8 Underrated State Parks In Pennsylvania That Locals Say Deserve More Attention
Pennsylvania may boast more than 120 state parks, but the most magical moments often happen far from the crowds.
Instead of packed trails and busy picnic areas, the real wonder hides in quieter corners of the state—where centuries-old hemlocks whisper stories of the past, crystal-clear lakes shimmer in the sun, and waterfalls create a rhythm of nature that soothes the soul.
As someone who’s spent countless weekends exploring these hidden treasures, I can promise you this: eight underrated Pennsylvania state parks deserve far more attention.
They’re not just places to hike or camp—they’re chances to find peace, spark inspiration, and experience nature in its most authentic form.
1. Salt Springs State Park – Nature’s Ancient Cathedral
The first time I wandered through Salt Springs’ old-growth forest, I actually gasped out loud. Towering 300-year-old hemlocks create a cathedral-like atmosphere that feels almost sacred. The park might be compact, but it packs an incredible punch with its series of gorgeous waterfalls cascading down a hemlock-lined gorge.
What locals love most is how the crowds never seem to find this Susquehanna County treasure. I’ve visited on perfect summer Saturdays and encountered only a handful of hikers. The Hemlock Trail offers the most bang for your buck – ancient trees, bubbling springs, and those picturesque falls all in one relatively easy hike.
Don’t miss the historic homestead ruins near the entrance, remnants of pioneers who recognized this land’s special qualities long before it became a state park.
2. French Creek State Park – Weekend Wilderness Escape
Holy moly, how is this place not packed every weekend? At 8,000 acres, French Creek is the largest state park in southeastern PA, yet somehow remains off the tourist radar. I stumbled upon it during a random day trip and couldn’t believe my luck.
The park feels like a wilderness playground dropped just an hour from Philadelphia. Two lakes (Hopewell and Scotts Run) offer fantastic fishing and kayaking opportunities. My personal favorite spot is the orienteering course – one of the best in the nation – where you can channel your inner explorer with map and compass.
History buffs should plan extra time to visit adjacent Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, an exceptionally preserved iron plantation from the American Industrial Revolution. The yurts for overnight stays are quirky alternatives to traditional camping and book up fast among those in the know.
3. Susquehanna Riverlands State Park – Pennsylvania’s Newest Natural Gem
“You probably haven’t even heard of this one yet!” That’s what I tell friends before dragging them to Pennsylvania’s newest state park. Established in 2022, Susquehanna Riverlands hasn’t had time to make it into guidebooks, making it my favorite hidden treasure.
The park occupies a strategic position where Codorus Creek meets the mighty Susquehanna River. What makes this spot magical is the combination of ecological diversity and serene solitude. Bird watchers, grab your binoculars! I’ve spotted bald eagles, great blue herons, and countless migratory species during quiet morning visits.
Gravel viewpoints provide perfect sunset-watching platforms overlooking the water. Since most tourists flock to more established parks, you’ll likely share these views with only a few in-the-know locals. The trails are still being developed, so check the DCNR website before visiting.
4. Trough Creek State Park – Nature’s Playground Of Geological Wonders
Balanced Rock defies gravity and my understanding of physics. This massive boulder perched precariously atop a cliff is just one of Trough Creek’s geological marvels that made my jaw drop. Despite being relatively small at 541 acres, this central Pennsylvania gem packs more natural wonders per square foot than parks triple its size.
The suspension bridge always gives me butterflies – in the best way! Dangling above the rushing waters of Great Trough Creek, it leads to Rainbow Falls, where water cascades over moss-covered rocks. During my spring visit, wildflowers carpeted the forest floor in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Ice Mine is perhaps the park’s most curious feature – a natural refrigerator where ice forms in summer and melts in winter, completely backwards from what you’d expect! The moderate hiking trails form loops, making it easy to see all attractions in a half-day visit.
5. Prompton State Park – The Local’s Secret Multi-Sport Paradise
“Shhh, we want to keep this one to ourselves,” a local mountain biker told me with a wink when I asked for trail recommendations at Prompton. After spending a day exploring its 2,000 acres, I understood why locals are protective of this northeastern PA treasure.
The mountain biking community has lovingly built and maintained over 20 miles of flowy single-track trails that wind through hardwood forests and offer occasional glimpses of the 290-acre lake below. Unlike more famous parks, Prompton’s trails rarely feel crowded, even on perfect weekend days.
Disc golf enthusiasts rave about the challenging 18-hole course that utilizes the park’s natural topography. Winter transforms Prompton into a snowshoeing and cross-country skiing destination. The fishing is spectacular too – I watched an angler pull in a massive largemouth bass from the shoreline during my last visit.
6. Worlds End State Park – Wild Canyon Beauty In The Endless Mountains
The name isn’t hyperbole – standing on the Canyon Vista overlook genuinely feels like you’re at the edge of the world. My first visit to Worlds End left me speechless as I gazed across the endless ridges of the Loyalsock State Forest stretching to the horizon.
Nestled within a deep gorge carved by Loyalsock Creek, this northeastern Pennsylvania park delivers wilderness experiences that rival more famous destinations. The swimming area features a CCC-era rock dam creating a refreshing mountain pool that saved me during a particularly scorching July hike.
Fall foliage here is absolutely bonkers – the entire canyon erupts in crimson, gold and orange, reflecting in the creek below. What I love most is how the park connects to the 59-mile Loyalsock Trail, allowing ambitious hikers to extend their adventure for days. Despite being named one of Pennsylvania’s 20 must-see parks by DCNR, it somehow remains blissfully uncrowded.
7. Ravensburg State Park – Intimate Forest Retreat In A Mountain Hollow
Blink and you might miss it! Tucked into a narrow mountain hollow in Clinton County, tiny Ravensburg State Park feels like stumbling upon a secret garden. During my midweek visit last autumn, I had the entire 78-acre park completely to myself – a private Pennsylvania wilderness!
Fishing Creek (aptly named) meanders through the park, creating perfect pools for trout fishing and peaceful meditation spots. The bubbling sounds of the creek accompany you on the short but sweet hiking trails that climb the surrounding ridges.
Wildlife viewing here is exceptional for the park’s modest size. I spotted white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even a red fox during my morning hike. The small rustic campground offers just 22 sites, creating an intimate community feel rather than the crowded experience of larger parks. For families with young children, the easy trails and uncrowded picnic areas make Ravensburg an ideal introduction to outdoor adventures.
8. Lyman Run State Park – Crystal-Clear Mountain Lake Retreat
“We drove all the way from Philly just for this lake,” a family told me as they unloaded their kayaks at Lyman Run. After dipping my toes in the crystal-clear water, I understood the appeal that drives in-the-know Pennsylvanians to make the journey to this Potter County hideaway.
The 45-acre lake sits at a higher elevation than most in PA, creating a refreshing mountain retreat during summer months. What makes it special is the remarkable water clarity – you can often see straight to the bottom even at the deepest parts. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, making it a fisherman’s paradise.
Six miles of hiking trails wind through the surrounding forests, including a segment of the Susquehannock Trail System for more ambitious hikers. During winter, the park transforms into a snowmobiling destination. The campground sits right at the water’s edge, allowing campers to wake up to misty morning views that rival any postcard.