Getting away from the hustle and bustle of urban and suburban life and back into nature is as easy as getting in your car and driving to a state park. Pennsylvanians are spoiled when it comes to their options of 124 state parks currently managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of State Parks.
With that many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones you want to visit. Here are our suggestions for the best state parks in Pennsylvania, which offer activities ranging from whitewater rafting to climbing on boulders.
Ohiopyle State Park
124 Main St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470
An especially scenic park for hiking, Ohiopyle State Park is home to several notable waterfalls, including the eponymous Ohiopyle Falls, Cucumber Falls and the Meadow Run Natural Water Slides—natural rock formations that visitors can actually ride down like they would a normal water slide. For more adventurous park visitors, Ohiopyle is a great place to go whitewater rafting and kayaking down the Youghiogheny River. History and architecture fans will also want to check out this park, as two Frank Lloyd Wright creations—Kentuck Knob and the iconic Fallingwater—are only a short
drive away.
Worlds End State Park
82 Cabin Bridge Road, Forksville, PA 18616
Worlds End (or Whirls End—the park has been known by both names) is a popular spot for camping, with several on-site cabins and sites where families can set up tents and RVs. Loyalsock Creek runs directly through the park, and its waters are a natural trout habitat, making it ideal for fishing and kayaking. There are also hiking trails in the park, but many of them are steep and not beginner-friendly. Be sure to check out the Rock Garden, a unique rock formation at the park.
Hickory Run State Park
3 Family Camp Road, White Haven, PA 18661
If you’re looking for an especially unique state park, Hickory Run State Park has many landmarks and trails that are unlike anything else in the state. It’s best known for Boulder Field, a large deposit of rocks that visitors can climb on and explore. The park is also home to the Shades of Death Trail, a popular waterfall trail lined with rhododendrons that give the area a distinct look when they bloom in the early summer. If you want to see even more waterfalls, Hawk Falls is close by and is accessible via a fairly easy, beginner-friendly hike.
Cook Forest State Park
113 River Road, Cooksburg, PA 16217
Cook Forest stands out as an old growth forest with large, old trees that date back to the 17th century. Compared to other state parks and forests, it has a very unusual environment and atmosphere. The park has plenty of trails for hiking, biking,
horseback riding and more. There is a park education center in the historic Log Cabin Inn for those more interested in learning about the area’s history. For the best views of the old growth forest, try Historic Fire Tower #9, a retired fire tower that now acts as an observation platform.
Moraine State Park
225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA 16051
If you prefer the waterfront to the mountains and forests, Moraine State Park is for you! The park’s crown jewel is Lake Arthur, a large lake which is open year-round for swimming, sailing, fishing and even windsurfing. The lake is also open in the winter for ice skating and ice boating. If you can’t make it out to the ocean, Lake Arthur’s beaches are a great way to spend a summer day at the beach without breaking the bank. People who are interested in learning about the lake, its history and its environment can sign up for a passenger boat tour or dinner cruise around the area operated by the Moraine Preservation Fund.
Kinzua Bridge State Park
296 Viaduct Road, Mt Jewett, PA 16740
Kinzua Bridge State Park has a storied history. The bridge itself was once known as “the eighth wonder of the world” for its status as the world’s tallest railroad bridge at the time it was built, though it collapsed after a tornado in 2003. A portion of the bridge has been restored as the skywalk. The ruins of the original bridge are overgrown with nature but offer a unique view to park visitors. The area is considered a prime spot for viewing fall foliage during the first two weeks of October.
Kinzua Bridge State Park is currently closed for renovations to the skywalk, with a planned reopening set for August 2025.
Find these parks and more at pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-
go/state-parks/find-a-park.