National Parks in Pennsylvania
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is not home to any of the 63 major parks, but there are 15 smaller park units that are full of Pennsylvania’s rich war history, the railroad system, our government, among other things. I have visited the parks that are listed in red, but I only linked the parks I’ve reviewed on the site.
- Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- Flight 93 National Memorial
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
- Independence Hall National Historical Park
- Johnstown Flood National Memorial
- Steamtown National Historic Site
- Thaddeus Kosciuzko National Memorial
- Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
- Valley Forge National Historical Park
Appalachian Trail
There are 230 miles of the Appalachian Trail and 5 official trail towns in Pennsylvania. Thru-hikers associate Pennsylvania with the half-gallon challenge in Pine Grove Furnace, which is also where the AT Museum is located. The upper part of PA is known to thru-hikers as “Rocksylvania” due to it’s extremely rocky terrain. It was rated the 4th hardest section of the entire AT by the class of 2017. In stark contrast, the lower part of PA was rated the 4th easiest section.
Pennsylvania State Parks
- Buchanan’s Birthplace – Fishing, Picnicking
- Cowans Gap – Hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking
- Lackawanna – Hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hunting, picnicking
- Michaux State Forest – Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, snowmobiling
- Trough Creek – Hiking, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling
Weekend trip ideas in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
A long weekend in Philadelphia would not be hard to fill. Philadelphia is famous for historical sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, but also some more lighthearted things like the Rocky steps and cheese steaks. You can also catch an Eagles or Phillies game depending on the time of year. For anyone like me, you might also want to check out the Philadelphia Orchestra or the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, otherwise known as the “Steel City” for its more than 300 steel related businesses, and is also known as “The City of Bridges” for its 446 bridges. There are famous museums such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Andy Warhol Museum, and other family friendly activities like the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. Depending on what time of year you visit, be sure to catch a Steelers or Pirates game.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is one of the cutest towns I know. Not only is it full of little shops and restaurants, but it’s full of history. Gettysburg National Military Park is obviously what the town is most famous for, and you can easily spend 2 days just in the park. Do a wine tasting at the Adams County Winery Gettysburg Wine Shop and then catch a ghost tour in town before bed.
Hershey Park
Hershey Park is a theme park located in Hershey, PA. Milton Hershey founded the park for his chocolate factory employees. The Hershey Chocolate Factory is on site and includes a tour ride. Right next door sits Hershey Stadium that brings in a wide variety of famous bands and singers. In addition to the rides inside the park, there is ZooAmerica and The Boardwalk at Hershey Park, a water park with rides and a wave pool.
Other cities of Interest
Pennsylvania is a huge state, I’m lucky to be so close because otherwise I don’t think I’d ever get the chance to see much of it. Other cities that aren’t quite as big, but are still fairly well-known, include: Lancaster, Erie, Harrisburg, York, Williamsport, and Allentown. Each city has its own unique attractions, but just aren’t as well known as the cities mentioned above.
Last Updated: November 7, 2024