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.
HikingBiking
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.
BikingKayaking 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 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.
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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.
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July 10, 2026 DCNR Names New Manager for Laurel Caverns State Park in Fayette CountySecretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Corie Eckman as the manager of Laurel Caverns State Park in Fayette County, Pennsylvania’s 125th state park.
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July 02, 2026 Shapiro Administration to Open Southern Portion of Catawissa Recreation Area, Expanding Off-Highway Vehicle Recreational Opportunities in Weiser State ForestThe new trail section adds 20 miles of single-track riding opportunities spanning 725 acres in Catawissa Recreation Area.