Pennsylvania Parks Fund

DAY 56: LEONARD HARRISON STATE PARK
Location: Tioga County
Established: 1922
Acres: 585

Leonard Harrison State Park is a 585-acre Pennsylvania state park in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is on the east rim of the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, which is 800 feet deep and nearly 4,000 feet across. It also serves as headquarters for the adjoining Colton Point State Park, its sister park on the west rim of the gorge. Leonard Harrison State Park is known for its views of the Pine Creek Gorge, and offers hiking, fishing and hunting, whitewater boating, and camping. The park is in Shippen and Delmar Townships, 10 miles west of Wellsboro at the western terminus of Pennsylvania Route 660.

Pine Creek flows through the park and has carved the gorge through five major rock formations from the Devonian and Carboniferous periods. Native Americans once used the Pine Creek Path along the creek. The path was later used by lumbermen, and then became the course of a railroad from 1883 to 1988. Since 1996, the 63.4-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail has followed the creek through the park. The Pine Creek Gorge was named a National Natural Landmark in 1968 and is also protected as a Pennsylvania State Natural Area and Important Bird Area, while Pine Creek is a Pennsylvania Scenic and Wild River. The gorge is home to many species of plants and animals, some of which have been reintroduced to the area.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 55: LEHIGH GORGE STATE PARK
Location: Luzerne and Carbon Counties
Established: 1980
Acres: 6,104

A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterize Lehigh Gorge State Park.

In Luzerne and Carbon counties in eastern Pennsylvania, the park follows the Lehigh River from the outlet of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Francis E. Walter Dam at the northern end, to the town of Jim Thorpe at the southern end of the park.

Whitewater boating and biking are popular activities.

The 6,107 acres of park land follow the Lehigh River from Francis E. Walter Dam in the north to Jim Thorpe in the south.

The Lehigh Gorge Trail follows more than 20 miles of the D&L Trail, the foundation of the 165-mile Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

The abandoned railroad grade along the river provides opportunities for hiking, bicycling, sightseeing, and photography. The trail is closed to motor vehicles.

Parking areas are provided in White Haven, Rockport, and Glen Onoko. Very limited parking is available at Lehigh Tannery but boat launching is prohibited.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 54: LAUREL SUMMIT STATE PARK
Location: Westmoreland County, PA
Established: 1964
Acres: 6

This scenic picnic area is operated by the DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks. The six-acre area offers picnic tables, a pavilion, water, and restroom. The area is 2,739 feet above sea level and several degrees cooler than surrounding towns. This area also provides trailhead parking for Spruce Flats bog and Wolf Rocks Trail. Laurel Summit is a carry in/carry out area. Please take all of your trash with you.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 53: LAUREL RIDGE STATE PARK
Location: Cambria, Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties
Established: 1967
Acres: 13,625

The 13,625-acre Laurel Ridge State Park stretches along Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. This large park spans Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties.

The main feature of the park is the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which provides the setting for a semi-wilderness backpacking and day hiking experience.

One of the most exciting reasons to visit the park is for its scenery. Spring wildflowers dot the forest floor in early April followed by a vibrant green forest as leaf-out begins in late April.

Mountain laurel blooms in June and rhododendron blooms in late June and early July. Come to the park in mid-October and witness fall color in all its glory. Winter is spectacular when the park is covered in a deep blanket of snow and the occasional great horned owl calls through the moon-lit forest.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

Thank you PSP for rescuing this beautiful bald eagle 😍

🦅PA State Troopers rescue a bald eagle

After a driver hit a bald eagle eating on a roadway north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Ebbert and Rizzo discovered the bald eagle had an injured wing. According to PSP, Trooper Ebbert "used his cruiser jacket to wrap the bird for secure transport" back to the Newport barracks.
Members of the PA Game Commission are now caring for the bald eagle to help rehab the injured wing.

📸: PSP

DAY 52: LAUREL MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Location: Westmoreland and Somerset Counties, PA
Established: 1964
Acres: 493

High atop Laurel Ridge at close to 3,000 feet in elevation, Laurel Mountain State Park features a family-oriented downhill skiing area and beautiful views of the rolling countryside of the Ligonier Valley.

The slopes and trails provide opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and the lodge is a cozy place to eat and enjoy the view.

Opened in 1939, Laurel Mountain was one of the first ski areas in Pennsylvania. In 1964, it became the Laurel Mountain State Park.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 51: LAUREL HILL STATE PARK
Location: Somerset County, PA
Established: 1945
Acres: 3,935

Laurel Hill State Park is a 3,935-acre Pennsylvania state park in Somerset County, Pennsylvania in the United States. Laurel Hill Lake is a 63-acre man-made lake with a dam that was constructed during the Great Depression by the young men of CCC camps SP-8-PA and SP-15-PA. Laurel Hill State Park is 8 miles from Interstate 76 just off Pennsylvania Route 31 near Bakersville and on Pennsylvania Route 653 near Trent.

While visiting this park, you can enjoy hiking trails, hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, and picnics. And over the winter months, you can enjoy snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice boating and cross country skiing.

Wanna spend the night there? You are in luck! They have over 260 sites for tents and campers. This park also features cottages, cabins and a lodge.

And just for as a side note, there are two camps located within this park for the boy scouts.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 50: LACKAWANNA STATE PARK
Location: Lackawanna County, PA
Established: 1972
Acres: 1,445

The 1,445-acre Lackawanna State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania, ten miles north of Scranton.

The centerpiece of the park, the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, is surrounded by picnic areas and multi-use trails winding through forest. Boating, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and swimming are popular recreation activities.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 49: KOOSER STATE PARK
Location: Somerset County, PA
Established: 1922
Acres: 250

In the heart of the Laurel Highlands at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser State Park attracts visitors all year to its 250 acres of forest and the beautiful trout stream that flows the full length of the park.

The park’s original design character was stamped by the Civilian Conservation Corps projects of the 1930s that established the existing lake and most of its use areas, its architecture, and site details.

The park’s basic appeal lies in its intimate areas which are best suited for family outings and small groups. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, and family cabins are popular.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 48: KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK
Location: McKean County, PA
Established: 1963
Acres: 339

The 339-acre Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, is the home of the reinvented Kinzua Viaduct.

The Viaduct, once the longest and tallest railroad structure at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high, was partially destroyed by a tornado during 2003.

Reinvented as a pedestrian walkway during 2011, visitors can stroll 600 feet out on the remaining support towers, peer miles out into the Kinzua Gorge, and gaze down through the partial glass platform at the end of the walkway.

The Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center and Park Office features great views, self-guiding exhibits, and information about the surrounding area.

Picnicking and trail opportunities are available. Fish for native brook trout in Kinzua Creek. The Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway is a designated shared use hike/bike corridor.

*Images used in this post were gathered via DCNRs Flickr page. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day! This man was truly a inspiration. He fought for equal rights, regardless of your skin color. And he did it all without violence. Something that todays protestors need to learn. Today, we are a freer nation because of MLK and individuals like himself. Thank you, MLK.

DAY 47: KINGS GAP ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Location: Cumberland County, PA
Established: 1973
Acres: 1,454

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center's unique attractions are its mountainous terrain, extensive forest, and panoramic views, which may be experienced while driving the winding road to the mansion area, or while hiking the trails. The sweeping view of the Cumberland Valley from the Cameron-Masland Mansion is impressive at any time of the year.

Kings Gap consists of 2,531 acres of forest on South Mountain, with more than 25 miles of hiking trails, a permanent orienteering course, picnicking, hunting, and other recreational and educational opportunities.

The mansion provides facilities for meals and overnight lodging, and may be reserved for meetings, weddings, receptions, and similar functions.

Kings Gap is one of several state parks specifically dedicated to provide environmental education and recreational programs to the citizens of Pennsylvania. A variety of programs are available for children, teachers, and the general public to increase knowledge and awareness of the values and function of our natural resources.

Whether enjoying Kings Gap through recreational activities, educational programs, or its scenic beauty, visitors can be inspired to become stewards of Pennsylvania’s outstanding natural resources.

*Images used in this post were gathered on google search and Wikipedia. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 46: KEYSTONE STATE PARK
Location: Westmoreland County, PA
Established: 1945
Acres: 1,200

The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park is great for day-trips and family vacations year-round. Camping, modern cabins, many trails, and a lake are all within walking distance, providing an ideal setting for wildlife watching or outdoor adventures.

The park is within easy driving distance from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the Laurel Highlands, and their many attractions.

*Images used in this post were gathered on google search and Wikipedia. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 45: KETTLE CREEK STATE PARK
Location: Clinton County, PA
Established: 1954
Acres: 1,793

Kettle Creek State Park is a 1,793-acre Pennsylvania state park in Leidy Township, Clinton County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is in a valley and is surrounded by mountains and wilderness. It features the Alvin R. Bush Dam built in 1961 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control measure in the West Branch Susquehanna River basin. Many of the recreational facilities at the park were built during the Great Depression by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Kettle Creek State Park is seven miles north of Westport and Pennsylvania Route 120. It is largely surrounded by Sproul State Forest.

It is very common to see elk and bald eagles throughout the park. The park is open to hiking, camping, picnicking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing and hunting.

*Images used in this post were gathered on google search and Wikipedia. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 44: JOSEPH E. IBBERSON CONSERVATION AREA
Location: Dauphin County, PA
Established: 2000
Acres: 803

Straddling Peters Mountain, the 803-acre Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area is dominated by large hardwood trees.

This large block of nearly unbroken forest is a haven for wildlife like forest warblers and other deep woods animals.

A main attraction to the conservation area is the elaborate trail system which connects to the Appalachian Trail on the northern slope of Peters Mountain.

Since the Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation area is a conservation area and not a state park, recreational opportunities are limited. Park facilities that are common on most Pennsylvania state parks are not available at the conservation area. It is open to hunting, hiking and cross-country skiing. The conservation area is home to numerous trail systems.

*Images used in this post were gathered on google search and Wikipedia. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 43: JENNINGS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Location: Butler County, PA
Established: 1979
Acres: 300

Jennings Environmental Education Center is one of several state parks specifically dedicated to providing environmental education and recreational programs to the community. A variety of programs that increase knowledge and awareness of the beauty and importance of our natural resources are available for children, teachers, and the general public.

By taking time to explore Jennings through its trail network or community programs, visitors can enjoy the outdoors while learning the skills needed to be good stewards of Pennsylvania’s outstanding natural resources.

Jennings provides a unique combination of prairie and forest environs, which offer a wide array of resource and educational opportunities.

One of the park’s main features, the 20-acre prairie ecosystem, is home to distinctive prairie plants and the endangered massasauga rattlesnake. The most noteworthy and spectacular prairie flower is the blazing star.

Jennings was the first reserve established in Pennsylvania to protect an individual plant species and remains the only public and protected prairie in the commonwealth.



*Images used in this post were gathered on google search and Wikipedia. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 42: JACOBSBURG ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Location: Northampton County, PA
Established: 1959
Acres: 1,168

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center encompasses 1,168 acres of forests, fields, and creeks, which provide a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy exhibits at the visitor center during open hours, as well as Henrys Woods, an old growth forest surrounding Bushkill Creek, which has many hiking trails.

The staff of Jacobsburg offers programs for students from preschool through college, as well as community programs focusing on outdoor recreation and the natural and cultural history of the area.

Within the park, you will be able to hike, fish, hunt, horse back riding, cross country skiing and picnicking. This is just to name a few of the activites often enjoyed within the park itself.

FUN FACT: The famous Henry Rifle was once made here. The Jacobsburg National Historic District lies almost entirely within the center property and gives visitors insight into a colonial gun manufactory.



*Images used in this post were gathered on google search and Wikipedia. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 41: HYNER VIEW STATE PARK
Location: Clinton County, PA
Established: 1965
Acres: 6

Yesterday, we covered Hyner Run State Park. Today we are covering Hyner View State Park. This park is a neighboring park to Hyner Run and is managed by Hyner Run. The park may seem small, only coming in at 6 acres in size, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in views :D

When visiting this park, you will have breathtaking views of the Susquehanna river. A absolute beautiful vista to see with your owns eyes!

And how can we not mention the most popular activity at this park? That's right, hang gliding. Imagine gliding through the air and seeing the views all around you. We truly live in a beautiful state!

*Images used in this post were gathered on google search and Wikipedia. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

DAY 40: HYNER RUN STATE PARK
Location: Clinton County, PA
Established: 1958
Acres: 180

Hyner Run carves a small valley from the surrounding steep mountains, creating a cozy, quiet place for outdoor adventures.

The park is entirely surrounded by Sproul State Forest, Pennsylvania’s largest state forest. Hyner View State Park also is nearby.

Available activities include, but not limited to, fishing, hunting, swimming, hiking, picnicking and camping.

*Images used in this post were gathered on google search. We do not in anyway claim ownership of the images used. Thank you.

From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy New Year! May the new year bring you lots of great memories, tons of laughs, fantastic health and lots of prosperity! Let's make 2024 a fantastic year for our precious park system too :D

I absolutely love the social media posts of the National Park Service lol They truly know how to make engaging posts. Merry Christmas NPS!!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the park; Many creatures were stirring, even a moose, (meece?) umm, moose;

Some pinecones were hanging from a tree with care, As a family of deer soon would be there (to eat the pinecones, obviously);

The marmots were nestled all snug in their burrows, while visions of Alan (or Steve) danced in their heads; AAALLLANN!!! And Mamma bear in her den, with two cubs nearby, had just settled down for a long winter’s nap. (You’re gonna have to hold it, kiddo.)

When out on the trail there arose such a clatter as the bears sprang from their sleep in hopes of a holiday dinner platter. Away to the window (bear dens can have windows, it was in their budget), they flew like a flash, soaring like the salmon and landing with a splash.

The moon reflected on fallen snow that gave the luster of mid-day to sleep-deprived bears below, When, what to the bear’s wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, err caribou. (Size is relative to the bear’s vision and how much the moon is reflecting against the snow. Also, the bears are more likely to see caribou in these parts. Science. Please do not question our geography.)

With a jolly park ranger, so lively and fast, the bears thought for a moment, “I thought had passed.” More rapid than eagles (most likely a hawk playing an eagle) as coursers they came, And he pointed, and shouted (shhhh!), and called them by name (the caribou, not the bears);

“Now, Sequoia! now, Rocky! Now, Boulders and Moose Jaw! On, Redwood! On Hoodoo! On, Parkie, and Terry!

Up to the hilltop, the caribou flew (like fast, not through the air.) With the sleigh full of brochures, and that park ranger too—Down the hill, they came with a leap and a bound. Dressed all in green, the hat brim so round,

The ranger spoke not a word, but went straight to the chore, Refilling the brochure case; before turning to the door, Another task done as the year comes to a close, And giving a slight nod, up the hill they rose;

But the bears heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight,

GO BACK TO BED, and to all a good night!

📸: Full moon over Denali National Park and Preserve. NPS/Karnes

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! May this day bring you tons of happiness :)

I am very excited to announce that the Pennsylvania Parks Fund's restructured operations was approved by our fiscal sponsor, Social Good Fund. We will give all the details next week. 2024 will be a FANTASTIC year! While PPF has kinda been on idle for quite a few years now, all the pieces are finally coming together to make 2024 the year we all been waiting for. During 2024, we hope to provide between 400 and 600 park grants, scattered all around the Commonwealth of PA.

Our "State Park Of The Day" will continue on January 2nd. Join us as we explore all of Pennsylvania's 124 state parks.

Crew members are now being hired for the 2024 Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps 9-month young adult crews across the state.

Complete conservation and recreation projects Pennsylvania state parks and forests and gain paid work experience, skills training, professional development, and environmental education opportunities.

Learn more and apply ➡️ https://bit.ly/2FUPHdR.

DAY 39: HILLS CREEK STATE PARK
Location: Tioga County
Founded: 1953
Acres: 407 acres

About This Park:
Located in scenic Tioga County, the 407-acre Hills Creek State Park abounds in wildlife. Osprey, loon, and waterfowl visit the lake that boasts a variety of warmwater fish species.

Camping, cabins, swimming, and picnicking make this an ideal spot for a family vacation.

Good luck to all the hunters tomorrow and for the rest of the hunting season!

DAY 38: HILLMAN STATE PARK
Location: Washington County
Founded: 1969
Acres: 3,600

About This Park:
Hillman State Park is a 3,600-acre Pennsylvania state park in Hanover Township, Washington County in the United States. It is about 25 miles west of Pittsburgh. The park opened in the late 1960s and has been managed for hunting by the Pennsylvania Game Commission since the early 1980s. The park also has hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, a radio-controlled aircraft field, and mountain bike trails that are open to the public. The largely undeveloped park is north of U.S. Route 22 and east of Pennsylvania Route 18 in northern Washington County near the village of Bavington and the borough of Burgettstown. Part of the park has been designated as Pennsylvania State Game Lands 117.

DAY 37: HICKORY RUN STATE PARK
Location: Carbon County
Founded: 1945
Acres: 15,990

About This Park:
The 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. This large park has:

More than 40 miles of hiking trails
Three state park natural areas
Miles of trout streams

Boulder Field, a striking boulder-strewn area, is a National Natural Landmark.

Photo Credit: Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! May you have a day full of friends, family and delicious food. There are so many things to be thankful for, including our parks right here in PA!

DAY 36: GREENWOOD FURNACE STATE PARK
Location: Huntingdon County
Founded: 1924
Acres: 423 acres

About This Park:
The park is on the western edge of the Seven Mountains in northeastern Huntingdon County, an area of rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, breathtaking vistas, and peaceful solitude.

Greenwood Furnace State Park covers 423 acres, including a six-acre lake, campground, hiking trails, and a historic district. The park provides access to backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing in the surrounding 80,000-acre Rothrock State Forest.

A walk through historic Greenwood Furnace evokes images of the community that flourished here from 1834 to 1904. Greenwood Furnace was a busy industrial complex, with all the noise and dirt of a 19th century ironmaking community. The village throbbed with life:

The roaring of furnace stacks
The shouts of the workmen
The hissing of the steam engine
The creaking of wagons loaded with charcoal
The cast house whistle signaling another pour of molten iron

The furnaces were hot (3,000 degrees Fahrenheit) and cast clouds of smoke and cinders into the air, which rained down on grass, people, livestock, and buildings; rendering everything sooty and gray. At night, the fire’s red glow lit the sky, probably allowing residents to walk about without lanterns. Greenwood Furnace was a village built around an inferno.