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, and luckily for those of us living in Pennsylvania, there’s no shortage of it.
From reflective lake shores to snow-capped mountain peaks, Pennsylvania is home to plenty of stunning scenery. Whether you consider yourself an outdoorsy person or simply love appreciating beautiful scenery, everyone will find a gorgeous spot to soak up some sun. In addition to seasonal outings to the best beaches near Philadelphia and leaf-peeping near Philadelphia, here are some of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania to enjoy year-round.
Bushkill Falls | Photo Photo Credit: Ali Majdfar via Getty Images
Beautiful place in eastern Pennsylvania
lehigh county
Just outside of Allentown, along the Appalachian Trail, you’ll find an observation deck called Bake Oven Knob, just about a half-mile from the parking lot. Admittedly, this short hike is rocky, but the views are spectacular. Enjoy panoramic views of forest and farmland that change with the seasons: red and orange trees in autumn, snow-covered fields in winter, and lush green fields in 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
There’s a small entrance fee to see this collection of eight waterfalls, known as Pennsylvania’s Niagara, but the site offers plenty to do, including four trails of varying difficulty, ranging from 15 minutes to two hours, birdwatching, and fishing. Located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Philadelphia, the falls make for 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 “Sleepy Hollow” fame), who reportedly felt a strong desire to scale the cliffs during a visit to the area in 1841, the cliffs offer a moderate, one-mile trail to the top of the cliffs. Highlights of the trail include a bird’s-eye view of Honesdale, as well as views of the Moosic Mountains and the Lackawaxen River.
Berks County
There are multiple routes of various lengths that lead up to the second highest elevation in Berks County, and the Pinnacle offers some of the best views of the Lehigh Valley. Keep in mind, the shortest route takes at least 11 miles round trip and is a bit steep to get to the top, but the bird watching and nature observation at the top are worth the effort.
Luzerne County, Sullivan County, Columbia County
The 13,193-acre site features 42 miles of hiking trails, ranging from under a mile to just over seven miles, and 22 waterfalls. The seven-mile hike is the most challenging but offers views of nearly all of the waterfalls. Build a fire and spend the night under the blue skies at one of the more than 100 campsites in the vast 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. Today, its ruins still exist, 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
Legend has it that forbidden lovers, Seneca woman Nittany and her French trapper lover Malachi Boyer, escaped but were captured and Malachi was thrown into the cave to die. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Penn’s Cave can be fully explored by boat. See the stalactites and stalagmites and learn how trickling water carved the stone.
Tioga County, Lycoming County, Clinton County
This 47-mile canyon, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is home to numerous observation decks that offer stunning views of the canyon down to 1,450 feet at its deepest point. For the most beautiful views, head to Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. From here it’s a short hike to a spot with some of the best views. Pitch a tent and camp, or traverse 177 miles of snowmobile trails in the winter.
huntingdon county
To see Raystown Lake, the largest lake in all of Pennsylvania, hike to Ridenour and Horn’s Overlook for a sunrise (or sunset) you won’t soon forget. Ridenour Overlook is located right next to the parking lot and is wheelchair accessible. Hawn’s Overlook is about half a mile from there. The trail is not very steep, so the whole family should be able to walk it. When it comes to scenery, enjoy the Raystown Lake Dam at Ridenour and Horns. Take in 180-degree views of wooded peninsulas and islands jutting into the lake.
Mount Washington Observatory | Flickr/Can Pac Swire
Beautiful place in western Pennsylvania
Clarion County, Forest County, and Jefferson County
Cook Forest is located about two hours north of Pittsburgh. This is an 11,500-acre state park surrounded by rolling hills, white pine and hemlock trees, and the Clarion River. He is one of the lesser known state parks, but no less beautiful. Although you can enjoy hiking, one of the best ways to experience Cook Forest is by taking a leisurely trip down the river in a kayak, canoe, or tube.
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 point where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join to form the Ohio River from 450 feet above sea level. Iconic views of the city are accessed via two of his historic inclines: the Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline, and you can reach the top of either of them. He walks about a mile up one hill, enjoying the scenery, and then he goes back down one hill.
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. Ohiopyle offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and hunting, but the park is perhaps best known for its 7-mile Youghiogheny River, which offers some of the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast. 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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Allie Volpe is a writer living in Philadelphia. She hasn’t slept in days. Follow her on Twitter. @allieevolpe.
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