Did you know that Pennsylvania has a breathtaking 19 national parks? The Keystone State is full of gorgeous natural scenery and historical monuments. The national parks in Pennsylvania range from the scenic Allegheny National Forest to the monuments of Valley Forge National Historic Park. Many of the national parks in Pennsylvania offer extensive walking paths and outdoor activities.
The hardest part about visiting the national parks in Pennsylvania is deciding which parks to see first! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We put together a list of our favorite national parks in Pennsylvania for every type of visitor!
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Best National Parks in Pennsylvania for Exploring the Outdoors
Allegheny National Forest
This park features an expansive 500,000 acres of forestland for you to explore! This part of northwestern Pennsylvania offers breathtaking mountain overlooks and rolling streams. If you’ve ever doubted the beauty of Pennsylvania, this forest will definitely change your mind. We recommend visiting during the fall to see the gorgeous fall leaves.
Ohiopyle State Park
This is one of the largest national parks in Pennsylvania and is located in the Laurel Highlands. Special highlights when visiting are the whitewater rafting tours and horseback riding trails. This is the perfect vacation spot for an adventurer who is ready to hike, bike, raft, and ride!
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Pocono Mountains feature this lush and secluded national recreation area. The Delaware Water Gap Area includes 28 miles of the famously beautiful Appalachian Trail. It also has more than 100 miles of hiking trails. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is full of hemlock forests, mountain ridges, and historic colonial villages. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the many native species like rabbits, black bears, and white-tailed deer.
National Parks in Pennsylvania for the History Buffs
Independence National Historical Park
If you’re an aspiring history buff, this is the best place to start! Independence Hall and the surrounding areas mark the founding of our nation. Although this national park does not feature wildlife or natural landscapes, it is one of the most popular in the state. It is absolutely a highlight for first-time visitors to Pennsylvania. It’s also a great place to take kids to learn about the founding of our nation through interactive museums and tours.
Flight 93 National Memorial Park
This serene memorial chronicles the crash of Flight 93 during the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the US. You can learn about the heroism of the crew members aboard the flight before it crashed in the neighboring field. The overlook area offers a space to reflect on history and appreciate the loss of lives that day.
Gettysburg National Military Park
You’ll find Gettysburg National Military Park in the middle of Dutch Country. This park marks the location of the deadly Battle of Gettysburg. President Abraham Lincoln made his famous Gettysburg Address here too. Plus, the park also offers an interactive experience perfect for children to learn.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Just outside Philadelphia, Valley Forge offers a variety of interactive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. We recommend taking the 10-mile tour to explore the artillery and brigade huts.
Most Romantic National Parks in Pennsylvania
Presque Isle State Park
Beaches in Pennsylvania? Yep, that’s right! These beaches in northwest Pennsylvania highlight the beauty and expansiveness of Lake Eerie. Come to Presque Isle State Park to escape the business of your daily life and relax on the beach. These sandy beaches are secluded and have very mild waves for you to swim in. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can enjoy a trip onto the lake on a boat or explore local biking trails.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Don’t go chasing waterfalls…unless you’re visiting Ricketts Glen State Park, you’ll have to see the 22 different waterfalls! The most famous of the many falls is the 94ft drop at Ganoga Falls. This is a beautiful hiking area with enough trails and waterfalls to keep you busy for days! Lastly, don’t forget to wear your best hiking shoes so you don’t slip.
Plan Your Travels and Store Your Gear with Us!
As you explore the many national parks in Pennsylvania, you can count on us to keep your gear safe all year. At Moove In Self Storage, We have16 excellent storage facilities in the Keystone State. All of our units are clean, safe, and secure. Our Pennsylvania storage units are available to store a wide variety of things. Moove in Self Storage is perfect for storing your camping gear during the winter or your skis in summer. You can also store your household items, equipment, or cars. All of our self-storage locations in Pennsylvania have an on-site manager and 24/7 video security to make sure that we take the best care of your items. And every location has large front gates to make getting in and out a breeze.
If you want to know more about renting a self-storage unit in Pennsylvania, please feel free to chat with us online. You can also visit one of the 16 Moove In Self Storage locations in Pennsylvania. The onsite manager will be more than happy to answer your questions and show you around. They can also advise you on what size storage unit to choose for your particular needs. Until then, we hope you enjoy the beautiful national parks in Pennsylvania.
