and experience all that it has to offer. From hiking trails to snowmobiling, the forest offers something for everyone all-year around. If you're a fan of wildlife, bring along a camera and binoculars, because you never know who you'll run into - like a bald eagle or two. Here's the official website of Allegheny National Forest.
What are your favorite parks in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Up for more exploration? Check out these eight best lesser-known state parks in Pennsylvania.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.