With an award winning network of state and national parks, bodies of water, trails and mountains, Pennsylvania has its fair share of good-for-the-lungs fun. Cherry Springs State Park for its exceptionally black–and crazy cool–Dark-Sky Preserve, home of the most amazing stargazing on the East coast, to Pine Creek Gorge our own version of the Grand Canyon. We’ve got it all when it comes to outdoor parks and recreation.
For people who like to move it, PA trails will be your warm-weather friend. There’s hiking, fishing, mountain biking, bird watching and horseback riding in every nook and cranny of the commonwealth. Try an excursion among historic stone bridges and colonial ruins along Wissahickon Creek and grab your gear for the famous and popular Appalachian Trail. For a more western trek, visit the Laurel Highlands Trail in Johnstown for its remarkable natural sandstone, woodland and plant fossils.
For a state that’s mostly inland, water’s quite a theme in PA. You can find boat tours, kayaking and sailing along the shoreline of pristine Lake Erie. If you’re looking for more adventure some of the best whitewater boating around can be found in Ohiopyle State Park–a 14-mile stretch of the Youghiogheny River Gorge. For the fainter of heart (or those with little ones), try family-style tubing at Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe where there are different thrill levels available. Lake Wallenpaupack in Upstate PA offers patio boat tours of the charming lake region and Bushkill Falls–The Niagara of Pennsylvania–guides you through a series of trails and bridges deep in the Pocono Mountains.
Anglers, you’re in luck. Pennsylvania has more than 85,000 miles of streams and rivers, along with 4,000 inland lakes and ponds not including Lake Erie. The Susquehanna River, connected with Chesapeake Lake Bay and Wiconiscon Creek, are home to smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel and American shad. In Raystown Lake in the Alleghenies you’ll find plenty of bass and trout or if Sauger is your thing, one of the best places to find them is the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh.
If you’re idea of a water hazard is being surrounded by greens, then you’re in luck. With over 800 courses scattered throughout Pennsylvania’s rolling hills and beautiful landscape there’s no wonder it’s a perfect area for a round of Golf. From America’s oldest continuously used course, Foxburg County Club to the many public courses available, you can’t go wrong on our fairways.
With two big cities on either end, Pennsylvania is just loaded in between with big sky country, crystal clear fishing holes and plenty of greens to play a round. So come find your little piece of the open air…and go a little wild.
Hiking, Camping, Swimming
Submitted By: Sasha
Friends and I went camping at Locust Lake State Park for a three day weekend. Great hiking (beautiful nature trails and one steep hill for the brave), swimming and clean facilities. Beautiful views of the lake, especially at sunset. I was there with friends, but it was clearly a family location. Tons of playgrounds.
PA Colors
Submitted By: Scott Stubler
On one of my wife's first trips to the Bucks County area where I'm from, she commented on how vivid the flower colors were in people's gardens. She's a native Houstonian and I relocated there 20+ years ago. I told her that was nothing, and we'd come back in September when the leaves were turning colors. We returned later that year and she was blown away, the explosion of reds, greens, oranges, etc...were phenominal.
Riding the Great Allegheny Passage
Submitted By: Lara
The Great Allegheny Passage offers moderate, scenic riding through the lush valleys of southwestern Pennsylvania.
A converted rail-trail, the GAP is perfect for trip planning for day rides or overnight adventures. "Trail Towns" along the Passage offer unique dining, B&B lodging and camping, and an historical perspective on the coke and coal industry in the United States.
Visit trailtowns.org and gaptrail.com for more information.
Our Auto-Trip in PA
Submitted By: Kristy Rothenberger
My husband and I love small towns, so we took the Small Town Charmy roadtrip and visited Jim Thorpe and Ricketts Glen. We decided to go hiking at Ricketts Glen to see the waterfalls and then to Jim Thorpe where we stayed at the Inn. The staff was really nice and suggested places not to miss in town. For dinner we went to Flow and had an amazing meal. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very cool. We definitely recommend this trip for an active and romantic weekend getaway!
Adventures in the PA Grand Canyon
Submitted By: Cycleman
Views, water, fun. At your beck and call in the PA Grand Canyon. Began by kayaking Pine Gorge. Be sure to check the water levels before your adventure! Couldn't believe our eyes, not even a mile in we saw an eagles nest. Not much further we saw a bear crossing the river, keep your eyes open out there. Camped in Tiadaghton along Pine Gorge. Not into kayaking? Try the bike trail along Pine Gorge-same beautiful scenery, different perspective.

Outdoor mania... refresh body, soul, mind!
Hershey Harrisburg is a bonanza for the senses when it comes to experiencing the outdoors. No matter ...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office

A Walk in the Woods
Hiking is more fun with the crunch of leaves underfoot! The cooler weather means you'll stay as comfortable...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office

On the Wild Side
The Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains Region is chock-full of wildlife, so if you love communing with ...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office

Eastern Hiking Adventure
From the rushing waters of the Loyalsock the soaring raptors of Hawk Mountain, this four-day trip will...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office

PA Great Lakes
A drive from North Springfield to North East makes for a pleasant weeklong roadtrip along Pennsylvania's...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office

National Road Heritage
Route 40, also known as the National Road, is a quaint two-lane highway through some of Pennsylvania's...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office

Hiking the Northwest
Pennsylvania's scenic northwest boasts a plethora of hiking opportunities for the enthusiast. Gorges,...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office

Route 6
You'll find much more than scenery on this road trip! Whitewater rafting, hiking and biking, and antiques...
- By The State of Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Hiking Eastern PA
Submitted By: trobbins
Hiking in easter Pennsylvania's state forests and bird sanctuaries. This trip concentrates on state parks with hiking trails to and around large water falls.
Mount Pocono/State College/Lancaster, PA
Submitted By: Roadtrips
State College Festival of Arts
snowridge village
Submitted By: alonda
i would like to dining and nite entertainment
Our Summer Camping Vacation 2010
Submitted By: rickib
Nature hike and activities to do with our grandchildren, so they can expllore and learn.
Summer '10
Submitted By: Richie
Heading up to Mountain Vista Campground with some friends for some camping, whitewater, and paintball.
State Parks and Natural Beauty
Submitted By: Junglegirl45
McConnells Mills is a beautiful state park just west of of PA rt 19 south near Portersville PA. Slippery Rock Creek runs through the park and the path is paved for easy walking and access. If your relly adventurous you could try your hand at rock climbing.
There is a covered bridge that goes acrossed the creek and a grist mill that you can explore also.
Raccoon Creek State Park
Submitted By: Rasheda
This is amazing park, there is so much do here. I had a wonderful time here of Memorial Day Weekend (09') camping at the Raccoon Creek State park campground, hydrobiking on the lake, hiking around the Mineral Springs, hiking in the Wildflower Reseve and spotting tons of animals!
Route 6 & Chapter T
Submitted By: shellysr
Road Captain Joe takes us on a journey on Route 6. Ride ON
Ricketts Glen
Submitted By: hotsaucencake
Trip to Ricketts Glen State Park plus a winery and antiques
pocono area
Submitted By: jhampy
Two days of Hiking and bird watching (eagles) in the Pocono Mountains
Favorite Fall Stops in Western PA
Submitted By: PittsburghMom
If you find yourself in Western PA in the fall and you have kids, this roadtrip is for you!
Great Western PA State Parks
Submitted By: geokalan
Great places to hike, bike, camp, fish and hunt.
Biking the Commonwealth
Submitted By: Rayadams
I've been biking competitively almost all my life---I even biked across the country once! Still, with all my experience, I think Pennsylvania is an awesome place to hit the trails.
Beauty and charm in the northeas
Submitted By: ArtFrey
The Pocono Mountains are all around us—great hiking, biking, you know, outdoorsy stuff. Just off 407 is Lake Lackawanna. You can fish, swim, picnic. It's beautiful. But my choice would be Lake Wallenpaupack. Best lake in PA, if you ask me.
The best places to play outside
Submitted By: Bill_Watson
While you're here in Breezewood, check out the abandoned turnpike tunnel—it's better if you bike it. Then head off to Raystown lake from some great trout fishin'
A Laurel Highlands fling....by bike
Submitted By: BillMetzger
Have a great ride, now!
A trip along beautiful Route 6
Submitted By: Nelle_Rounsaville
Before you start, have some of our mulberry pancakes. They're delicious, and trust me, you'll need the energy.
Having a Blast in the Wilds
Submitted By: Mary_Lee
Being in the woods---that's my thing. Hunting is just the excuse! I'm so glad I live in the Pennsylvania Wilds, where the forests stretch for acres and the turkeys are plentiful.
Also check out State Game Lands 31 and 14.
Go Wild
Submitted By: John..
I enjoy exploring the 250,000 acres of public open space in the Pocono Mountains by hiking, bicycling, kayaking, running, and leading nature walks for groups.
Naturally Northeast PA
Submitted By: Chrstine
This part of the Commonwealth is rich in natural beauty and things to do. I included a bunch of places to hike and fish, and everything in the area is just gorgeous to look at
Choose from 20 ready-to-ride roadtrips through the ultimate roadtrip state.
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