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-
June 25, 2026 Shapiro Administration Accepting Nominations for 2027 Pennsylvania Trail of the YearThe Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is accepting nominations now through July 31 for Pennsylvania’s top trail of 2027.
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June 20, 2026 Shapiro Administration Commemorates Juneteenth at Historic Mifflin Farm in York County, Highlights Investment in Future Heritage Park
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June 15, 2026 Shapiro Administration Provides Tips, Best Practices for Preventing Lyme Disease and Tick Bites at Samuel S. Lewis State ParkOfficials encouraged visitors to Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests to take simple precautions to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease while enjoying outdoor recreation this summer.
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June 11, 2026 Shapiro Administration Makes State Parks and Forests More Accessible for all VisitorsNew online planning tools, communication boards, Handy Talkers, and colorblind viewing resources make it easier for all visitors to plan trips and enjoy Pennsylvania’s public lands.