Carrie Rodgers 2020-01-07 05:15:24
PICK YOUR PENNSYLVANIA PARK FROM PICTURESQUE COUNTY PARKS TO 121 AMENITYLOADED STATE PARKS, PENNSYLVANIA TOUTS A WIDE RANGE OF GREEN SPACES WITH TRAILS, WATER FEATURES, AND UNUSUAL SIGHTS. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS AT THESE MUST-SEE NATURAL ATTRACTIONS. IF YOU WANT A DOSE OF HISTORY Get an up-close look at the former Bethlehem Steel plant on the elevated Hoover-Mason Trestle, an industrial rail-turned-pedestrian walkway that runs alongside the factory’s colossal blast furnaces. While you’re there, pay a visit to the National Museum of Industrial History and the buzzing SteelStacks complex. IF YOU WANT TO SHOOT THE RAPIDS Nestled in the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle State Park boasts some of Pennsylvania’s best whitewater rafting. The Youghiogheny (pronounced yawki-gay-nee) River features 7 miles of Class III to IV rapids, gentler sections perfect for family float trips, and even natural sandstone waterslides. IF YOU WANT TO SEE A MASSIVE FIELD OF BOULDERS One of Pennsylvania’s 27 National Natural Landmarks can be found in the Pocono Mountains, at Hickory Run State Park in White Haven, where a valley the size of 13 football fields teems with sandstone boulders. IF YOU WANT TO RIDE A CANAL BOAT Before railroads were king, canals were the primary conduits of coal pulled from Pennsylvania mines. Relive the era at Hugh Moore Park in Easton, where you can tour the Canal Heritage Museum, explore historic towpath trails, and ride on a canal boat pulled by mules. IF YOU WANT TO HIKE TO WATERFALLS Sprawling across Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties, Ricketts Glen State Park is home to the Glens Natural Area, featuring a series of waterfalls. Trek the 7.2-mile Falls Trail System to see old-growth forests and numerous water features, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. IF YOU WANT A DAY AT THE BEACH Landlocked, schmandlocked — discover Pennsylvania’s picture-perfect beach at Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Encompassing a 3,200-acre peninsula, the park offers endless opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, birding, or just kicking back on the sands of Lake Erie. IF YOU WANT TO GLIMPSE THE MILKY WAY Surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of state forestlands and perched atop a mountain, Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport is an International Dark Sky Park offering an ideal vantage point for peering into the heavens. Stop by the Night Sky Viewing Area to stargaze for a few hours, or check the calendar for special astronomy programming. IF YOU WANT TO BRING THE PUP Dubbed one of the best dog parks in the nation by Dog Fancy magazine, Canine Meadows Off-Leash Dog Area within John C. Rudy County Park in York features 14 acres of meadowlands for your four-legged family members to run and play. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE ROCKS SING The town of Upper Black Eddy in Bucks County is home to one of the most unique places in the commonwealth: Ringing Rocks County Park. Here, a mysterious field of sonorous rocks ring like bells when struck. Bring your own hammer and “rock” out. IF YOU WANT TO SPOT BIRDS With 5,900 acres of diverse habitats — forests, fields, wetlands, streams, and a lake filled with fish — Bald Eagle State Park in Howard is a magnet for birds of all types. Bring your binoculars and keep your eyes open for warblers, herons, osprey, bluebirds, cardinals, and, yes, even bald eagles.
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