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-
April 08, 2026 Shapiro-Davis Administration Turns on Point State Park Fountain After Completing $3.4 Million in Park Upgrades Ahead of NFL DraftThe Department of Conservation and Natural Resources began operating Point State Park’s iconic fountain a month earlier than its typical annual start up.
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April 06, 2026 In Fayette County, Governor Shapiro Announces the Grand Opening of Laurel Caverns State Park, Pennsylvania’s First Underground State ParkAs the first state park designation since 2022, Laurel Caverns State Park is Pennsylvania’s 125th state park.
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March 31, 2026 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Launches New Statewide Volunteer System to Expand Access to Outdoor Service OpportunitiesNew platform makes it easier than ever for Pennsylvanians to volunteer in parks and forests across the Commonwealth.
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March 31, 2026 Shapiro Administration Visits Recently Completed River Restoration Project at Bendigo State Park in Elk County Ahead of 2026 Trout Season Opening Day April 4A recently completed $165,000 project restored 2,000 feet of shoreline along the East branch of the Clarion River at Bendigo State Park, creating new opportunities for high-quality angling on public lands.