Overview
As Pennsylvania’s leader and chief advocate for conservation and outdoor recreation, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will inspire citizens to:
- Value their natural resources
- Engage in conservation practices
- Experience the outdoors
Hiking
Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in Pennsylvania, and it’s no wonder with all of the outstanding opportunities, from short loop hikes on state park trails to long, multi-day options on state forest lands, to family-friendly adventures on one of Pennsylvania’s rail-trails.
Hiking
Biking
If your need for speed is on two wheels, there are lots of options in our Pennsylvania state parks or the vast network of rail trails in Pennsylvania for a spin on flat, family-friendly trails.
Biking
Kayaking and Canoeing
Pennsylvania is a paddler’s paradise because it is blessed with an abundance of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds all across the commonwealth for kayaking and canoeing. Many of these paddling opportunities exist within our state parks and forests.
Kayaking and Canoeing-
July 02, 2026 Shapiro Administration to Open Southern Portion of Catawissa Recreation Area, Expanding Off-Highway Vehicle Recreational Opportunities in Weiser State ForestThe new trail section adds 20 miles of single-track riding opportunities spanning 725 acres in Catawissa Recreation Area.
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July 01, 2026 Shapiro Administration Launches Statewide Initiative to Make Roads Safer, Reduce Wildlife Collisions, and Protect Pennsylvania’s Natural HeritageNew multi-agency effort will develop Pennsylvania’s first statewide wildlife connectivity strategy to prioritize wildlife crossings, improve public safety, and conserve critical habitat.
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June 27, 2026 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Kicks Off 3rd Annual Outdoors for All Celebration in PhiladelphiaMore than 20 Philadelphia outdoor recreation and conservation organizations came together to offer hands on activities, opportunities to get out on the water, education, and community connection at the kickoff event.
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June 26, 2026 ICYMI: Shapiro Administration Invests $500,000 for Phase Two to Expand Musser Gap Trail and Build 50-Mile Trail Network in Rothrock State Forest, Bringing Total Investment to Nearly $3 MillionPhase Two of the planned 50-miles of sustainable trails in Centre and Huntingdon Counties allows users to ride, run, or hike from State College to Whipple Dam State Park.