National Parks and Natural Wonders That Make Pennsylvania a Must-Visit
Nestled in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area sprawls along the Delaware River, about 90 minutes north of Philadelphia. This vast natural playground offers a blend of forested hills, sparkling river vistas, and rugged cliffs. Hiking the Mount Tammany Trail is a must for visitors seeking panoramic views—this steep, 3.5-mile loop gains nearly 1,200 feet in elevation, rewarding climbers with sweeping sights of the river gorge below. The area’s combination of lush hardwood forests and tranquil water makes it a haven for birdwatchers and anglers alike. Fall, when the foliage bursts into fiery reds and golds, transforms the landscape into a painter’s palette, making early autumn an ideal time to explore.
Further west near Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle State Park lies about 70 miles southeast of the city and offers some of Pennsylvania’s most thrilling outdoor adventures. Known for its whitewater rapids on the Youghiogheny River, the park attracts kayakers and rafters from across the region. For those preferring dry land, the Ferncliff Peninsula Trail provides an easy, two-mile loop through old-growth forest teeming with hemlocks and rhododendrons. The park’s waterfalls are a highlight, especially Cucumber Falls, a 30-foot cascade that’s easily accessible and photogenic year-round. Springtime, when water levels swell from snowmelt, is perfect for witnessing the falls in full force or tackling more challenging rapids.
In south-central Pennsylvania, the Gettysburg National Military Park, located just a few miles east of Gettysburg town and about 90 minutes southwest of Harrisburg, offers a powerful historical and natural experience. Visitors can walk or drive the 24-mile loop of the battlefield, where towering oaks shade the fields once scarred by Civil War conflict. The park’s rolling hills and preserved earthworks invite reflection alongside interpretation of pivotal moments in American history. Late spring and early fall provide pleasant temperatures for touring the grounds and watching interpretive ranger programs, often held outdoors in the park’s amphitheater.
Heading north, Ricketts Glen State Park sits roughly 90 miles northeast of State College, famed for its extraordinary collection of waterfalls. The Falls Trail System here connects 21 named falls over a challenging 7.2-mile loop that traverses rugged terrain and moss-covered boulders. The park’s glacially carved landscape creates a lush microclimate supporting rare plants and ferns. Among the waterfalls, Ganoga Falls stands as the tallest at nearly 100 feet, a spectacular waterfall set against a dense forest backdrop. Summer offers the best conditions for hiking the trail, as the water flow is steady, and the forest canopy provides welcome shade from the heat.
East of Philadelphia, Valley Forge National Historical Park, about 25 minutes northwest of the city center, combines history with expansive green space perfect for hiking and cycling. Walking the paved and dirt trails around the park leads visitors past reconstructed huts, the iconic Washington’s Headquarters, and monuments honoring the Continental Army. The park’s peaceful meadows and woodlands offer seasonal wildflowers in spring and vibrant colors in fall. Early morning visits allow one to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and perhaps glimpse deer grazing in the meadows, making it a restorative spot amidst the region’s bustling metropolitan area.
In the northeastern corner of the state near Scranton, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor stretches along the Lehigh River and showcases Pennsylvania’s industrial and natural heritage. About 95 miles northwest of Allentown, the corridor features miles of multi-use trails along former canal and railroad routes. The Lehigh Gorge State Park portion includes the popular Lehigh Gorge Trail, a 26-mile crushed gravel path that follows the river through steep, forested gorges. The route is ideal for cycling or easy hiking, with occasional overlooks providing dramatic views of whitewater rapids below. Early fall is prime for cyclists and leaf-peepers alike, as the river cuts through a vibrant autumn landscape.
West of Harrisburg, the Appalachian Trail winds through Michaux State Forest, about 50 miles southwest of the city. This section of the famous long-distance trail offers a quieter, less crowded experience for backpackers and day hikers. The trail here climbs to ridges with sweeping views of dense forest and rocky outcrops. The forest’s mix of oak and hickory trees provides excellent fall color, and abundant wildlife sightings are common, including deer and wild turkeys. Springtime bursts with wildflowers along the trail edges, making this stretch a favorite for nature lovers seeking solitude and scenic beauty in Pennsylvania’s mountains.