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Experience History: State Parks

Wild, wonderful
At 16,892 acres, Pymatuning State Park is one of the largest state parks in the commonwealth and the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake. Submitted Steve Sybert/submitted photo
Where and how to enjoy Pennsylvania’s great outdoors

Pennsylvania’s state parks are designed to be within a relatively short reach of state residents and offer a variety of outdoor activities, ranging from biking, camping, hiking and fishing to studying history. Here are details about how you can enjoy the parks, drawn from the parks’ websites.

Keystone State Park

Address: 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, Pa.

Phone: 724-668-2939

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park is great for day trips and family vacations year-round. Camping, modern cabins, many trails and a lake are all within walking distance, providing an ideal setting for wildlife watching or outdoor adventures.

McConnells Mill State Park

Address: 1761 McConnells Mill Road, Portersville

Phone: 724-368-8091

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Seasoned climbers can test their skills at McConnells Mill State Park’s two climbing areas while others can hit the nine miles of hiking trails, fish, hunt or enjoy a picnic at the Kildoo Picnic Area, which also features a play area for children.

Ohiopyle State Park

Address: 124 Main St., Ohiopyle, Pa.

Phone: 724-329-8591

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Carve out plenty of time for your visit to Ohiopyle State Park, where photo-ops abound. Soak up the unparalleled beauty of the waterfalls, including Cucumber Falls, then slide down the natural waterslides. Hikers can choose one of the many trails that cover nearly 79 miles while bikers have 27 miles of biking paths to explore.

Ryerson Station State Park

Address: 361 Bristoria Road, Graysville, Pa.

Phone: 724-428-4254

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Lace up your hiking shoes and hit the 13 miles of hiking trails at Ryerson Station State Park in Greene County, not too far from the West Virginia border. If hiking isn't your style, you'll find plenty else to do — swimming in the free pool, hunting, picnicking and camping.

Hillman State Park

Address: 109 Kramer Road, Burgettstown, Pa.

Phone: 724-899-2200

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Just 25 miles outside of Pittsburgh in Washington County, Hillman State Park caters predominantly to turkey and deer hunters, as well as hikers. However, the state park also features a model airplane field, which requires prior registration and verification of membership to the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

Raccoon Creek State Park

Address: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, Pa.

Phone: 724-899-2200

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Immerse yourself in outdoor adventure at Raccoon Creek State Park in Beaver County. Raccoon Lake provides an idyllic setting for boaters, kayakers and fishermen, while the more than 7,500-acre state park promises ample opportunity for hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping.

Allegheny Islands State Park

Address: 11 Denny Est., Pittsburgh, accessible by boat

Phone: 412-565-2850

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Climb into a boat, a canoe or anything that floats to make the journey to Allegheny Islands State Park. In fact, that’s the only way you can get to this tiny but mighty state park that features unmarked trails and native wildlife.

Trough Creek State Park

Address: 16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, Pa.

Phone: 814-658-3847

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Stretching 541 acres, Trough Creek State Park promises plenty of beautiful views of Rainbow Falls, Copperas Rocks and an Ice Mine. After visiting the natural wonders of the park, spend some time hiking, biking or picnicking. The state park also allows camping, with cabins available for rent.

Erie Bluffs State Park

Address: 11100 W. Lake Road, Lake City, Pa.

Phone: 814-833-7424

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Most have heard of Presque Isle State Park. But there’s another hidden treasure in the area — Erie Bluffs State Park. Like Allegheny Islands State Park, Erie Bluffs largely remains undeveloped. For spectacular views of Lake Erie and beyond, climb the 93-foot bluffs. The day-use park only allows fishing and boating along its one-mile shoreline.

Cherry Springs State Park

Address: 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa.

Phone: 814-435-1037

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Cherry Springs State Park is nearly as remote and wild today as it was two centuries ago. Named for the large stands of black cherry trees originally found in the area, the 82-acre state park is surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest. The Susquehannock Trail passes nearby and offers 85 miles of backpacking and hiking. Night sky enthusiasts flock to the park for its dark skies which are famous for great views of the Milky Way, planets, and hard-to-see astronomical objects and phenomena.

Pymatuning State Park

Address: 2660 Williams Field Road, Jamestown, Pa.

Phone: 724-932-3141

Open: Sunrise to sunset, day use areas close at dusk.

Of Note: Almost everything about Pymatuning State Park is big. At 16,892 acres, it is one of the largest state parks in the commonwealth and the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake. Pymatuning is one of the most-visited state parks in Pennsylvania. Perhaps the biggest thing about Pymatuning is the fun you can have boating, fishing, swimming, camping and enjoying other recreational opportunities.

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