Boasting a spectacular 121 state parks and natural areas, Pennsylvania is an outdoor lover’s dream. Still, with so many state parks spread out across the state, it’s natural that some will get overlooked or simply go unappreciated. You’ll discover quite a few little known state parks to visit in Pennsylvania, perfect for visiting any time of the year.

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What are your favorite state parks to visit in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for a delightful hike, you might also want to visit one of these seven PA parks.

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state parks to visit in Pennsylvania

How many state parks are in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s home to 121 state parks, some of which we may have never heard. For a truly unique experience, head over to one of the lesser known parks in Pennsylvania. Allegheny Islands State Park near Pittsburgh, for example, is so remote that you can only get there by boat. However, you can explore the 43-acre park on its unmarked trails. Trough Creek State Park awaits with several surprises, including Rainbow Falls, Copperas Rocks, and an Ice Mine. Locust Lake State is the perfect lesser known park for relaxing on the beach, hiking, or camping out overnight.

Where should I go to take photos of Pennsylvania?

Photographers love Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for things to do outside in Pennsylvania, you can’t go wrong with a visit to a state park to snap photographs. Hyner View State Park, for example, is popular with both photographers and hang gliders. It’s a tiny park that boasts sensational views. Follow one of the trails at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, which requires admission, where you’ll be able to see local birds of prey. Kinzua Bridge State Park is picture-perfect any time of the year, especially if you walk along the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, which features a glass floor.

What are the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania?

You can’t go far without bumping into natural beauty in Pennsylvania. For some of the clearest skies on the Eastern Seaboard, visit Cherry Springs State Park, one of the best parks in Pennsylvania to go stargazing. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, you’ll definitely want to add Ricketts Glen State Park to your bucket list. With its 21 named waterfalls, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania. Hammersley Wild Area, the most remote area in Pennsylvania, is perfect if you’re looking for tranquility and beauty while Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of PA, can be seen from Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park.

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