Endless Hours of Outdoor Adventures Await at NEPA’s State Parks
In NEPA, we’re never very far from a scenic state park. They are, after all, part of what makes our region such a special place for outdoor recreation. Pristine lakes, verdant meadows, lush forests, roaring waterfalls and spectacular mountain views are part of our collective back yard.
From hiking and mountain biking to fishing, boating, swimming in lakes and pools, kayaking, hunting cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, the 18 amenity-filled state parks in Northeastern Pennsylvania offer a tranquil spot to spend time in the fresh air surrounded by peace, quiet and the occasional woodland creature.
Lace up your boots, load up the bikes, string the fishing poles, pack a picnic lunch and rediscover nature at a NEPA state park.
Archbald, PA
An impressive 40-foot, glacier-formed “pothole” is the main attraction at Archbald Pothole State Park, a 150-acre park in Archbald. A short loop trail that follows the route of an old mining tram allows visitors to explore the park’s lush, green forest.
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Lehighton, PA
Enjoy a little bit of everything at Beltzville State Park in Lehighton. Get out on the water for fishing, kayaking or boating on the 949-acre lake. Reserve a picnic pavilion, or explore the park’s 15 miles of scenic hiking trails.
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Stroudsburg, PA
Take in the stunning, panoramic mountaintop views from this centrally-located park in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. With nearly 9 miles of beautiful trails, hiking, mountain biking and even horseback riding are popular spring and summer activities at Big Pocono State Park.
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Wyoming, PA
This Luzerne County park, ten miles from Wilkes-Barre, offers over 1,000 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands. Enjoy 13.7 miles of trails, fishing and other lake activities, a crystal-clear pool in the summer and so much more at Frances Slocum State Park.
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Gouldsboro, PA
Get close to nature among the bogs and evergreen forests at Gouldsboro State Park, a 2,800-acre park in Gouldsboro. Explore 10 miles of trails. Fish, boat and swim in the 250-acre lake and enjoy lunch at one of five wooded picnic areas.
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White Haven, PA
With nearly 16,000 acres of land, there’s plenty of room to roam at Hickory Run State Park in White Haven. The park features 44 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, disc golf, a lake for fishing and swimming and the famous Boulder Field.
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North Abington Twp., PA
Venture just 10 miles outside of Scranton for a day of picnicking along the 198-acre lake at Lackawanna State Park. Try your hand at fishing or kayaking. Check out the pool and splash zone. And explore 18 miles of looping trails through forests, fields and alongside streams.
Weatherly, PA
Find your share of adventure from White Haven to Jim Thorpe at Lehigh Gorge State Park situated along the Lehigh River. Experience whitewater rafting. Bike the 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail and stop for waterfall photos along the way.
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Barnesville, PA
Book a camp site at Locust Lake State Park, a sprawling 1772-acre park in Barnesville. Enjoy hiking and biking on forest trails. Rent a canoe or kayak, or fish for trout, bass and more in the 52-acre lake and lay out in the sun on the soft sandy beach.
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Drums, PA
Take your pick out of 19 miles of easily-accessible and relatively flat mountain trails at Nescopeck State Park in Drums. Drop a line in the well-stocked Lake Frances or Nescopeck Creek and enjoy activities in the modern Environmental Education Center.
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Greentown, PA
Experience abundant wildlife and a rich history at Promised Land State Park in the Pocono Mountain’s lake region. Stay the night at one of their many camping areas featuring a sand beach, swimming area, playground, volleyball court and picnic facilities.
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Prompton, PA
Relax and cast a line into the 290-acre lake at Prompton State Park, a peaceful, mountain park just outside of Honesdale. Explore nearly 26 miles of forested hiking trails. Break for lunch under the covered picnic pavilion, or take on the park’s popular 18-hole, disc golf course.
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Benton, PA
Bring your camera for Instagram-worthy photos along the famous Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park in the Endless Mountains. Enjoy picnic amenities, camping, fishing, a wide sandy beach for swimming and so much more.
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Montrose, PA
Enjoy the rural charm and tranquility of Salt Springs State Park in Susquehanna County. Set out on over 12 miles of trails through gorgeous old-growth forests and along streams. The park also offers rustic tent sites and cabins.
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Pine Grove, PA
Swatara State Park, a 3,500+ acre park in the southern corner of Schuylkill County, is home to two miles of the renowned Appalachian Trail. Hike and mountain bike along the thirty four miles of trails or enjoy fishing, boating and water sports in Trout Run and Swatara Creek.
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Tobyhanna, PA
Pack a ton of family fun into a whole day at Tobyhanna State Park in Tobyhanna. Swim or kayak in the lake. Hike or bike over 10 miles of trails. Spend the night at one of 135 spacious tent sites.
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Barnesville, PA
Keep an eye out for wildlife at Tuscarora State Park, a 1,618-acre park in Schuylkill County. Over 7 miles of trails pass through green meadows, thick forests, wide-open fields and around the pristine Tuscarora Lake. The park also offers camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating and more.
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Tunkhannock, PA
Pack your binoculars for spotting bald eagles and other birds of prey along the Susquehanna River at Vosburg Neck State Park in Wyoming County. This 669-acre park offers fishing, kayaking, and hiking on eight miles of scenic trails.
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Conservation Tip
By following these responsible outdoor ethics from our friends at DCNR, we can help keep Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests top-tier outdoor recreation destinations for generations to come.
Leave No Trace
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know regulations, prepare for weather and emergencies, travel in small groups, minimize waste, and use a map and compass instead of marking trails.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on established trails, camp at least 200 feet from water, and avoid damaging pristine areas.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, use catholes for human waste, and wash dishes 200 feet from water sources with biodegradable soap.
- Leave What You Find: Preserve historical sites, avoid disturbing nature, and prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use stoves when possible, keep fires small, burn wood to ash, and fully extinguish campfires.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance, don’t feed animals, store food properly, and control pets to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect others by keeping noise low, yielding on trails, and camping away from high-traffic areas.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 4/12/20.
