Explore Outdoors
One of the best ways to gain an appreciation of Pennsylvania’s special natural treasures is to get out and explore. Fortunately, in Pennsylvania, you will find of wealth of resources at your disposal. No need to travel great distances to find something that will suit your interest or speed.
Whether it’s on a bike ride along a scenic rail trail, or a leisurely stroll through your local park, why not approach your next outdoor experience with a new curiosity? How did that park or trail get there? Who owns it and what steps are they taking to protect and enhance it? What are some of the special species, natural features, or hidden secrets of that area? And when you venture outdoors, don’t forget to do so with a small footprint. Consider things you can do that will even improve upon the environment:
Leave No Trace. Properly dispose of fishing line, tread lightly on the land, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find so that others can enjoy them too, and minimize use and impact of fires. When walking or exercising outdoors, bring a small trash bag with you and pick up litter along the way. Streets and storm drains empty into rivers and streams that lead to our coasts, where trash is polluting our beaches and being ingested by wildlife, so every piece of litter counts. When recreating outdoors, stick to established trails rather than blazing your own. This helps preserve the natural environment by reducing disturbance and slowing the spread of invasive species. More information on the center for outdoor ethics.
Tread Lightly! If motorized recreation is your thing, then protecting our natural resources should be in the forefront of your mind. Ride only on trails designated for your use. Keep your engines in good working order. Be mindful of your impact to the environment and others around you. Tips.
Impede invasives. When recreating, take time to clean off boots, bicycle tires, and animals such as horses to remove mud and weed seed. This helps cut down on the spread of invasive species. If you are using a boat or ATV, be sure to clean it off as before leaving an area. Visit to learn how to reduce the spread of invasive species while enjoying your favorite outdoor pastime.
Respect wildlife. View wildlife from a safe distance and do not interfere with and disrupt animal populations. The safest way to view wildlife is through binoculars or spotting scopes, a positive method in respecting wildlife. Do not feed the animals human food… it is harmful to them! Check out Pa’s wild creatures.
Travel responsibly. Are you picking the most efficient way to travel? Are you seeking out hotels that have a commitment to the environment? Are you supporting local products and food resources? If you are looking to travel outside of Pennsylvania, Sustainable Travel International is just one of many organizations that helps to point you to those locations that are most sensitive to the sustainability of our resources.
Purchase environmentally efficient equipment. When purchasing outdoor equipment, check the product to see if it has a reduced environmental impact. Many products exist today that achieve the same function with a smaller ecological footprint. Examples include bamboo snowboards, fleece made from recycled plastic, organic energy bars and so much more. Instead of artificial bug sprays, purchase natural insect repellants to help keep the mosquitoes at bay. Here are just a few places to get you started on your outdoor adventure:
We like to call it recreation with a purpose. It is a chance for you to enjoy the outdoors guided by experts who will help uncover those hidden treasures, learn a new skill, or understand the natural world around you. Throughout Pennsylvania’s state park and state forest systems are hundreds of opportunities for you to get connected with an outdoor activity through Get OutdoorsPA. All activities are led by a local expert and almost all are free. Enjoy wildlife hikes, learn how to kayak or mountain bike, discover geocaching or disc golf, even make your own snowshoes!
We have 117, so what are you waiting for? There is a state park within 25 miles of nearly every Pennsylvanian. Each offers a special experience and is worth the visit. Spend the day, stay the night, be enriched by the natural surroundings.
If you are looking for a more remote outdoor experience, then a visit to one of Pennsylvania’s 20 forests is in order. The state forest system houses 2.1 million acres of woodlands, and boast thousands of miles of trails suiting nearly every recreational interest. Fishing, hunting and hiking are the top uses of these lands that have been protected for more than 100 years.
Pennsylvania is a national leader in converting abandoned rail beds to hiking/biking paths. Known as rail-trails, these flat pathways travel along waterways, through small towns and across scenic countryside. Best of all, they offer an experience away from traffic -- great for people of all ages!
Pennsylvania’s National Forest
Located at the western edge of the Pennsylvania Wilds, the 500,000-arce Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania’s only national forest. The 27-mile-long, 12,000-acre Allegheny Reservoir is a central feature of this recreation paradise.
Big lakes mean big fun and across the state the Army Corps of Engineers manages dozens of recreation areas based around water fun and overnight stays.
More than 83,000 miles of rivers and streams and thousands of acres of lakes create countless opportunities to fish and boat in Pennsylvania. Let the Fish and Boat Commission point you to the place of your dreams.
Pennsylvania is rich in wildlife. These animals and birds offer extraordinary opportunities for hunting, birding and wildlife watching. Did you know that Pennsylvania has the largest elk herd in the Northeast? Or that bald eagles’ nests can be found in many state parks, forests and game lands? The Pennsylvania Game Commission has more than 100 years under its belt managing the state’s game lands—great places to pursue all things wild.
Trails--all reasons and all seasons
Pennsylvania is blessed with a network of thousands of miles of trails to suit various recreational pursuits. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ATV riding, heck, even water trails! This site provides links to the many trail resources in the state.
Sometimes our outdoor activities can be hampered by our lack of time. Helping you get connected and stay active is the goal of the Keystone Active Zones. Log on to find those parks and trails close to home when you only have a short window of time to explore. You’ll be surprised at what’s right in your own backyard.
It should be called Boundless Southeast Pa., because this site provides links to hundreds of amazing outdoor activities and places in Philadelphia and the counties in the southeast corner of the state. If you are traveling to or live in or around this area, you won’t believe the number of parks, trails, rivers, nature centers, gardens, events and unique opportunities for an outdoor connection.
Like their slogan says, they “make it easy to get outdoors.” This resource links you up with everything outdoors in southwestern Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh and the surrounding area is happenin’ when it comes to the great outdoors. VO makes it easy to link up with your special interest or try something new.
Pennsylvania general travel information
The state’s official travel web site can help you plot your adventure. From overnight accommodations, to events, to eateries, this is your one-stop-shop for trip planning in Pennsylvania.
© 2007 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources