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Your Guide to Parks, Lakes & Nature Preserves in NEPA

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces blend recreation and environmental care, offering something for every kind of nature lover. Explore the region’s 18 state parks and countless community areas for hiking, swimming, boating, and wildlife watching. Spend summer afternoons on the water, enjoy crisp fall hikes through colorful forests, or cross-country ski across quiet winter trails.

Families can enjoy easy access to picnic areas, playgrounds, and dog-friendly trails, while outdoor enthusiasts can seek new challenges on scenic mountain paths or kayaking routes. Paddle across calm lakes, bike forest trails, or simply unwind beside peaceful streams.

From Ricketts Glen’s waterfalls to Frances Slocum’s tree-lined trails, NEPA’s parks, lakes, and preserves connect people with nature while protecting the land for generations to come. Each visit invites exploration, reflection, and appreciation for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s wild beauty.

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Pocono Heritage Land Trust

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Stories from NEPA’s Parks, Lakes & Preserves

Explore the beauty, history, and wildlife that make Northeastern Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces so special. These stories feature local parks, lakes, and preserves through seasonal adventures, family day trips, and outdoor inspiration from across NEPA.
Three women walking along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Scranton, PA, a popular outdoor activity in Northeastern PA.

Land & Nature Stewards of NEPA

Protecting NEPA’s open spaces begins with dedicated local partners. These organizations care for forests, rivers, and wildlife habitats across Northeastern PA, ensuring the region’s outdoor beauty endures for future generations.

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Leave No Trace: Protect NEPA’s Natural Spaces

Every outdoor visit makes a difference. By following these “Leave No Trace” principles from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), visitors can help keep our parks and lakes beautiful for future generations.

  • Plan Ahead & Prepare: Know local regulations, check the weather, pack essentials, and use a map instead of marking trails.
  • Travel on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established paths and picnic areas to protect plants and shorelines.
  • Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, use restrooms or catholes for waste, and wash dishes at least 200 feet from water.
  • Leave What You Find: Preserve natural and historical features and help stop the spread of invasive species.
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use stoves when possible, keep fires small, and make sure coals are cold before leaving.
  • Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance, store food safely, and keep pets leashed near water and trails.
  • Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise low, yield to fellow visitors, and share the shoreline with kindness.

Together, we can keep NEPA’s parks, forests, and lakes healthy and ready for the next adventure.

Watch Nature Unfold in NEPA

Take a closer look at Northeastern Pennsylvania’s parks, lakes, and preserves through our latest videos. From scenic trails and lakeside adventures to community park highlights and volunteer projects, these clips showcase NEPA’s natural beauty in every season.
A couple standing on a rocky cliff overlooking the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in autumn, with the Delaware River winding through the valley below and colorful foliage covering the mountains. 

Find Your Next NEPA Escape

From peaceful lakes to family parks and scenic preserves, Northeastern PA’s natural beauty is always within reach. Plan a weekend getaway, join a local volunteer effort, or explore a new trail—there’s always more to experience outdoors in NEPA.

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