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 01, 2026 2026 Fall Foliage: Report for October 1-7Mid-summer and September rainfall quenched drought-stressed forests across the Commonwealth, greening tree canopies that are now primed for a fantastic autumn show. Bright fall color is developing nicely, especially across the northern tier counties and along the Laurel Summit on the Allegheny Plateau. Expected cold nights in the forecast this week will continue to advance the color transition across the state. The best colors are still to come!
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September 25, 2026 Pine Creek Rail Trail Honored as Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the YearThe historic 65-mile trail connects visitors to a wealth of recreational and cultural experiences from Jersey Shore in Lycoming County to Wellsboro in Tioga County.
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September 25, 2026 DCNR Names New District Forester for Loyalsock State Forest in Northeastern PennsylvaniaSecretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Eric Probert as the district forester for Loyalsock State Forest, which includes portions of Bradford, Lycoming, and Sullivan counties in the Endless Mountains Heritage Region.
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September 24, 2026 Shapiro Administration Marks Completion of $5.2 Million in Improvements at Cherry Springs State Park, Protecting Dark Skies and Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure on Public LandsThe new improvements demonstrate DCNR’s commitment to sustainable design, dark sky protection, and high‑quality public access on the Commonwealth’s public lands.