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 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!
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October 13, 2026 DCNR Plans Whitewater Release into Tohickon Creek for Annual Boating Event in Bucks CountyDCNR will release water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, providing opportunities for whitewater boating enthusiasts to converge on Tohickon Creek in Bucks County.
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October 13, 2026 Shapiro Administration to Invest $950,000 to Help Volunteer Fire Companies Protect Rural Communities from WildfiresVolunteer fire companies can apply for grants through Jan. 7, 2027.
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October 09, 2026 Shapiro Administration Marks 1 Billion Board Foot of Sustainably Harvested Timber, Underscoring Long-Term Forest Stewardship on Public LandsThe milestone of 1 billion board feet — enough lumber to circle the Earth about eight times — is the result of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry’s Harvest Allocation Model to guide sustainable forest use.