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Top 18 National Parks in Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with lots of adventure to offer.

    California’s a state with mountains and valleys. It has many different types of landscapes, which are perfect for people who love the outdoors. It also has some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States.

    In this state, you can enjoy the beauty of forests, rivers, and mountains. You can also do outdoor activities like hiking or biking through the scenic landscape.

    Pennsylvania should be on your list for a summer or fall adventure! Visit Pennsylvania today!

    1. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

    Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

    The Allegheny Portage Railroad is one of the most important developments in American transportation history. Coal from mines in western Pennsylvania could be transported east and made Pittsburgh an industrial powerhouse.

    Construction on the railroad through the Alleghenies in Pennsylvania was started by John Edgar Thomson. It also starts on September 18th, 1832. The first president to ask for this was President Jackson or Andrew Jackson.

    Pets: Pets are welcome at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. Well-behaved animals are welcome as long as they stay on leash and owners clean up after them.

    Camping: The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site does not have any camping facilities, but you can find a campground near the area.

    Tour: At the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, you can see how it was like to work on a train. You can also take tours of places that are at this site. When you do those things, there will be no shortage of things for you to do!

    Entrance Fee: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is a place that you can go to for free and get to see beautiful views. There are also exciting treks.

    2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit. It has forests, beaches, and trails. The Delaware River splits through the Kittatinny Ridge in this area. You can enjoy nature by taking in some spectacular views there.

    People can go on hiking trails for fun. Some of the trails are in the forest. They lead to really big waterfalls. It might be hard, but people can take a break and do something else if they want to stop for a bit.

    Pets: Dogs are good friends to take on a walk. They can go anywhere and they don’t need to worry about the people they meet with their leash.

    Camping: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a place that has different types of campsites. You can have a developed campsite with electricity and water hookups, or you can go backcountry camping without electricity and water.

    Tour: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a place where you can bike or drive in the mountains. You might see animals, too. It has beaches for swimming, and fishing, and places to hike. There are also many miles of trails for walking or biking. It’s a place with many activities that families can do together.

    Entrance Fee: A Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area season pass costs $45.00 which is good only in the park. A second pass for a vehicle at your address is $25, then you can buy three more for $12.50 each and four cars are six bucks each.

    3. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

    Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

    The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is a preserved home that was once rented by one of America’s most famous authors, Edgar Allen Poe.

    This house is in Philadelphia. It was first mentioned in 1837. The writer lived there for three months before he died. Some people think that he died because of alcohol withdrawal but it is not known why he died. He wrote a lot of books there, like “The Raven.”

    Pets: You cannot have pets inside of your house. You can only have them on the sidewalk outside of it.

    Camping: The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is a place to visit. It is not for camping or staying overnight. People can see his favorite places and how he lived. But there are no hotels inside the park for people who want to stay longer than 1 hour.

    Tour: The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site has a place where people can learn about all types of American writers. Visitors can look at the codes in Poe’s head and see his house. They can also read books that are on the shelves in the library or learn about other things he wrote.

    Entrance Fee: The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is a place you can go for free. You will not need to pay for admission or a pass.

    4. Eisenhower National Historic Site

    Eisenhower National Historic Site

    Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the home and farm of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States as well as 690 acres surrounding it in Adams County Pennsylvania just outside Gettysburg to remind us all that this is where he spent his summers growing up on a rented family-owned dairy farm while attending one year at nearby College Park School for Boys – now known today simply as “Gettysburg.”

    All the buildings on this site are historic. They are all important to American history or culture. The president has said that any building constructed after 1950 cannot be a landmark unless it is representing an earlier time period than 1850.

    Pets: You can not bring a pet to the Eisenhower National Historic Site. You can not ride in the shuttle bus either.

    Camping: The Eisenhower National Historic Site is not a place where you can camp. You can look up places to camp nearby on the internet. But there are no campsites at this park!

    Tour: Eisenhower is a place for people to learn about history. There are many exhibits and activities like tours. Visitors can find out how the rooms were decorated when Ike lived there.

    Entrance Fee: When you visit Eisenhower National Historic Site, tickets are $9 for people who are over 13 years old. Tickets for children under 6 years old are cheaper at only $5!

    5. First State National Historical Park

    First State National Historical Park

    The First State National Historical Park is special for Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the United States. In Delaware alone, it protects endangered species that live in this region. Some people say they are what makes America great again!

    The First State National Historical Park is in Delaware, but it goes into Pennsylvania too. There are amazing things to see here. For example, there is a tour of animals that you can go on with other people.

    Pets: Pets are not allowed at First State National Historical Park, so if you go there, do not bring any pets. The park rangers will not let you take your dog or cat on trails.

    Camping: First State National Historical Park does not have any camping places or hotels, so people will need to find these on the internet.

    Tour: First State National Historical Park is a great place to explore and learn with your family. They have something for everyone like summer events, ranger-led programs, and special themed weekends that are sure to leave you educated about this important piece of Delaware history!

    Entrance Fee: One of the many good things about First State National Historical Park is that they do not charge a fee for entrance.

    6. Flight 93 National Memorial

    Flight 93 National Memorial

    The Flight 93 National Memorial is a symbol of the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. This memorial was built to commemorate United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania about 2 miles north of Stonycreek Township and Somerset County of Pennsylvania 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

    The monument pays tribute not only to those who died that day but makes sure their stories are never forgotten. You can hear what they said before they were killed.

    Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Visitor Center and on the Memorial Plaza, with one exception: service animals.

    Camping: There are no campsites for camping with an RV. But there is a campground nearby that has things like bathrooms and showers.

    Tour: The Flight 93 National Memorial is more than just a place to visit. You can learn about the history of this memorial by taking one of their walking tours with an expert guide. Or you can explore the trails in Western Pennsylvania and see how things have changed over time.

    Entrance Fee: Flight 93 National Memorial does not have an entrance fee. People over 62 years old do not need to buy a Senior Pass or Access Pass.

    7. Fort Necessity National Battlefield

    Fort Necessity National Battlefield

    The Fort Necessity National Battlefield is in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. This battlefield site preserves the location of George Washington’s first victory over French forces on July 3rd, 1754 during his initial campaign to expel them from North America and defend Britain’s colonial frontier with France.

    In 1755, General Edward Braddock led a British expeditionary force into Virginia. But they met defeat in an assault on western Virginia. The place where he went is now called Point State Park. It overlooks downtown Pittsburgh and the river.

    Pets: You are welcome to bring your pet to Fort Necessity National Battlefield. They will need to stay on a leash and be under control at all times.

    Camping: Fort Necessity National Battlefield does not have a campground. There are some privately-owned and government campsites near the Fort, but nothing open for the public to use at this time.

    Tour: The best place to start is the Visitor Center. The ranger on duty will answer your questions and collect your entrance fee. They can also tell you about events happening in the summer. You should also learn about Fort Necessity National Battlefield from its museum exhibit panels before you go with a park ranger for a tour.

    Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for Fort Necessity National Battlefield is only $5.

    8. Friendship Hill National Historic Site

    Friendship Hill National Historic Site

    Friendship Hill was once home to American statesman and politician, Albert Gallatin. He served as a U.S Congressman for 21 years before becoming the longest-serving Secretary of Treasury under two presidents (James Madison and James Monroe).

    This man who lived a long time ago had things from his life on display in this building. It can show how he was treated and how different things were then. This is from when some people couldn’t be educated, but not this man.

    Pets: Friendship Hill is a place where people with pets are welcome! They must be on a leash and under control.

    Camping: Friendship Hill National Historic Site has a lot of history, but it does not have any camping facilities.

    Tour: Friendship Hill is a historic house museum. There are 10 miles of trails to explore. People can enjoy the self-guided audio tour and “Reflections on Gallatin” presentations throughout the year. If you have more than 3 hours at your disposal then be sure to visit Friendship Hall for 1 hour or so.

    Entrance Fee: Friendship Hill National Historic Site is a place where you can explore the history and also the arts. It is free to go there which makes it great for all people that want to see history.

    9. Gettysburg National Military Park

    Gettysburg National Military Park

    The Gettysburg National Military Park is where you can find the most fun and memorable battlefield. It’s near one of the first battles during our civil war.

    General Robert E Lee led his troops to Pennsylvania. He wanted to take Philadelphia and endangering Washington DC. He did not like Abraham Lincoln, so he was going to be president instead. Many people did not like Abraham Lincoln back then too (because of what happened with slavery).

    Pets: Pets are welcome at Gettysburg National Military Park, but there are some general rules pet owners should follow during their visit.

    Camping: Tent camping can be found only at McMillen Woods inside Gettysburg National Military Park.

    Tour: The Gettysburg National Military Park is beautiful and historically significant. Visitors can explore more of this park by taking ranger programs, walking around the battlefields, or riding on horseback.

    Entrance Fee: Gettysburg National Military Park is a place where people can visit. It does not cost anything to go in and there are many different walks on the battlefield. There is one for kids who are too young or scared of going out into battle, too!

    10. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

    Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

    The Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is a 19th-century iron plantation. It was created because they had a new way of doing things that were different from other times. They would start the furnace with ice, not fire.

    This site became a model for how other places in America made coal. The process was started in Pennsylvania and went down south to Alabama.

    Pets: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is a park that people can go to. You should bring your pet and then you can walk through the park and see beautiful views of rolling hills.

    Camping: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site does not have any camping facilities or accommodations, so visitors must search the internet for campsites nearby.

    Tour: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is a place that you can enjoy in many ways. You might enjoy the Visitor Center, Self-Guided Tour, Living History Programs, and Demonstrations. Or you might even pick some apples!

    Entrance Fee: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site has no entrance fees. You can visit this site and enjoy it without spending money.

    11. Independence National Historical Park

    Independence National Historical Park

    The Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia preserves sites from the American Revolution. It is a beautiful place that tells about the country’s founding history.

    If you visit America, you can go to Independence Hall. That’s where America was born. You can also visit Constitution Gardens for a walk in the park.

    Pets: You are not allowed to bring your pet inside public buildings unless they are a service animal.

    Camping: The Independence National Historical Park is a great place to learn about history. If you want to camp, the park does not have any campsites of its own. But it’s not too far away from campsites nearby or other places if that sounds more like what you want to do.

    Tours: You can do a lot of things at Independence National Historical Park. You can find George Washington’s second-favorite horse. You can get the B. Free Franklin cancellation stamp for your envelope and listen to music from different time periods on the computer or tablet provided by museum staff members – all in one visit!

    Entrance Fee: If you want to go to Independence Hall, it is a good bargain. You have to pay the $1.00 reservation fee, but it’s worth it because of the free tickets.

    12. Johnstown Flood National Memorial

    Johnstown Flood National Memorial

    The Johnstown Flood National Memorial is a memorial to the victims of the 1889 flood. It also teaches people about what happened in 1889 when the dam broke and killed many people.

    The Memorial commemorates more than 2200 people who died during one nightmarish day in history. They were killed because there weren’t enough precautions taken when building dams.

    Pets: Did you know that pets are welcome at Johnstown Flood National Memorial? The park has a lot of space for them.

    Camping: If you want to camp near the park, there are no campsites. But you can search for a camping site online that is close by.

    Tour: Johnstown Flood National Memorial is a place for people who like to do active things, as well as people who like history. There are some things for everyone at the memorial.

    Entrance Fee: Visitors can enter the memorial for free. It is a place where people can visit because it was the worst natural disaster in American history.

    13. Middle Delaware National Scenic River

    Middle Delaware National Scenic River

    The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a place to go for vacation. People come here to camp, canoe, fish, and ride horses. You can also hike. This place has 70 acres of land where people come for fun things like that!

    This part of America is beautiful. People visit here for its scenic beauty. This part of the country has stunning things like “Bear Mountain State Park on the Appalachian Trail” or “D&R Canal Towpath which stretches over 130 miles (209 kilometers).”

    Pets: Most areas in the park are pet-friendly, but you need to be careful. You need to put your pet on a leash and keep them close. Pets are not allowed in some parts of the park, like biking or boating with their owners.

    Camping: If you want to get back to nature, this is a good place. There are camping spots along the river that are only for people who have boats or canoes and need to camp out overnight since it’s too far to travel in one day.

    Tour: In the Middle Delaware National Scenic River, you can do many things. Rock climbing is popular here and during the winter months, you can cross-country ski. Hiking is good in all seasons as well as fishing and boating. People can enjoy the sights of nature with these lush forests filled with wildlife!

    Entrance Fee: You do not have to pay an entrance fee to the Middle Delaware National Scenic River Fall, which is cool.

    14. Potomac Heritage Trail

    Potomac Heritage Trail

    The Potomac Heritage Trail is a trail. It is long and goes to different places including cities like Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, or Richmond. For example, it could go through rural land or cityscapes. There are many things to do in this trial for everyone!

    The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a 1,000-mile-long walk in Washington DC. It offers an opportunity for everyone to explore their own backyard in new ways. Some people will take the walk for longer distances.

    Pets: Dogs of all shapes and sizes come out. They are on a leash but they can be unleashed in the forest on scenic trails where they can run free with their noses at ground level to sniff things.

    Camping: The Potomac Heritage Trail does not allow you to camp overnight. But, if you want to camp for more than one night, there is a nearby campsite with all of the amenities.

    Tour: The Potomac Heritage Trail is great. It has lots of things like hiking, biking, and paddling. People can go on this trail to get outside and explore some beautiful places like Shenandoah National Park!

    Entrance Fee: The Potomac Heritage is free to enter. There are some trails where you can explore by yourself. You can also take a guided tour and find out about the natural animals of the area.

    15. Steamtown National Historic Site

    Steamtown National Historic Site

    Steamtown is a place where you can go and have fun. You get to see old locomotives and cabooses. You can go on one of the steam trains!

    A visit to Steamtown National Historic Site is an opportunity that you should not miss if you like trains. You can go with your spouse, your children, or even friends. It will be a good place for anyone who likes trains.

    Pets: At Steamtown, pet owners can bring their pets with them. They have to stay in the parking lot and grassy area outside of the Theater Building while they take tours with people.

    Camping: The Steamtown National Historic Site is a beautiful place to visit, but it does not have any campgrounds. There are no places for people to stay overnight.

    Tour: Explore the Electric City Trolley Museum. You can see what it was like to ride in a trolley from Philadelphia to Scranton and learn about how electricity changes the world. Visit the History Museum with 16,000 square feet of exhibits including rooms filled with antique toys.

    Take a train ride through the beautiful countryside. Or you can go underground and see how people used to mine coal.

    Entrance Fee: Steamtown National Historic Site is a museum to celebrate America’s railroad heritage and culture. You can enter for free!

    16. Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

    Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

    The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is a memorial that was built by Polish-Americans. It stands in the middle of Philadelphia and it is for brave people who fought during both the American Revolution as well as Poland’s fight against Russia.

    The museum is a tribute to Kościuszko but it also reminds people how important America was in helping other countries after World War II.

    Pets: Pets are not allowed into the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial because they make a lot of noise.

    Camping: You can’t camp at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial. But you can go online to find a campsite close by.

    Tour: The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is an interesting place to visit. People can see exhibits about him and his military career in Poland and America. They will also be able to read about his views on slavery while exploring the traveling trunk where he welcomed visitors like Thomas Jefferson.

    The memorial offers other activities like going into the room that was his bedroom when he lived at West Point or buying things from our sales center. We want people to show their support for him by buying something.

    Entrance Fee: In honor of the Polish Revolutionary, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is free to enter.

    17. Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

    Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River

    The Delaware River is a waterway in the United States. It goes from New York to Pennsylvania and then onto Lewes, Deleware at its southern shore. There are many rapids in the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, but it also has calm stretches like between Hancock, NY, and Swanville PA where you can go fishing.

    The river has some of the best whitewater rafting. There are animals like bears, coyotes, fishers (a type of weasel), and mountain lions.

    Pets: Pets are allowed on the river, but they must be on a leash. If you do not clean up after your pet, you will be fined.

    Camping: You can enjoy the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Camping only at campsites that are private or commercial.

    Tour: People visit the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River because it is beautiful and they want to learn more about it.

    Entrance Fee: The Upper Delaware River is a scenic, free river. You can go there to do things like fishing and picnicking.

    18. Valley Forge National Historical Park

    Valley Forge National Historical Park

    The Valley Forge National Historical Park is where George Washington and his troops were during the Revolutionary War. It has been preserved with original furnishings like his bed, so it looks like it would have back then.

    Trails connect important monuments and historic structures. This includes the National Memorial Arch, which remembers those who served in the Valley Forge War. It is also near a recreated log cabin barracks where you can see life on campgrounds back then.

    Pets: Valley Forge National Historical Park is the perfect place to take your dog. Dogs can go in the park and on trails, but they have to stay outside of buildings with their owners.

    Camping: Valley Forge is a place where people cannot camp or have picnics. If you want to enjoy this area, make sure that you bring your food with you or leave your camper at home before entering.

    Tour: Valley Forge is a good place to go for a vacation with your family. There are lots of things to do like hiking, biking, and reading about history. You can also go fishing at Lake Meade State Park nearby. We have activities for kids all year long. There are things like scavenger hunts and animal tracking walks.

    Entrance Fee: Visitors to Valley Forge National Historical Park are more than welcome, and admission is free!

    Pennsylvania is a great place to visit. You can go to historical places or explore nature. There are also places with pizza for you and your friends.

    It has a lot to offer and we hope that you visit soon. We can’t wait for you to try our cheesesteaks, see the Liberty Bell or walk in one of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks!