Of all the Pennsylvania State Parks I’ve visited in 2021, by far the best ones (in my opinion) have waterfront views, expansive mountains, and calming shores. Lake Erie has been on my list of PA destinations to visit and I finally made it out there at the end of August. In addition, I also love riverfront parks that offer walking pathways and found one of the best parks in the state with an extraordinary view with 360-foot cliff overlooks.

In 2021 I have challenged myself to visit 52 PA State Parks! Although I am not even halfway to my goal, I am enjoying every visit. Most of August I decided that it was just too hot to go hiking and took off time until it cooled down. Now that fall has arrived, I’m excited to get some hiking in and share upcoming hikes on my Facebook Group, Explore PA and Beyond. If you would like to meet up for hikes, camping, stargazing, or enjoying the fall foliage, please let me know!

CURRENT TALLY OF STATE PARKS I’VE VISITED in 2021 : 23

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” Presque Isle offers a beautiful coastline which I enjoyed when I was visiting at the end of August. Not only did I enjoy sitting on the beach with my feet into the sand while looking out into Lake Erie, I also took to the bay with a pontoon boat. This area has tons of awesome things to do and see including walking along the beach, bike riding on the island, swimming, fishing, boating, and even a waterpark!

Shikellamy State Park

Shikellamy State Park is in Union and Northumberland counties. The 54-acre Shikellamy Marina is on the southern tip of Packers Island at the confluence of the West Branch and North Branch Susquehanna River, and offers hiking and biking trails, a marina, and boat launch. The 78-acre Shikellamy Overlook is on the western shore of the Susquehanna River. A 360-foot cliff overlooks the confluence of the branches of the Susquehanna River. I enjoyed walking along the paved path, sitting on a swing, and spent a relaxing afternoon amid the butterflies in the garden.