The 20 "must-see" Pennsylvania state parks (Erie, Gettysburg: condo, buy)

[ki0eh]

Originally Posted by jimmyev

Raccoon Creek and Jennings are typical Western PA, nothing special. * * * I don't know why Cherry Springs is on the list? Anywhere in the Black Forest of PA is just as desolate and star-struck.

Well, Jennings does have the relict prairie which is fairly unique for PA.

As far as Cherry Springs, well they have nothing but stars so they frequently have folks pointing them out. Kinda like Hawk Mountain, the raptors fly along a lot of the ridges of PA but only there is there a fellow with a bullhorn pointing them out.

[erietech]

Presque Isle does not charge admission.

[SammyKhalifa]

I've been to the ones from Cook Forest west. I understand why Jennings is on there, but I'd put Linn Run ahead of that or Raccoon Creek. My parents have a place at Pymatuning, so maybe I'm just familiar with it so it's boring to me.

That said, I'm probably to Raccoon Creek every other week or so during the summer and love it.

[Magritte25]

Is Cherry Springs worth the drive?

We are also interested in seeing the relic prairie at Jennings.

[SammyKhalifa]

Originally Posted by Magritte25

Is Cherry Springs worth the drive?

We are also interested in seeing the relic prairie at Jennings.

Jennings is cool, but it's a pretty small park--personally, I don't spend a whole long time there. I'd plan to also get to nearby McConnells Mills or Moraine when you're there to make it a fuller trip.

[Kathee the camper]

Presque Isle is beautiful, but you can't stay in the park. It's near Erie, right on the lake. There is a wonderful park there for kids called Waldameer. A small amusement park for kids under 12.
Pymatuning is 1 hr from Erie, and Presque Isle. Great camping, boating, fishing, and water activities. Some good hikes. It has a fish hatchery. There is also a separate area where you can feed the fish. There are so many that they claim the ducks walk on the fishes backs, and they do.

Ohiopyle is my favorite. Known for French and Indian war history, whitewater rafting (best in PA), natural waterslides, beautiful hikes, a great bike trail that goes for miles. If you're an active person, this is your place. Campsites are nice, and bath houses are average. Great educational activities given by the park rangers in all parks (on weekends). You could stay here for at least a week.

Rickettes Glenn is another must see, if you are healthy enough to do the waterfall trail. We take a lunch, and eat it at the bottom. Soak your feet in the water, and hike the second half. They have nice cabins here if you prefer not to camp.

Worlds End is not my favorite. The trees were all dead from some kind of insect, and it just didn't really float my boat.

Hickory Run is nice. The boulder field is cool, and there is a great deal to do the area. They do have a bear problem at night. The rangers scare the crap out of campers when they sound a horn that scares away the bears. Geez o' whiz!!!

One not on the list is Cordorus. It is near Gettysburg, so you can easily drive there for the day. A must see. Also if you have children, they have a great pool with a kiddie area, and water slides. An inexpensive way to get to Gettysburg, and relax in nature.

Note that PA state parks are known for there cleanliness, and amenities. Not found in other states. PA proud.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by Gnutella

Has anybody ever been to any of Pennsylvania's 20 "must-see" state parks? They are...

1. Black Moshannon State Park X
2. Canoe Creek State Park
3. Cherry Springs State Park
4. Cook Forest State Park X1
5. Delaware Canal State Park
6. Greenwood Forest State Park
7. Hickory Run State Park
8. Hyner View State Park
9. Jennings State Park
10. Kinzua Bridge State Park X1
11. Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks
12. McConnells Mill State Park X2
13. Ohiopyle State Park X
14. Oil Creek State Park X
15. Presque Isle State Park X
16. Pymatuning State Park X
17. Raccoon Creek State Park
18. Ricketts Glen State Park
19. Trough Creek State Park
20. Worlds End State Park



Of those 20, I've only ever been to Ohiopyle and Pymatuning State Parks. I took a raft down the Youghiogheny River below the Ohiopyle Falls, and almost took a rowboat across Pymatuning Lake from Tuttle Point to a couple of random islands. (It's a good thing I turned around because the sun was setting.)

So if any of you have ever been to any of these places, let me know what you thought.

PA*DCNR*-*By Region
Thought this would help.

X1 grew up there, I'd add Clear Creek, although it's part of the Cook Forest complex now. Walked across Kinzua Bridge when I was 5.

X2 first date with the now Mrs. NBP, her idea.

One of the PA things I've missed in the nearly 30 years in MD are the State Parks. Although I do have the Chesapeake Bay out my front front door and down the street a couple hundred feet.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Presque Isle has no equal.

The others that I've been to, I'd rank in this order:

Cook Forest State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park
Pymatuning State Park
Hickory Run State Park
Oil Creek State Park
Delaware Canal State Park

They are all wonderful but I agree Presque Isle is AWESOME!!!!

Want to add Rickets Glenn.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Overcommercialized?

Because you can rent bikes now?

LOL!!! Sounds good to me! Having some amenities was actually why state parks were invented bu Teddy Roosevelt (who's summer White House was in my former home town of Oyster Bay NY)

We HAD forests back in the 1880s. Not everyone wanted to wander into one alone, and brave wild animals while sleeping in uncharted territory.

The State Park System connected and continued to connect American's with the Great Outdoors, why offering protection, structure and some amenities.

.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by Magritte25

Thanks for the recommendations! Pymatuning is on our list of parks to see this summer. Cannot wait!

I'll agree - this sounds SUPER GOOD!