10 Best Pennsylvania State Parks to Visit Any Season

Many beautiful state parks are located across the Keystone State. So, what are the best Pennsylvania state parks to visit? No matter the season, the following 10 parks are a treat to explore. Even in the winter months, they often beauty and majesty.

First, I'm going to highlight a state park that Alltrails.com recently spotlighted. Then, I'll get into our big list. "Explore the most popular state parks in Pennsylvania with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you," the publication states.

Their second pick was Lehigh Gorge State Park, which offers 16 full trails for hiking and walking and more. Coming in at their top pick was Ricketts Glen State Park. They say this is a good park for all skill levels, if you're looking to engage in some nature activities. "A narrow, steep gorge that is carved by the Lehigh River, Lehigh Gorge State Park features some of the best hiking in the state," they state. "The area also has much to offer for mountain bikers and the river is often used by whitewater kayakers and boaters." Find more about Ricketts Glen State Park via Alltrails.com here.

Now, let's get to our main list of the 10 best Pennsylvania state parks to visit any season. If you're looking to have an adventure in some of the greatest state parks in Pennsylvania, read on for our list. Moreover, this tally features state parks from across the state. Some picks are on the west side of the state, near Pittsburgh. Others are on the east side of Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Summer is already getting to its midpoint, so remember that these parks are perfect for autumn colors, too. It's never too early to start planning that fall excursion, and going to a state park is a great option.

Ridley Creek State Park is one of the most popular state parks near Philadelphia. It offers 2,606 acres of beautiful land, located in Delaware County. It also feature the Hunting Hill Mansion, a famous English manor that runs right on the banks of Ridley Creek.

https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/ridley-creek-state-park/

McConnells Mill State Park is located in Lawrence County. It's main attracting is the amazing Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, which offers a steep area with incredible boulders. An extra tourist attraction is that a gristmill built in the 1800s is available for tours.

https://uncoveringpa.com/mcconnells-mill-state-park

Evansburg State Park is a popular nature area located in Montgomery County. It offers biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding and more. What's more, this park is in a developed area, so if you want to stay plugged in, you can.

https://www.americasstateparks.org/evansburg-state-park/

Bald Eagle State Park is in central Pennsylvania. It offers great areas for hunting and fishing, and it's packed with vibrant wildlife. One of the main attractions is the 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir.

https://stateparks.com/bald_eagle_state_park_in_pennsylvania.html

Worlds End State Park is located in the Endless Mountains area of Pennsylvania. It's truly a remote area, so if you want to get away from it all, this is a good area to unplug. It offers beautiful forest and incredible views of the Loyalsock Creek.

https://uncoveringpa.com/things-to-do-in-worlds-end-state-park

Lehigh Gorge State Park is an exciting spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers some fantastic hiking and areas for mountain biking. The river also offers some popular areas for whitewater kayakers and boaters.

https://www.poconomountains.com/blog/post/the-complete-guide-to-lehigh-gorge-state-park/

Promised Land State Park is a favorite area for camping, as it offers plenty of campgrounds and cabins. It's located on the Pocono Plateau, which is 1,800 feet above sea level. Nature and forests are a bit draw here, as the park also features 12,464 acres of the Delaware State Forest. You'll also find lakes and streams in this lovely spot.

https://www.poconomountains.com/blog/post/complete-guide-to-promised-land-state-park/

Ricketts Glen State Park is located in northeast Pennsylvania parks. If you love hiking, this is the place for you. Hiking is the main reason people visit this park, as it offers the famed 7.2-mile Falls Trail, which highlights some amazing waterfalls. One of the biggest attractions here is the Ganoga Falls.

https://uncoveringpa.com/hiking-falls-trail-ricketts-glen-state-park

Ohiopyle State Park is about an hour and a half Pittsburgh, so it's a popular spot for locals on the west side of the state. The area offers 20,500 acres of gorgeous land, as well as scenic views of the Youghiogheny River. Rafting is a big activity here.

https://www.golaurelhighlands.com/outdoors/ohiopyle/

Hickory Run State Park is less than two hours from Philadelphia, so it's a totally reasonable length of travel time for a road trip. That makes it a perfect weekend getaway. The park spans nearly 16,000 acres in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. It also offers 44 miles of hiking trails and even access to a 25-foot waterfall.

https://www.poconomountains.com/blog/post/complete-guide-to-hickory-run-state-park/