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-
May 11, 2026 ICYMI: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Dunn Joins WITF’s The Spark to Highlight Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s 125th and First Underground State ParkThe Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages the Commonwealth’s 2.2 million acres of state forestlands and 125 state parks, which are free and open to the public every day.
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May 08, 2026 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Opens $500,000 Grant Program to Protect At-Risk Wildlife and Native Plants in PennsylvaniaApplications will be accepted now through 4:00 PM on June 30, 2026, through DCNR’s online grant portal.
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May 07, 2026 In Clearfield County, Shapiro Administration Expands Moshannon State Forest with Addition of Bilgers RocksBilgers Rocks was donated by the Bilgers Rocks Association, which had managed the 300-Million-Year-Old, 173-acre tract and its 20-acre sandstone “rock city.”
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May 01, 2026 Governor’s Advisory Council Seeks Candidates for Game Commission Board in Eastern, Southeastern RegionsThe Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation is seeking qualified candidates interested in serving on the Pennsylvania Game Commission as commissioners in Districts 8 and 9.