The great state of Pennsylvania—vast and full of waterfalls, cliffs, and lakes—is the perfect place to do some nature-peeping whether you want to embark on a road trip or just escape to some scenic natural areas for the day.
From picturesque overlooks to crystal clear views at one of the best places to stargaze in the country. So, enjoy all the natural eye candy our state has to offer by checking out the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania.
Vibrant cities and gentle countryside, and a myriad of culture clashes, Pennsylvania is one of the most intriguing states in the US. It’s also home to some seriously stunning beauty spots, with sprawling lakes, dense areas of untouched forest, scenic Fall drives, and striking cities filled with gorgeous shiny man-made structures.
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
An exceptional Bird Area recognized globally, the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is nestled between the Lebanon-Lancaster County line of Pennsylvania.
A special tract of landscape protecting and preserving the unique wildlife, the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area covers 5,000 acres of land with shallow-water lakes and oak woodlands.
Witness and photograph the beautiful flocks of migratory Tundra Swans and Snow Geese in their natural habitat. The lake and surrounding marshy lands are the nesting sites of forest and farmland wildlife.
Hickory Run State Park
It is one of the largest state parks of the state, the Hickory Run State Park is located in Carbon County of the Pocono Mountains. With more than 40 miles of hiking trails, natural streams, state park natural areas, and blooming rhododendrons, the Hickory Run State Park covers 15,990 acres of a vast landscape.
Walk along the striking boulder-strewn area of the Boulder Field, witness the beautiful Hawk Falls or Hike the Fireline Trail to catch a stunning view of the Lehigh Gorge, Hickory Run provides amazing recreational opportunities in every way.
Delaware Water Gap
Graced by lush forests, beautiful lakes, and rugged mountains, the Delaware Water Gap is America’s most popular vacation destination.
One of the most beautiful areas of the Pocono Mountains, the middle section of the Delaware River or the Delaware Water Gap runs across the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border.
Running between the high bluffs, forested shores, and rhododendron ravines, the Delaware Water Gap is located in Monroe County of Pennsylvania. The Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River is a boon for canoeists, kayakers, rafters, and scenic seekers.
Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg
One of the most beautiful architectural treasures of the nation, the Pennsylvania State Capitol is where history, art, and learning work in perfect sync.
Often called a ‘palace of art’, the state capitol is filled with sculptures, murals, and stained glass windows with decorative Renaissance themes throughout.
Featuring a breathtaking rotunda and Paris Opera-themed staircase, the majestic St. Peter’s Cathedral-inspired dome sits atop the building with a gilded bronze statue.
Part of the sprawling State Capitol Complex, the complex grounds also include the State Museum of Pennsylvania including many historical buildings and memorials.
Bushkill Falls
Nestled in the Poconos Mountains on the edge of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Bushkill Falls is one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in the region.
Hidden deep in the woods bordered by cliff-hugging boardwalks the Bushkill Falls is a sight to behold.
Comprising eight beautiful waterfalls, the Main Falls or the namesake Bushkill Falls is the centerpiece of the attraction. With a series of interconnected trails and walkways, you can reach the base as well as the crest to experience the crystal clear water gushing from the springs.
Philadelphia – a fun and vibrant city
One of America’s most historic cities, Philadelphia has a stunning skyline, numerous historic landmarks, cobbled streets, and outdoor markets in the perfect urban environment.
Tour the iconic Independence National Historical Park, a legendary site where the American Constitution got drafted, and the Liberty Bell with rich exhibits of American history.
Fondly called a city of the firsts, Philly is home to several architectural marvels. Take a step back in time at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Ben Franklin Museum with one or explore downtown Philly with scrumptious cuisines and eclectic shops.
Worlds End State Park
In the valley of Loyalsock Creek, Worlds End State Park is picturesque, surrounded by mountains and forest. There’s a small swimming area off of the creek if you need a quick cool-off while on your 59-mile hike on the Loyalsock Trail, which follows the mountain ridges and streams. The creek is open to kayakers and fishers, too.
Ringing Rocks Park
Ringing Rocks may not look like one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania, but it’s the mystery of the rocks that makes them so fascinating. The rocks at Ringing Rock Park look like a standard scree field, but if you give them a tap with a hammer, you’ll be shocked at what happens: they make a ringing sound exactly akin to hitting a bell. The research is still out on why exactly it happens, but if you want to do your own research, just be sure to B.Y.O. hammer.
Big Spring in Forbes State Forest
Big Spring looks like something you’d find somewhere more tropical, with the turquoise blue water and lush greenery of a Mexican cenote. It’s more than 100 feet across with a sandy bottom, and if there’s anyone else there when you arrive, don’t be surprised if you see them going for a dip.
The spring is surrounded by the massive Forbes State Forest, but is actually on private land. So you’ll need to do your research and figure out how to legally visit before starting the hike.
Youghiogheny River Gorge
The Youghiogheny River Gorge is a stunning slice of Pennsylvania within Ohiopyle State Park. As you might imagine, rafting and kayaking are very popular on the river.
It’s not just the stunning scenery along the Youghiogheny River Gorge that makes it one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania. It’s the many waterfalls along the river within Ohiopyle State Park. There’s the eponymous Ohiopyle Falls (pictured above), Cucumber Falls (likely the most photographed falls in the park), multi-tiered and branched Jonathan Run Falls, and 34-foot-tall Sugar Run Falls.
Ohiopyle State Park is near Farmington in southwestern Pennsylvania, just north of the border between West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
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