Two years ago I visited for the first time. Ricketts Glen State Park In eastern Pennsylvania, near Poconos. This park was the first to catch my eye and it is still one of my favorite places. It was one of Pennsylvania’s best state parks, but I didn’t know that.
You can explore so many Pennsylvania State Parks, all unique to their region, and each offering incredible views, activities and activities. Consider these Pennsylvania state parks when planning your next visit to the area.
Forbes State Forest
Forbes State Forest is not technically a park but it offers unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Pennsylvania. Mt. Davis, the highest point of Pennsylvania.
Beam Rocks is an incredible overlook and rock-climbing area located about half a mile from the Forbes State Forest parking lot. The Laurel Highlands are some of its most breathtaking views.
Forbes State Forest also contains the Spruce flats Bog, an ecosystem unique to Pennsylvania’s mountains. Spruce Flats Bog is a quarter-mile walk on a crushed stone pathway. It was created by deforestation during the 1800s. This bog is at a higher elevation than most bogs. Stay on the boardwalk to protect the fragile ecosystem. The signs at the site describe how the bog formed, and identify the trees and plants of the bog.
Linn Run State Park
Linn Run State Park in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands is located in Westmoreland County. The park is 612 acres and offers hiking along Linn Run, Adams Falls, and other trails.
The native hemlocks were cleared in the 1800s — as was the case with most forests of that time. The state bought the land in 1909 and made efforts to restore the area. This included protecting new tree growth, bringing in deer, and repopulating the area.
Linn Run State Park offers a number of trails along the river, which are popular all year round. Adams Falls Trail runs a mile along a rocky path that ends in a hemlock wood. Rhododendrons bloom in June. The Iscrupe Trail is another trail. Flat Rock Trail, Grove Run Trail are also available. Wear sturdy water clothing and cool down on the stone water slides that run down the river.
Linn Run State Park Family Cabin District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some cabins were built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, during the Great Depression.
Ohiopyle State park
Ohiopyle State Park, with its more than 20,000-acres in the Laurel Highlands is the largest state park in Pennsylvania. The park also has some of the best activities. Whitewater rafting is a popular activity, with many companies offering guided tours on the rapids. Other activities include kayaking, canoeing and hiking.
Ohiopyle state park has excellent viewing platforms for the river. The Laurel Highland Falls Area Visitors Center also offers interactive exhibits that teach about the history and ecology of the park. The viewing platforms for Ohiopyle Falls and the Visitor Center are both located in Ohiopyle, a charming town with plenty of parking.
Cucumber falls is another popular attraction in Ohiopyle State Park. Parking is available near the top of the waterfalls, which offers stunning views. There is a rustic staircase that leads down to the bottom of the falls for the more adventurous. Climb the rocks and play in the water pools that are hidden among the rocks. It’s also a good fishing spot.
Pine Creek Gorge, Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks
Pine Creek Gorge is located near the charming town of Wellsboro. It attracts thousands of tourists every year. Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon contains two state park.
Colton Point State Park, a 368-acre park on the west rim, offers hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as a breathtaking view of Pine Creek Gorge. The park is quiet and uncrowded, except for the leaf peeping seasons (September and October).
Leonard Harrison State Park, located on the eastern rim of Pine Creek Gorge is a park with 585 acres. The majority of the facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Leonard Harrison State Park is a modern park with a visitor’s center and offers the best scenic views in the canyon. It is particularly popular during the fall leaf peeping period. The Overlook Trail and Turkey Path Trail are two rugged trails that offer stunning views. However, be sure to read posted warnings or closures, as these trails can be quite difficult.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Pennsylvania in this day-visit park. It has easy viewing areas, picnic areas and picnic areas.
Visit the Leonard Harrison State Park Website to plan your visit.
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle is a 3200-acre sandy peninsula in the Lake Erie State Park. It’s also the most popular state park in Pennsylvania. Presque Isle Bay is a large and deep harbor in the city of Erie created by Presque Isle Peninusla. It attracts kayakers, wind surfers, and pleasure boats.
Presque Isle State Park is a National Natural Landmark and offers a variety of habitats that protect a variety of endangered species. This makes it a wonderful place to explore for birders and naturalists. Presque Isle State Park has swimming, boating, fishing and hiking.
I love watching the sunsets at the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Presque Isle State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s best parks, with its beaches, rich history, and abundance of activities!
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen is a park of more than 13,000 acre, which has 22 waterfalls. These are all accessible via hiking trails. Some are more difficult than others. The park offers a variety of activities including swimming, water sports at Lake Jean, birding and fishing (as specified), camping, picnicking, and camping. Every visit is a new experience.
Ricketts Glen State Park provides guided ice hike tours during the winter. These tours offer a different perspective on this beautiful area. To learn more, read about My Ice Hiking Adventure at Ricketts Glen.