>> EXPERIENCES PICK YOUR PENNSYLVANIA PARK FROM PICTURESQUE COUNTY PARKS TO 121 AMENITY-LOADED 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. —BY CARRIE RODGERS 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. Ohiopyle State Park Ohiopyle National Canal Museum Easton 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 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. Hickory Run State Park White Haven 34 visitPA.com TOP TO BOTTOM: LAUREL HIGHLANDS VISITORS BUREAU; DISCOVER LEHIGH VALLEY; ADOBE STOCK/ZACK FRANK
Pennsylvania Happy Traveler Guide 2020: Page 34
