10 Nature & Parks in Pennsylvania That You Shouldn't Miss

July 27, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Gettysburg National Military Park, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pine Creek Gorge, Longwood Gardens, The Arboretum at Penn State, Hershey Gardens, Bushkill Falls, Lake Wallenpaupack, Allegheny National Forest, Delaware Canal.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania

1. Gettysburg National Military Park

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7034 +1 717-334-1124 http://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8,230 reviews

Gettysburg National Military Park

The Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War, was the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion," Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address."

Reviewed By AnnaTheTraveling5 - Marietta, United States

The National Military Park is very well-done with a thoughtful, informative & enlightening movie (narrated by my favorite Morgan Freeman), a cyclorama, and a comprehensive museum. We visited with our 4 yr, 6 yr, and 14 yr, and all thoroughly enjoyed our visit AND learned a ton (so did I!!!)! The museum had something for everyone, including interactive electronic exhibit games for the kids (bugle playing song trivia), plenty of life-like models of war camps and such, and interesting trivia (how to load a musket in 7 steps). This was a well-spent fun day of learning. Bring your lunch and eat at the shaded picnic tables outside! Want to see where else we've been? Instagram & Facebook - TheTraveling5

2. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3830 +1 412-622-6914 [email protected] http://phipps.conservatory.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,255 reviews

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Visit to discover breathtaking seasonal flower shows and special exhibits, a nationally-recognized orchid collection, butterflies, botanical gardens, fun family activities, and much more.

Reviewed By Greenthumb185 - Pittsburgh, United States

We have visited Phipps multiple times over the year. A top rate conservatory with many special interests such as the cactus room, children's garden etc. Wonderful use of green technology

3. Pine Creek Gorge

4797 Rte. 660, PA 16901-7252 +1 888-846-4228 [email protected] http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/index.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 143 reviews

Pine Creek Gorge

This canyon runs for approximately 47 miles and is 1,450 feet at its maximum depth.

Reviewed By redAzleTX

My husband and I stayed in a fabulous Airbnb (tranquil studio apt) in the countryside close to Pine Creek Gorge. We saw a brochure for bike outfitters (Pine Creek outfitters) where you could rent bikes and pedal through the gorge (downhill) for 18 miles and then this company would shuttle van you back. We got to enjoy the beautiful rails to trails bike path in the gorge as the Autumn leaves were changing and falling. The river was flowing next to the bike path. There were tons of water falls to stop and photograph. And there were even kiosks to stop at to learn things about the area. Great day!

4. Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348-1913 +1 610-388-1000 http://longwoodgardens.org
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,300 reviews

Longwood Gardens

In 1906, industrialist Pierre du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,077 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ and 4.5-acre conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by Mr. du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education and the performing arts, through programming that includes exhibitions, musical performances by leading artists, renowned horticulture education programs, horticulture research, environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Reviewed By patripper - State College, United States

Though May is somewhat of an in-between time, Longwood never disappoints. The indoor conservatory is always "in bloom"with different plants and flowers every season. The fountains are fun to watch...the gift shop is lovely (though a bit expensive)...and the restaurants are always good - mushroom soup to die for.

5. The Arboretum at Penn State

336 Forest Resources Bldg University Park, State College, PA 16802-3604 +1 814-865-9118 http://arboretum.psu.edu/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 521 reviews

The Arboretum at Penn State

Reviewed By Trip270430

Considering 200,000 people are within 1/2 mile of this location during every home Penn State football game & you can stop there & feel like you have the place to yourself is awesome & truly overlooked by many. We stayed the weekend at goPSUrv & visited The Arboretum on a Sunday morning.

6. Hershey Gardens

170 Hotel Rd Across from The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA 17033-9508 +1 717-534-3492 [email protected] http://www.hersheygardens.org/
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,380 reviews

Hershey Gardens

Open year-round, Hershey Gardens' Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory features an indoor, tropical Butterfly Atrium, where guests can experience hundreds of butterflies and tropical plants. Opened in 1937, the 23-acre outdoor garden features a renowned rose garden, magnificent theme gardens, colorful seasonal displays, and a whimsical Children's Garden.

Reviewed By 480DebbieR

This was a great stop on our exploratory visit to Harrisburg and Hershey. Ours was a mystery trip I organized for 100 travelers, and this was a very pleasant and lovely stop! Thanks to Megan and the other staff members for all the accommodations! Loved watching the gentleman who so calmly handled, displayed and educated us on his furry friend- the tarantula! Also, thank you to the kind and knowledgeable staff who guided us in the beautiful bufferfly atrium! Outside, the lavender and white tulips were gorgeous and in full bloom, along with many other beautiful flowers and trees! And you won’t want to miss the gift shop-so many extraordinary and unique gifts! We’ll be back!! Thank you!

7. Bushkill Falls

Bushkill, PA 18324
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,807 reviews

Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls, a series of eight cascading waterfalls, is one of the state’s most popular outdoor destinations. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the Falls – known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania –are a favorite of hikers, fishermen, birdwatchers and all those who treasure the nature’s beauty. Closed November - Mid -April. Opening for the 2020 season on April 2, 2020.

Reviewed By SanjayB101 - Vadodara, India

Another adventurous activity , green forest hike with beautiful fall .which is in state of Pennsylvania on Pocono mountain Uplands. It is Bushkill Falls opened for public in 1904 .A stream from Rocky Mountain turns in to 100 ft deep scenic water fall. Though it is named as Niagara of Pennsylvania. but it is not so u can not compare it with a large gorgeous Niagara fall. But it has its own beauty. A small river turning in to a big water fall covered by green deep forest and rocky hill/mountain. Four trails developed for hike trail lovers-Green trail (easy one) yellow trail ( for family with children) blue & red trail some what longer , runs from 1 hour to 2.30 hours and in forest, mountains , ups & downs. Systematically made, developed and maintained considering safety of hikers/ viewers. If you are exhausted after a hike then outside trail you have snacks & ice creams, fudge and funnel cakes to satisfy hike of your stomach????. Clean Rest rooms r there and large place for parking. Really exotic place to visit.

8. Lake Wallenpaupack

West of junction of Route 6 & 507, PA 18428 http://www.wallenpaupack.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 111 reviews

Lake Wallenpaupack

Located in the Poconos, it's the third largest lake in the state, offering a diversity of water recreation activities.

Reviewed By randyorso - Hawley, United States

Fall foliage at Lake Wallenpaupack is beautiful. The local Greentown Grill is selling pumpkins from a cart that you can decorate, and the pottery at LaAnna's Holley Ross Pottery Outlet has nice decorations for all seasons. The political season has seen gun rally with some conservative activists and certain places are a bit lax on COVID-19 restrictions. The trails at Holley Ross Pottery Outlet are nice for viewing nature and the local stream. Early Bird Breakfast Specials at John's Italian in Greentown, PA 7 am to 10 am at $5.50 including coffee, eggs, home fried potatoes, toast, and choice of bacon or sausage, make for a hearty start to the day, other special choices are French Toast or Pancakes. Lunch at the Greentown Grill is usually very good indeed, and their Gyros are a favorite as are their onion rings. Cakes and Scones Bakery has amazing empanadas and quiche as well as pastries, pies, and cakes, scones, and cookies. The local resorts, Skytop Lodge, and Silver Birches are a bit of the old Poconos with updated eateries and great places for photos.

9. Allegheny National Forest

Smokey Ln Off State Route 66, PA http://www.fs.usda.gov/allegheny
Excellent
60%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Allegheny National Forest

Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, this forest has over 500,000-acres, is easily accessable and offers plenty of recreational activities.

Reviewed By hopalongrving - Mississippi, United States

Boondocking was a breeze in this NF, plenty of pull off spots and they allow for parking in large parking lots as well. We double checked with the ranger stations and got the same answer from all rangers "park anywhere you want that is safe and not in the way of traffic." There are some park areas that have designated times (such as Kinzua Beach) which have gates that close after dark. At Red Bridge Recreation Area you can parking in the car parking area for $5 a night. Willow Bay CG We went to this park for a one night stay on a whim. Thankfully they have a staff member in the entrance booth until 9pm so they were able to quickly tell us if there was an available site. Our site was a grassy covered raised area. They have central water to fill tanks and a dump station at the entrance of the park. Don’t forget to show your access pass for a 50% discount. They had cute one room cabins for rent – though we didn’t go in them the people we talked to said they were well worth the money. There is a small creek that runs behind some of the sites – it was fun to explore and skip rocks. Check out our review of: Kinzua Beach Willow bay Campground RimRock overlook Kinzua Dam

10. Delaware Canal

New Hope, PA +1 610-982-5560 https://www.fodc.org/visit-the-canal/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 238 reviews

Delaware Canal

A small stretch of the Delaware River: great for canoeing.

Reviewed By PeterWJr46 - Poughkeepsie, United States

This past week, my wife and I were able to ride the fourteen mile loop from New Hope to Washington's Crossing across to New Jersey back to Lambertville and the bridge to New Hope. The paths on both sides of the Delaware River and canals is relative flat and easily navigated. Be sure to bring a bottle of water. The ride is pleasant, but it is without amenities.

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