Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania. This large park is comprised of 13,193 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties. Ricketts Glen harbors the Glens Natural Area — a National Natural Landmark. Hike the Falls Trail System to explore the glens, which boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls. Old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the beauty. For more information, click here.
Ohiopyle State Park
Located on the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Close to major metropolitan areas and offering vast choices of activities, Ohiopyle State Park attracts millions of visitors annually. Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle. The “Yough” [yawk] provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States, as well as spectacular scenery. Ohiopyle is the southern gateway into the Laurel Highlands and represents the beautiful natural resources and unique sense of community that visitors can find throughout the region. For more information, click here.
Leonard Harrison State Park
On the east rim of the canyon, the 585-acre Leonard Harrison State Park has modern facilities, a visitor center, and the most famous scenic views of the canyon. On the other side of the canyon is Colton Point State Park. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. For more information, click here.
Colton Point State Park
On the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the 368-acre Colton Point State Park resonates with the rustic charm of the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930s. The rugged overlooks offer great views of the canyon. Leonard Harrison State Park is visible on the other side of the canyon. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. For more information, click here.
Hickory Run State Park
The 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. This large park has: More than 40 miles of hiking trails, 3 amazing natural areas, and gorgeous trout streams. Boulder Field, a striking boulder-strewn area, is a National Natural Landmark. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. The visitor center is open specific hours. The beach, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the visitor center for facility seasons and hours. The park experiences high visitation from the spring through the fall. Parking areas at trail-heads may reach capacity early in the day, even during the week. Please arrive early and have a back-up plan if parking lots are full. For more information, click here.