Pennsylvania has arguably is one of the most breathtaking states when it comes to natural beauty in all of the United States. Though Pennsylvania doesn’t have any national parks don’t count it out when it comes to finding an abundance of outdoor activities including hiking, rock climbing, white water boating, and stretching beaches. With an abundance of state parks, mountains, and waterfalls there is adventure and solstice awaiting travelers at every turn. 

Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle is the adventure seekers park in Western Pennsylvania. With over 20,000 acres of rugged and diverse terrain that varies from dense forest to the rushing waters of Youghiogheny River Gorge, there is never a lack of places to explore or things to do here. When visiting Ohiopyle, I like to spend my time hiking the trails, visiting the Ohiopyle Falls (trust me, the view is amazing), and visiting the quirky town which surrounds this natural wonder. This place is definitely for people who love the outdoors so don’t expect to find fancy restaurants or boutiques, instead you will find a local store which has the necessities, food, drinks, some hot food,  and some quirky souvenirs, including a magnet that I couldn’t pass up that reads If you hear banjos paddle faster. For those who are more aquatically inclined, make sure to take advantage of the white water rafting, kayaking, and boating options that this park offers.  

Moraine State Park

This 16,725-acre park has everything a nature enthusiast could want a beautiful forest, a stunning beach, and lots of space to roam and explore this untamed beauty. No matter what your outdoor activity of choice is from disc golf to kayaking there is a place for it here. Anytime that I am in the area, I stop to hit their trails, either for hiking or walking. The beach is another favorite spot for having picnics or just relaxing while listening to the waves crash. This is a very popular location, especially in the summer months so I always recommend trying to visit either early in the morning or late in the evening, you will still have crowds but nowhere near as much as during peak times.

Presque Isle State Park

Imagine yourself on a sandy beach with a light wind blowing in the air and the sound of water crashing against the rock breakers. Paradise right? In Western Pennsylvania? Presque Isle is a beach haven for locals and travelers alike, with beautiful beachfront and all of the adjoining activities such as boating and fishing plus hiking and biking trails there is a little bit of something for everyone here. This paradise of sandy shore is a peninsula connected to Lake Erie and is about 3,200 acres in length. The benefit of multiple beaches allows visitors who come even during the most popular seasons to be able to enjoy some level of privacy while enjoying all that Presque Isle has to offer. This park is open year-round so even if you aren’t up for swimming but enjoy just walking the beach take the opportunity to visit during the non-summer seasons to see all of its natural beauty without all the people. Even the winter months are gorgeous here with frozen water and isolated beaches. If you are planning on visiting in the winter it is cold and it snows often so make sure that you were multiple layers and plan ahead. If you are into photography this is an amazing spot to snap some gorgeous shots!

Cooks Forest State Park

I have hiked many paths, in many different states, and even different countries but there is nothing quite like Cooks Forest’s Forest Cathedral and the Ancient Forest Trail. This trail has the highest concentration of tall, old-growth white pines in the Northeastern United States, the sight is completely breathtaking. These giant trees are tightly knit in the forest making you feel secluded from the outside world, the deeper you go into the trail the thicker that they become often growing so high in some spots they actually block out the sun. Cooks Forest is a hiker’s dream with over 47 miles of trails that vary in difficulty but all have their own unique beauty and charm. I do recommend looking at a map before going on your desired course, due to the size, it is easy to get lost or turned around. Also, there are many paths with down trees and steep inclines so choose carefully which path is best for you. Cooks Forest also includes 13 miles of the Clarion River which is perfect for those who enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.

McConnells Mills State Park

If you are a hiker that loves to be in nature and looking for a smaller park with a little more challenging of a course then McConnells Mills is the park you have been waiting for. This 2,546-acre state park offers scenic overviews and breathtaking waterfalls as you make your way around the various trails which follow steep-sided gorges, beaten paths with tree roots, and boulders. White water boating and rock climbing and repelling are other popular activities here. A warning must be put here that although McConnells Mills has some amazing outdoor activities the risk is a bit higher than other parks in Western Pennsylvania. Due to fast-moving water and steep gorges visitors must be careful and wear appropriate attire when participating in activities. There have been multiple deaths due to drowning and steep falls. Also, it is best to avoid trails after heavy rains because they become treacherous and are often hard to keep footing.  If you are looking for a more peaceful trip there are options for you as well. Take a step back in time as you walk across a wooden covered bridge or tour a gristmill which dates back to the 1800s. McConnells Mills also offers less adventurous visitors a wooden lookout point which stands above the quickly moving water, a picnic area, and fishing options.