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Pennsylvania State By kev72 –

Ten Beautiful Places in Pennsylvania

From picturesque overlooks to crystal clear views at one of the best places to stargaze in the United States Pennsylvania has it all. You may be surprised to know that Pennsylvania is full of beautiful locales, with cliffs, waterfalls, and lakes.

Whether you want to elude to scenic natural areas or embark on a road trip, you’ll still get to enjoy all the awe-inspiring natural scenes this lovely state has to offer. Here are the top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Pennsylvania.

1. Blue Marsh Lake

This man-made lake constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1978  features boat launches, nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, and a swimming area. It’s embodied by freshly manicured lawns and lush trees and with trails that border the lake.  You are guaranteed an amazing view of the water from all angles whether you walk, horse-ride, or ride a bike.

2. Allegheny Forest

The leaves on the Allegheny National Forest By Chris Warner –

The only national forest in Pennsylvania, the Allegheny forest, is located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It carries a substantial percentage of Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. Moreover, it boasts plateau tops and scenic hardwoods.

The Alleghany Reservoir and the Kinzua Lake form the heart of the forest with miles stretch of eye-pleasing shorelines and myriad recreational activities. There are a plethora of nature trails that adventure seekers can explore including hiking the Jakes Rock Overlooks.

3. Philadelphia

Often called a city of the firsts, Philadelphia is home to many priceless architectural marvels well preserved for the culture. With the presence of museums such as Ben Franklin and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you get to step back in time to enjoy precious portraits. Furthermore, you could explore the eclectic shops downtown and partake in the scrumptious cuisines.

Being one of America’s most historic cities, Philly has several historic landmarks, cobbled streets and outdoor markets. It’s also in the perfect urban environment with amazing skylines. You could also tour the iconic Independence National Historical Park and the Liberty Bell which possess rich exhibits of American history.

4. Rickets Glen

R.B. Ricketts Falls Ricketts Glen State Park By User:Ruhrfisch –

This enormous state park with plenty of waterfalls and trails is about 94 feet tall. Known as home to the highest waterfalls, the Ganoga Falls. In addition, Rickets Glen offers a challenging hike on the Falls. The trail  which is over seven miles long and passes by a lot of waterfalls gives stunning views of the park and water.

This park covers land in Luzerne, and Columbia counties of Pennsylvania. If you happen to visit in the winter, stay at one of the modern cabins for an adventurous getaway. Additionally, you could pass by Lake Jean which possesses a beach and is great for fishing and boating.

5. Pine Creek Gorge

This deep 47-mile wide gorge considered as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania is gorgeous to say the least. You can hike along it and also visit the Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks.

It is surrounded by the Tioga State Forest and has an abundant population of birds and wildlife. Popularly known for snowmobiling during the winter seasons.

6. Valley Forge

National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge By Mars1909 –

This village served as the winter encampment for former president George Washington and the Continental Army from 1777 to 1778. The encampment contains sights such as the United States National Memorial Arch.

In addition to the Washington’s headquarters, and the Artillery Park. It also has 30 miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails and scenes like the National Memorial Arch. Various bird species call the park home.

7. Ohiopyle State Park

Situated on the bank of the Youghiogheny River is the Ohiopyle State Park, home to various waterfalls including the popular 30-foot bridal Cucumber Falls. The park also boasts great hiking experiences and the river itself is a big part of the state park’s appeal you can have access to the river and recreation activities like whitewater rafting. Furthermore, the seven-mile stretch of the Youghiogheny River called the Lower Yough is home to impressive rapids, and you can join a guided tour to experience it yourself.

8. Delaware Water Gap

Delaware Water Gap, as seen from the Appalachian Trail at Mount Minsi, Pennsylvania By Nicholas –

Crossing over the state line between New Jersey and Pennsylvania is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, located on both sides of the Delaware River. You could take a casual bike ride along the Old Mill Road or choose to hike as there are more than 100 miles of trails to pick, trekking along lush green hemlock forests and awesome scenic streams. If you are an outdoor person, you will really enjoy this place as there are many choices available for you there including Turtle Beach, Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach that the river offers for swimming and fun experiences.

9. Hickory Run Campground

This is an amazing State Park lying in the foothills of the breathtaking Pocono Mountains that stretches a staggering 40 miles hosting plenty of activities such as trout fishing, disc golf, geocaching and hiking trails. Swimming and fishing opportunities are also offered by the Sand Spring Lake but the park’s most standout feature is Boulder Field, a land-stretch strewn with striking boulders.

The park also has a campground with modernized restrooms with guaranteed warm showers, electric hookups for RVs and a camp store. Some rustic camping sites that are open till mid-December are available as well.

10. Kinzua Bridge

View of the remains of the Kinzua Viaduct By Andre Carrotflower –

This is a quite known man-made skywalk, a trail built along an old railroad bridge. Despite competing against Mother Nature’s natural attractions, it is a wonderful experience and attracts many tourists including the locals as well. This trestle, once the longest and tallest railroad structure,2053 feet long and 301 feet tall had been abandoned for years and further sabotaged in 2003 by a tornado, but later on got rebuilt. With this reconstruction, visitors are able to trek along the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the natural scenery all round. Kinzua Bridge offers a totally different view of Pennsylvania, showing how diverse this beautiful state is.

Pennsylvania is a brilliant place to rediscover the wonders our earth has to offer with jaw-dropping natural wonders, lush forests, secret waterfalls and breathtaking scenic overlooks. All too often, trips to Pennsylvania revolve around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the 2 greatest cities in the state but with its huge diversity, you will find rolling agricultural land, traditional Amish settlements, state parks with scenic hiking trails and even beaches on one of the Great Lakes within its borders.