“The Keystone State” is steeped in history and picturesque landscapes, making it an idyllic location for nature lovers to explore and relax. Get away from crowds and rejuvenate your spirit by visiting one of the many Pennsylvania vacation spots that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Must-Visit Nature Spots in Pennsylvania
Although Philadelphia is often what first comes to mind when people think of Pennsylvania, there’s much more to the state than this historic city. From scenic views to invigorating activities, there’s a lot for nature lovers to enjoy. Pennsylvania offers a variety of terrains and things to do for an unforgettable vacation!
Here are five must-visit nature spots in Pennsylvania to plan an amazing getaway:
Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains stretch over four counties in Pennsylvania and offer outdoor adventure any time of the year. Go hiking, whitewater rafting, bird watching, horseback riding, and more in warmer seasons. When there’s snow, you can go skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, and any other of your favorite winter activity.
Raystown Lake
Considered a top destination in Central Pennsylvania, Raystown Lake is the largest lake in the state. The lake and surrounding forest offer campgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, boating, trails, fishing, and more. It’s also a great location for eagle watching as it’s an open-water habitat for eagles, waterfowl, and other water birds.
Allegheny National Forest
In northwestern Pennsylvania, explore the beauty of Allegheny National Forest. There are hundreds of miles of trails and the lush forest surrounds a 7,647-acre reservoir. You can enjoy numerous outdoor activities like hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, ATV riding, and more.
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is a 3,112-acre state park on a sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie. You can picnic and swim at the beach or go hiking, boating, kayaking, biking, bird watching, and more. The Presque Isle Lighthouse, which was built in 1873, is also worth a visit.
Laurel Highlands and Caverns
The Laurel Highlands is a mountainous region that covers 3,000 square miles of southwestern Pennsylvania. While the area is popular for outdoor activities and historic sites, one of its most stand-out features is the Laurel Caverns, the largest cave in Pennsylvania. You can tour the natural caves or go spelunking for a more intense adventure.
Relax at an RV Resort and Campground
Each of these Pennsylvania vacation ideas is a haven for nature lovers and should be on any outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. If you want to hit all these spots on your trip, a prime location to stay is at an RV resort and campground in Central Pennsylvania. You’ll be able to take day trips to any of these nature vacation spots and then retreat to your accommodations to enjoy spectacular views and downtime.
