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 30, 2026 ICYMI: DCNR Celebrates Induction of Two State Parks into the National Old-Growth Forest NetworkOle Bull State Park in Potter County and Tuscarora State Park in Schuylkill County are the 44th and 45th forests to join the Old-Growth Forest Network, making Pennsylvania the leader for designated old-growth forests in the U.S.
-
July 30, 2026 Responses to Wildfires in Cumberland, Carbon Counties Earns Two DCNR Groups Governor’s Awards for ExcellenceTwo teams of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) staff members who demonstrated exemplary public service in their wildfire response efforts have been recognized by Governor Josh Shapiro with Governor’s Awards for Excellence.
-
July 25, 2026 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Celebrates Outdoors for All in LancasterThe Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), local officials, and community organizations gathered at Reservoir Park in Lancaster to celebrate the Commonwealth’s third annual Outdoors for All celebration.
-
July 24, 2026 DCNR Names New Manager for Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland CountySecretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Drew Leidich as the manager of Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County.