25 Must-See PA State Parks

Scenes from Colton Point, Presque Isle. Ohiopyle, Hickory Run, and Rickett's Glen state parks in PA.

If you’re looking for a list of the “best of the best” PA state parks, you’re in the right place!

A serene autumnal scene at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The image captures a wooden dock overlooking Dragonfly Pond, with the calm waters reflecting the vibrant fall foliage. The trees display a palette of warm colors ranging from yellow to orange and red, contrasting against the evergreens. The sky is overcast with dynamic cloud formations, and the peacefulness of the scene is palpable.
Dragonfly Pond at Yellow Creek State Park.

Pennsylvania is home to 124 state parks, each offering its own unique blend of natural splendor and outdoor adventure.

Otter View on an early October morning at Leonard Harrison State Park.
Otter View at Leonard harrison State Park.

Drawing upon my 55 years of living, working, and traveling around the state, I’ve curated a list highlighting what I consider to be 25 of the most breathtaking of those 124 PA state parks.

Looking down on a portion of Glendale Lake known as Campground Cove at Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Glendale Lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park.

From the cozy beaches of Presque Isle to the wild waterfalls of Ricketts Glen, these are my go-to spots for a dose of nature and a break from the daily grind.

Ganoga Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park in August 2023.
Ganoga Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

This article delves into each of these 25 picturesque state parks, guiding you through the natural wonders and activities that make each one a must-see destination in the Keystone State.


Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each state park.

Fall foliage views at Ohiopyle Falls on October 16, 2022.
Ohiopyle Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

Rather than trying to arbitrarily rank each park (it was hard enough whittling the list down to 25!), my choices are listed alphabetically below.

A hiker crossing the suspension bridge at Cook Forest State Park.
A hiker crossing a suspension bridge at Cook Forest State Park.

1. Black Moshannon State Park

Black Moshannon State Park is comprised of 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands in Centre County, and is further surrounded by 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest.

Scenes from Black Moshannon State Park in PA.
Scenes from Black Moshannon State Park.

At the heart of the park is the 250 acre Black Moshannon Lake, a fantastic spot for swimming, boating, fishing, and bird-watching.

Kayaking at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County Pennsylvania.
Kayaking at Black Moshannon State Park.

2. Cherry Springs State Park

Cherry Springs State Park is an 82-acre Pennsylvania state park renowned for its dark skies and excellent stargazing opportunities.

Scenes from Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Cherry Springs State Park.


3. Colton Point State Park

Colton Point State Park encompasses 368-acres on the west rim of the Pine Creek Gorge in Tioga County.

Scenes from Colton Point State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Colton Point State Park.

Perhaps best known for its magnificent views of the PA Grand Canyon, it is also home to a rugged waterfall trail that mirrors a similar trail on the opposite side of Pine Creek.

Rexford Branch Falls in the Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area.
Rexford Branch Falls at Colton Point State Park.

4. Cook Forest State Park

Cook Forest State Park covers an 8,500-acre expanse across portions of Clarion, Jefferson, and Forest counties in northwestern PA.

Exploring Cook Forest State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Cook Forest State Park.

Once called the “Black Forest” (because light had difficulty penetrating the dense canopy of trees), this region of Pennsylvania was and is revered for its remaining stands of virgin timber, composed primarily of towering white pines and hemlocks.

The Rhododendron Trail through part of the Forest Cathedral at Cook Forest State Park.
The Rhododendron Trail through part of the Forest Cathedral at Cook Forest State Park.

5. Cowans Gap State Park

Cowans Gap State Park is a fantastic 1,085 acre park located in Fulton County (with a small portion extending into neighboring Franklin County as well).

Scenes from Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Cowans Gap State Park.

At the heart of the park lies 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid 1930’s.

Springtime view from a fishing pier at Cowans Gap State Park in Fulton County, Pennsylvania.
Springtime view from a fishing pier at Cowans Gap State Park.

6. Greenwood Furnace State Park

Greenwood Furnace State Park is a 423 acre recreational paradise in the mountains of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Scenes from Greenwood Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Greenwood Furnace State Park.

It includes a six-acre lake, remnants of a ghost town and iron furnaces, and is surrounded by an 80,000-acre block of the Rothrock State Forest.

The namesake Greenwood Furnace at Greenwood Furnace State Park.
The namesake Greenwood Furnace at Greenwood Furnace State Park.

7. Hickory Run State Park

Hickory Run State Park is a magnificent 15,990-acre recreational area in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains.

Scenes from Hickory Run State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Hickory Run State Park.

The park features more than 40 miles of hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, unique natural areas, and spectacular scenic overlooks.

Hickory Run Lake at HIckory Run State Park.
Hickory Run Lake at Hickory Run State Park.

8. Hyner View State Park

Hyner View State Park offers visitors one of the finest scenic overlooks in all of Pennsylvania!

Scenes from Hyner View State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Hyner View State Park.

The observation area at this 6-acre park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Civilian Conservation Corps statue at Hyner View State Park.
Civilian Conservation Corps statue at Hyner View State Park.

9. Kinzua Bridge State Park

Kinzua Bridge State Park is home to what was once the longest and tallest railway bridge in the entire world – The Kinzua Viaduct.

Scenes from Kinzua Bridge State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Kinzua Bridge State Park.

Partially destroyed by a 2003 tornado, the State repurposed the remaining, still-standing 600 feet of bridge and built the Kinzua Skywalk, which opened in 2011.

The remains of the Kinzua Viaduct at Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County
The remains of the Kinzua Viaduct at Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County.

10. Laurel Hill State Park

Laurel Hill State Park is comprised of 4,062 acres of mountainous, wooded terrain in central Somerset County.

Scenes from Laurel Hill State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Laurel Hill State Park.

At the heart of the park is the 63 acre Laurel Hill Lake, a fantastic spot for swimming, boating, fishing, and bird-watching.

Summertime view from the Lake Trail at Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County Pennsylvania.
Summertime view at Laurel Hill Lake.

11. Lehigh Gorge State Park

Lehigh Gorge State Park encompasses 6,107 acres of land that follows the steep gorge carved out by the Lehigh River from Francis E. Walter Dam in the north to Jim Thorpe in the south.

Scenes from Lehigh Gorge State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Lehigh Gorge State Park.

12. Leonard Harrison State Park

Leonard Harrison State Park is the unofficial headquarters for one of the Keystone State’s most famous natural wonders – the PA Grand Canyon!

Scenes from Leonard Harrison State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Leonard Harrison State Park.

In addition to the stunning canyon views, Leonard Harrison State Park is also where you’ll find the Turkey Pathone of the most famous hiking trails in the Pine Creek Gorge.

Observation area along the Turkey Path in the PA Grand Canyon.
Observation area along the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park.

13. McConnells Mill State Park

McConnells Mill State Park, located in Lawrence County, covers 2,546 acres of the stunning Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, recognized as a National Natural Landmark.

The best things to see and do at McConnell's Mill State Park in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
Scenes from McConnells Mill State Park.

Located roughly 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, the park is home to a slew of outstanding hikes, overlooks, waterfalls, and historic structures.

Downstream view of fall foliage around the spillway next to McConnell's Mill in Lawrence County.
Downstream view of fall foliage around the spillway next to McConnells Mill in Lawrence County.

14. Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park spans around 20,500 acres of wild, natural scenery and acts as the southern entrance to the PA Laurel Highlands.

Scenes from Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Ohiopyle State Park.

The Youghiogheny River Gorge, with its swift waters flowing right through the center of the park, is one of the main attractions at Ohiopyle.

Kayakers congregated near Ohiopyle Falls.
Kayakers congregated near Ohiopyle Falls on the Youghiogheny River.

15. Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Nestled in the embrace of South Mountain, surrounded by the Michaux State Forest, Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

A collage showcasing the beauty of Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County, PA, featuring: (top left) a wooden bench overlooking a reflective lake with autumn-colored trees, (top right) a rugged overlook with rocks and a lone pine tree against a landscape of rolling hills and a blue sky with fluffy clouds, (bottom left) an Appalachian Trail Museum sign in front of a historic stone building surrounded by lush greenery, and (bottom right) a serene lake scene with a mirror-like reflection of fall foliage on the water's surface.
Scenes from Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

This 696-acre gem beckons you to step back in time while also reveling in the natural beauty of the present.

A lakeside view at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County, PA, featuring upside-down canoes on the gravel shore near a wooden dock. The reflective waters of Laurel Lake are partially covered with lily pads and fallen leaves, with a backdrop of forested hills displaying early signs of fall foliage. The sky is a mix of blue and cloud-streaked.
Laurel Lake at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

16. Point State Park

Point State Park is located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which merge to form the Ohio River.

Exploring Point State Park in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Point State Park.

The park commemorates the strategic and historic heritage of the Forks of the Ohio during America’s early colonial period.

The Fort Pitt Block House was constructed in 1764 as part of the supplemental defenses of Fort Pitt.
The Fort Pitt Block House was constructed in 1764 as part of the supplemental defenses of Fort Pitt.

17. Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park in Erie is Pennsylvania’s most-visited State Park, with over 4 million people a year venturing onto this sandy peninsula that arcs out into Lake Erie.

Scenes from Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Presque Isle State Park.

This 3,200-acre expanse of “PA seashore,” is rich in both historical significance and recreational opportunities.

Fishermen walking towards the North Pier Lighthouse at Presque Isle State Park in Erie.
Fishermen walking towards the North Pier Lighthouse at Presque Isle State Park in Erie.

18. Prince Gallitzin State Park

Prince Gallitzin State Park is a 6,249-acre recreational area in Cambria County.

Exploring Prince Gallitzin State Park in Cambia County Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Prince Gallitzin State Park.

At the heart of the park you’ll find 1,635-acre Glendale Lake, with 26 miles of shoreline.

A view of Killbuck Cove on Glendale Lake from the top of the Headache Hill water tower.
A view of Killbuck Cove on Glendale Lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park.

19. Raccoon Creek State Park

Raccoon Creek State Park is a 7,572-acre recreational area located 30 miles west of Pittsburgh, in Beaver County.

Exploring Raccoon Creek State Park in Beaver County Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Raccoon Creek State Park.

The 314-acre Wildflower Reserve, located on the eastern side of Raccoon Creek State Park, is home to one of the most diverse concentrations of wildflowers in western Pennsylvania.

Wildflowers along Raccoon Creek and the Old Field Trail in the Wildflower Reserve at Raccoon Creek State Park.
Wildflowers along Raccoon Creek and the Old Field Trail in the Wildflower Reserve.

20. Ricketts Glen State Park

The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park in Luzerne County is the most famous waterfall hike in Pennsylvania, featuring 21 named waterfalls along a loop hike of almost legendary status.

Exploring the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park.
Scenes from Ricketts Glen State Park.

Near the north end of the park you’ll find the abandoned Lake Leigh Dam, a towering remnant of an ill-fated hydroelectric project that thankfully failed!

Exploring the Abandoned Lake Leigh Dam at Ricketts Glen State Park.
Remnants of Lake Leigh Dam at Ricketts Glen State Park.

21. Salt Springs State Park

Salt Springs State Park in Susquehanna County is home to 3 superb waterfalls on the aptly-named Fall Brook.

Scenes from Salt Springs State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Salt Springs State Park.

Created by glaciers more than 18,000 years ago, Fall Brook Gorge is is an immensely enjoyable hiking destination, featuring the aforementioned waterfalls, old growth hemlocks, and a good luck rock!

Origin of Fall Brook Gorge at Salt Springs State Park
Origin of Fall Brook Gorge at Salt Springs State Park

22. Sinnemahoning State Park

Sinnemahoning State Park encompasses 1,910 acres of magnificent scenery and outstanding wildlife habitat, and stretches from Cameron County in the south to Potter County in the north.

Scenes from Sinnemahoning State Park in Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Sinnemahoning State Park.

This long, narrow park includes lands on both sides of First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek – a major tributary to the Sinnemahoning Creek.

First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek passing through Sinnemahoning State Park.
First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek passing through Sinnemahoning State Park.

23. Trough Creek State Park

Trough Creek State Park is a spectacular 541-acre gorge formed by Great Trough Creek as it slices through Terrace Mountain on its way towards Raystown Lake.

Exploring Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County PA
Scenes from Trough Creek State Park.

The park is home to miles of hiking trails, several waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and numerous other natural and man-made curiosities.

Rainbow Falls Pennsylvania Huntingdon County
Rainbow Falls at Trough Creek State Park.

24. Worlds End State Park

Worlds End State Park is nestled in a tight S-shaped valley along the Loyalsock Creek, just below Forksville in Sullivan County.

The best things to see and do at Worlds End State Park in Sullivan County PA.
Scenes from Worlds End State Park.

Surrounded by the Loyalsock State Forest, this 780-acre park provides a variety of recreational activities in an unspoiled natural setting.

Small unnamed waterfall along Double Run at Worlds End State Park.
Small unnamed waterfall along Double Run at Worlds End State Park.

25. Yellow Creek State Park

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Indiana County, Yellow Creek State Park beckons with its 2,981 acres of pristine beauty and endless outdoor recreation.

This collage contains four images from Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a wooden dock with a bench overlooking the reflective waters of a lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees. The top right photo depicts an open grassy area with red autumn trees and a view of the lake in the distance. The bottom left image features the park's brown entrance sign with white lettering, set against a backdrop of greenery and fall foliage. The bottom right photo shows a sandy beach area with a picnic table, the lake, and forested hills in the background under a cloudy sky.
Scenes from Yellow Creek State Park.

At the heart of the park lies the 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake, an exceptional destination for boaters, anglers, and swimmers.

A picturesque autumn view at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. It features a tree with striking red leaves on the shore of Yellow Creek Lake, its branches reaching out over the tranquil water. The lake reflects the cloudy sky and the surrounding foliage, with colors ranging from green to vibrant reds and oranges. A rocky shoreline anchors the scene in the foreground.
Fall foliage along the shores of Yellow Creek Lake.

151 of the Best Scenic Overlooks in PA uses an interactive map to provide you with accurate directions to over 150 of Pennsylvania’s finest scenic overlooks!

A collage of some of the best scenic overlooks in PA.
A few of PA’s best scenic overlooks.

20 Must-See Pennsylvania Waterfalls uses an interactive map to provide you with accurate directions to 20 of PA’s most exceptional waterfalls.

The 20 Best Waterfalls in Pennsylvania.
A few of PA’s best waterfalls.

21 Must-See Pennsylvania Rock Formations uses an interactive map to provide you with accurate directions to 21 of the Keystone State’s finest geological formations.

The author in one of the canyons formed by massive rock formations along the Fred Woods Trail.
The famed “rock city” along the Fred Woods Trail in Cameron County.

My PA State Parks Guide is where you’ll find every state park article I’ve completed to date.

A guide to the best State Parks in Pennsylvania.
PA State Parks Guide by Rusty Glessner.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.