Parks & Recreation Areas
Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors Region is where adventure begins. Home to breathtaking state parks, expansive state forests, scenic recreation areas, and Pennsylvania’s only national forest, this spectacular region offers thousands of acres of public lands waiting to be explored. From towering old-growth forests and scenic overlooks to peaceful lakes, clear flowing streams, and abundant wildlife, every season brings a new reason to get outside here.
Whether you’re hiking through Cook Forest’s Forest Cathedral, paddling the Clarion or Allegheny Rivers, spotting elk in their natural habitat, mountain biking the region’s growing trail network, exploring scenic backroads, fishing world-class trout streams, or camping beneath some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States, you’ll find endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
The region also offers miles of trails for horseback riding, ATV riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, gravel cycling, wildlife watching, and geocaching, making Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors Region a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts of every age and ability. From peaceful nature walks to backcountry adventures, you’ll discover that some of Pennsylvania’s greatest treasures are found right here, where wild places, fresh air, and authentic outdoor experiences are never far away.
Come explore Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors Region and discover why so many visitors return season after season to experience the beauty, recreation, and adventure found throughout our parks, forests, and recreation areas in Cameron, Elk, and Forest Counties.
24-acre natural area in Medix Run along Bennett Branch. Open to public for hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Received 2018 PA Wilds Great Places Award.
630 acres public forested acres, laurel and rhododendron thickets, hemlock wetland, rock outcrops, Clarion River frontage for off-trail hiking, wildlife watching, and hunting. Managed by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
1,160-acre lake surrounded by Elk State Park, unlimited horsepower boating, picnicking, camping & scenic overlook. Campsites and cabin rentals available.
Almost 217,000 acres located primarily in Elk and Cameron counties featuring Pennsylvania's elk herd, the Elk Country Visitor Center, and the Elk Scenic Drive.
Almost 217,000 acres located primarily in Elk and Cameron counties featuring Pennsylvania's elk herd and the Elk Scenic Drive.
3,192-acre park in the rugged mountains surrounding East Branch Lake, picnicking, fishing, power boating, waterskiing, camping, and hunting.
The ancient Forest Cathedral of towering white pines and hemlocks is designated as a National Natural Landmark and is a short hike on Longfellow Trail from the Log Cabin Environmental Learning Center.
Community Park with playground, lighted walking path / paved track, wooded trail, skate park, ball and soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts, stage, and pavilions.
FOTL-ANF is a nonprofit dedicated to improving, beautifying, sustaining, and preserving Twin Lakes Recreation Area in the Allegheny National Forest for current and future generations.
5 acres island in the Allegheny River south of Tionesta managed by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for fishing, hiking, and paddling.
