From Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater to stargazing, experience the state’s spectacular wonders.
Updated March 27, 2024, 4:07 p.m.
Fallingwater | Flickr/John Fisher
A wise man once said, “Nature is the best medicine.” I knew there was something to that. Exposure to nature has been linked to everything from improved mental health to better sleep quality. And fortunately for those of us who live in Pennsylvania, nature is not in short supply.
From the shores of reflective lakes to the peaks of snow-capped mountains, Pennsylvania is full of stunning scenery. Whether you consider yourself an outdoorsy person or simply love admiring beautiful scenery, there’s a stunning view for everyone to soak up the sun. In addition to seasonal outings to the best beaches near Philadelphia and reef peeping near Philadelphia, we’ll show you some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful places to enjoy year-round. .
Bushkill Falls | Photo Photo Credit: Ali Majdfar from Getty Images
Beautiful place in eastern Pennsylvania
lehigh county
Just outside of Allentown on the Appalachian Trail, the observation deck known as Bake Oven Knob is just a half-mile from the parking lot. Yes, it’s a rocky short hike, but the views are worth it. Enjoy a panorama of forests and farmland that changes with the seasons: red and orange trees in the fall, snow-covered fields in the winter, and lush green fields in the summer.
Berks County
Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1979, this man-made lake has a swimming area, boat launch, and approximately 30 miles of hiking trails. A path runs along the lake, giving you great views of the lake from all angles, on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Surrounded by manicured lawns and lush trees, this lake is an idyllic spot for swimming and picnicking.
pike county
A small admission fee is required to admire this collection of eight waterfalls, dubbed Pennsylvania’s Niagara, but the site also offers four trails of varying difficulty ranging from 15 minutes to two hours, bird watching, fishing, and more. , there’s a lot to do. Located about a 2.5-hour drive from Philadelphia, this waterfall is a scenic day trip from the city.
monroe county
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area stretches 40 miles along the Delaware River, and at the southernmost tip of the park, near Stroudsburg, the Delaware River breaks through Kittatinny Ridge to form the Water Gap itself. This scenic natural phenomenon is covered with trees, creating a sharp contrast between the sky above and the river below. There are many hiking trails that lead to great overlooks on both the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides of the river. Among them is the challenging 1-mile Mount Tammany Trail.
wayne county
For a tree-less view, head to Irving Cliffs, which offers views of the quaint town of Honesdale. Named after Washington Irving (of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” fame), who reportedly felt an overwhelming desire to scale the cliffs while visiting them in 1841, it offers a gentle, one-mile trail that will take you to the top of the cliffs. Your reward is a bird’s-eye view of Honesdale as well as glimpses of the Moosic Mountains and the Lackawaxen River.
berks county
There are multiple routes of varying lengths, all leading up to the second highest elevation in Berks County. The Pinnacle offers some of the best views of the Lehigh Valley. Please remember. The shortest route is over 7 miles round trip, and the climb to the top is a bit steep. However, bird watching and nature viewing at the top is well worth the effort.
Luzerne County, Sullivan County, Columbia County
The 13,193-acre property includes 42 miles of hiking trails, ranging from less than a mile to just over 7 miles, and 22 waterfalls. The 7-mile hiking trail is the most difficult, but offers views of nearly every waterfall. Fire up a fire and spend the night under the blue skies at over 100 campsites in this expansive park.
Cherry Springs State Park under the Milky Way. | Photo credit: Michael Ver Spill via Getty Images
Beautiful Places in Central Pennsylvania
Potter County
Built in 1909 by the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company, Austin Dam was built to provide power to the Bayless Paper Mill. But two years later, the dam burst, destroying the paper mill and the towns of Austin and Costello. Its ruins still exist today, with the huge remains of a concrete wall standing in a grassy meadow. In addition, there are hiking trails and areas where you can stand on top of the ruins and get amazing views.
potter county
Unfortunately, for most of us living on the East Coast, light pollution is a serious problem when trying to stargaze. However, visiting Cherry Springs State Park in northern Pennsylvania is a different story. The park is one of the few “dark sky” areas on the East Coast and is so isolated that under optimal conditions you can see countless stars, asteroids, Venus, the Milky Way, and more with the naked eye. Masu. Keep that in mind the next time the Blood Moon appears in 2025.
center county
According to legend, the forbidden lovers, Sister Nita, a Seneca woman, and French trapper Boo, Malachi Boyer, escaped, but were captured and Malachi was thrown into the cave to die. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors can tour the entire Penn’s Cave by boat. Observe stalactites and stalagmites and learn how dripping water sculpts the stones.
Tioga County, Lycoming County, Clinton County
This 77-mile canyon, colloquially known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, has several observation decks that offer spectacular views of the canyon, at its deepest point 450 feet below. For the most beautiful views, head to Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. You can reach the main viewing spots by hiking short distances. Pitch a tent and camp, or traverse 277 miles of snowmobile trails during the winter.
huntingdon county
For views of Raystown Lake, the largest lake in Pennsylvania, hike to Ridenour Lookout and Hounds Lookout for an unforgettable sunrise (or sunset). The Ridener Observation Deck is located right next to the parking lot and is wheelchair accessible. Hounds Lookout is about a half mile down the road. The trail is not too steep, so it’s fun for the whole family. For a scenic view, check out the Raystown Lake dam at Ridenour and Hounds Lookout for 180-degree views of the tree-covered peninsula and islands that jut into the lake.
Beautiful place in western Pennsylvania
Clarion County, Forest County, and Jefferson County
Cook Forest is located two hours north of Pittsburgh. This state park is an 11,500-acre state park filled with mountainous foothills, white pine and hemlock trees, and the Clarion River. He is one of the lesser-known state parks, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. While you can always go hiking, one of the best ways to experience Cook Forest is by kayaking, canoeing, or tubing and taking a leisurely trip down the river.
fayette county
Architecture meets nature at Fallingwater, a house perched above a waterfall designed in 1935 by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark, visitors can tour both the interior of the house and the grounds from March until the end of December. See how the building relates to its mountain surroundings and the custom-made furniture inside the home.
Lawrence County
About 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh, this 2,546-acre park is home to its namesake mill and covered bridge, both built in the 1800s. (Park at the Kildoo Picnic Area and head down the stairs to check it out.) There are 17 miles of trails that traverse the Slippery Rock Creek valley, so if you want to peek at the mills and covered bridges, you have a variety of options. there is. such as waterfalls and streams.
allegheny county
See Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle and the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers to form the Ohio River from 450 feet above. This iconic view of the city can be seen from his two historic inclines: the Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline. You can climb to the top of both. Climb up on one incline, walk a scenic mile or so, then descend on the other.
fayette county
Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, just off the West Virginia-Maryland border, Ohiopyle is one of the most visited state parks in the Keystone State. At Ohiopyle, visitors have a choice of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking trails, and hunting, but the park is best known for offering perhaps the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast. The mile-long Yougiogheny River. Ride your bike along the river and admire the beautiful scenery.
erie county
On the shores of Lake Erie is this 3,200-acre western Pennsylvania version of the coast. Of course, in addition to water activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and surfing, you can also take part in land-based activities such as hiking, cycling and, in winter, ice skating on the lake. For an even more atmospheric experience, don’t miss the Presque Isle Lighthouse.
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Arie Volpe is a Philadelphia-based writer. She hasn’t slept in days. Follow her on Twitter translation:.
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