National and State Parks in Pennsylvania
State parks in Pennsylvania offer waterfall trails, river gorges, woodland camping and longer outdoor stays. Ricketts Glen and Ohiopyle are useful starting points, but the right choice depends on whether you want a walking day, a river activity or a quiet base for several nights.
Pennsylvania’s federal park destinations are especially rich in history, with recreation areas adding river and woodland experiences. There is no formally designated National Park. Browse the map and listing to choose a historical city visit, a waterfall weekend or a longer park stay.
How many parks in Pennsylvania you can find on Traveler Map?
- national battlefield: 1
- national historical parks: 2
- national historic sites: 9
- national memorials: 4
- national military park: 1
- national monument: 1
- national recreation area: 1
- National Park Service sites: 9
- state parks: 116
State parks for waterfalls and river scenery
Ricketts Glen State Park in northeastern Pennsylvania is a starting point for a waterfall-focused outing. Its Falls Trail System explores a series of glens, while other facilities allow a broader park stay. Choose a route by its terrain and current condition rather than by the number of waterfalls you hope to see.
The official Ricketts Glen guide provides maps and seasonal facility information. Check any trail restrictions before travelling, particularly if one walk is the main reason for the trip.
Ohiopyle State Park in southwestern Pennsylvania offers a different river-centered setting. Decide whether you want to walk, cycle or arrange a water activity, because each uses the park differently. The Ohiopyle visitor page is the place to compare those options and check current access.
National park sites with very different purposes
Pennsylvania’s National Park Service destinations include Independence National Historical Park, Gettysburg National Military Park and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. They are not interchangeable versions of a scenic hiking park.
Choose Independence for a visit focused on the nation’s founding and its historical places, Gettysburg for the battlefield and its interpretation, or Delaware Water Gap for an outdoor itinerary along the river landscape. The NPS Pennsylvania directory identifies the official sites and visitor resources.
Choose a region for a weekend
A Philadelphia history trip, a Gettysburg stay, a northeastern waterfall outing and a southwestern river holiday each work as a separate short break. Combining them needs enough time for travel as well as visits.
For an outdoor weekend, choose accommodation near the activity that takes the most time. For a historical itinerary, arrange any timed tour or indoor experience first and leave surrounding walks flexible. One well-planned day at a main destination can be more rewarding than several brief arrivals.
Check facilities and the return route
Before a longer walk, compare steps, surfaces and the climb back to your starting point. For a river activity, confirm conditions and the equipment or transport included in the booking. For camping, check the individual campground’s seasonal services and arrival arrangements.
Save the relevant maps before setting out. A park remaining open year-round does not guarantee the same trail access, beach services or overnight facilities in every season.