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-
October 22, 2026 2026 Fall Foliage: Report for October 22-28Recently colder nights stimulated substantial changes across Pennsylvania forests, with colors bursting statewide. The autumn cheer of Penn’s Woods can be seen from the Poconos to the Allegheny Plateau, to the entirety of the Appalachians and all points southeast. This week will offer outstanding foliage across the state with remarkable color in a broad diversity of species including standouts like maple, birch, poplar, sassafras, and hickory. The time is now for getting out there to appreciate what has become one of the most impressive fall foliage displays in recent memory!
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October 22, 2026 Shapiro Administration Opens Nearly 470 Miles of State Forest Roads Across Pennsylvania for Hunting Season, Outdoor Recreation ActivitiesNearly 470 miles of state forest roads will be accessible to hunters, hikers, fall foliage viewers, and others visiting state forests.
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October 21, 2026 Second Presque Isle State Park Complex Master Planning Meeting Scheduled for October 28An updated master plan will guide the future of the complex, which includes Presque Isle State Park, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC), and Erie Bluffs State Park.
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October 15, 2026 2026 Fall Foliage: Report for October 15-21A few cold nights during the last reporting period hastened the color change across many Commonwealth forests. Although recent heavy rain has stripped some leaves, the expected cooldown this weekend will rapidly intensify the transition to vibrant shades across all of Penn’s Woods. With beautiful colors present in all parts of Pennsylvania now, this is the time to get out to enjoy some spectacular scenery in the Keystone State!