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 17, 2026 Shapiro Administration Welcomes New Class of DCNR Rangers and Park Managers to Protect and Serve Pennsylvania’s Public LandsThe 30 new graduates will join state parks across the Commonwealth this summer, strengthening visitor services, public safety, and conservation efforts across Pennsylvania’s 125 state parks.
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April 16, 2026 DCNR Announces Free Pocket Meadow Kits for ResidentsThree hundred free Pocket Meadow Kits, each with enough native seed to plant up to 1,000 square feet, will help residents create wildlife habitat, support pollinators, and reduce long-term lawn maintenance.
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April 13, 2026 ICYMI: Shapiro Administration Kicks Off DCNR America250PA GeoTrail Through 25 of Pennsylvania’s State ParksInteractive geocaching experience celebrates America’s 250th by showcasing historic sites across 25 Pennsylvania state parks.
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April 10, 2026 Shapiro Administration Kicks Off DCNR America250PA GeoTrail Through 25 of Pennsylvania’s State Parks