6 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In Pennsylvania This Year
While Pennsylvania might not immediately come to mind for sweeping natural landscapes, the Keystone State is filled with extraordinary wonders. From the cascading waterfalls of Ohiopyle State Park to the forested cliffs of Ricketts Glen and the breathtaking vistas of Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania’s scenery is as diverse as it is inspiring. To truly appreciate its beauty, here are six natural wonders that promise unforgettable experiences and deserve a place on your travel list this year.
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, spanning 20,500 acres in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, showcases rugged landscapes, dense forests, and the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny River Gorge. The river provides some of the best whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing in the eastern United States, with sections ranging from Class II to Class IV rapids. Scenic waterfalls, including Ohiopyle Falls, Cucumber Falls, and Jonathan Run Falls, are accessible via hiking trails that weave through rhododendron-lined paths and lush woodland. Meadow Run’s natural waterslides and the Ferncliff Peninsula, a 100-acre National Natural Landmark, highlight the park’s geological and ecological diversity.
Over 100 miles of multi-use trails cross the park, accommodating hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The park’s central location near major cities makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and serene natural beauty. The best time to visit the park is spring through early fall for optimal water flow and outdoor activities.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park, spanning 13,193 acres across Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties, is a showcase of Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. At its heart lies the Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark featuring a series of 22 cascading waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. The Falls Trail winds through steep gorges, ancient rock formations, and stands of old-growth pine, hemlock, and oak, some over 500 years old, providing a rewarding yet challenging hike. Wildlife and diverse plant life add to the park’s serene ambiance.
Lake Jean provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, while the park’s trails accommodate horseback riding, hiking, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and ice climbing. Ten modern cabins and over 120 campsites allow overnight stays amidst scenic surroundings. Ricketts Glen’s combination of waterfalls, forests, and geological features makes it a must-visit destination. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall for optimal waterfall viewing and hiking.
Pine Creek Gorge
Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, stretches 47 miles through the Allegheny Plateau, carving a dramatic landscape within the 160,000-acre Tioga State Forest. At its deepest, near Waterville, the gorge plunges 1,450 feet, while Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks feature rim-to-rim distances of roughly 4,000 feet. Formed by glacial meltwater over 20,000 years ago, Pine Creek shaped a rugged channel that now supports thriving forests, including century-old trees. Wildlife such as bald eagles, black bears, river otters, and white-tailed deer inhabit the area, creating a rich ecosystem.
Visitors can explore the gorge via hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which follows a 64-mile former railroad corridor from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore. History buffs will appreciate the region’s significance as a travel route for Native Americans and later lumber-era settlers. Ideal conditions to experience the gorge are during autumn, when the forest canopy bursts with brilliant fall colors and temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor adventures.
Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County spans 82 acres atop the Allegheny Plateau at 2,300 feet, surrounded by the vast Susquehannock State Forest. Named for its original stands of black cherry trees, the park has become a premier destination for astronomy, offering some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Recognized as Pennsylvania’s first dark sky park and later designated an International Dark Sky Park, Cherry Springs allows visitors to see thousands of stars and even the Milky Way with remarkable clarity.
Beyond stargazing, the park offers rustic camping, mountain biking, hiking, and snowmobiling trails. Events like the Woodsmen’s Show and annual star parties attract visitors from across the country. Wildlife such as owls, elk, black bears, and bald eagles thrive in the surrounding forest, adding to its natural charm. The best time to visit is Late summer into autumn, when nights are longest and the skies remain exceptionally clear for stargazing.
Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park in Carbon County spans nearly 16,000 acres in the Pocono Mountains, making it one of Pennsylvania’s most expansive and celebrated outdoor destinations. Recognized as one of the state’s “25 Must-See Parks,” it draws visitors year-round with activities tied to the seasons. Summer brings swimmers to the sandy beach at Sand Spring Lake, while colder months transform the frozen waters into a spot for ice skating. Hunters also frequent the park during designated seasons, with game ranging from deer to black bear.
What sets Hickory Run apart is its extraordinary Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark stretching across the park’s northeast corner. This vast sea of stone, created by glacial activity thousands of years ago, remains virtually unchanged since the Ice Age. Visitors can reach the field by car or hike the 3.5-mile trail that cuts through dense woodlands. While the park welcomes guests in every season, the best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the trails, forests, and lakes are at their most inviting.
Ringing Rocks Park
Ringing Rocks Park in Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, is one of Pennsylvania’s most curious natural attractions. The park features a seven-acre boulder field where the rocks produce a metallic, bell-like tone when struck with a hammer or another stone. This rare geological wonder has baffled scientists for generations, as the exact reason for the ringing quality remains a mystery. Some of the boulders stand nearly 10 feet high, creating an otherworldly landscape that feels both rugged and musical. Beyond the rock field, visitors can hike wooded trails, enjoy picnics, and explore the park’s small waterfall, making it a well-rounded outdoor destination. The combination of strange geology, scenic surroundings, and recreational opportunities has made Ringing Rocks Park a favorite stop for families, hikers, and the simply curious. The park is most enjoyable in spring and fall, when mild weather and vibrant seasonal colors create an inviting atmosphere.
Wrapping Up
From the thundering waterfalls of Ricketts Glen to the vast beauty of Pine Creek Gorge and the mysterious boulder fields of Ringing Rocks Park, Pennsylvania proves itself a state of remarkable natural treasures. Each destination has its own sense of wonder, whether through breathtaking vistas, fascinating geology, or serene woodland escapes. No matter the season, these landscapes invite exploration and reflection, reminding visitors that Pennsylvania’s wild beauty is as enduring as it is unforgettable.
