Bushkills Falls, often called “The Nigara of Pennsylvania”, is one of the best falls in eastern Pennsylvania. The main fall, Bushkill Falls, is the gemstone and main attraction, but there are many other falls to be viewed from the trails that explore the banks of Little Bushkill Creek and Pond Run Creek.Bushkill Falls opened to the public in 1904 with millions of visitors from all over the world exploring the trails and view the magnificent falls. A small entrance fee is charged to walk these trails and view the breathtaking scenery. Since this is privately owned, Bushkill Falls does not receive any local, state, or federal money for upkeep. Once you see and experience the walkways that perch on the sides of cliffs and over top rushing water and splendid waterfalls, you will soon realize that it was money well spent. The Peters Family does an excellent job at providing access to the many falls and maintaining the many walkways.There are 4 color-coded access trails to the falls. The trails, green, yellow, blue and red, are designed for walkers and hikers of all levels. Green is the shortest with no climbs or descents, and the red trail is the longest being just under 2 miles. All of the trails offer great views and showcase the main waterfall. This area is a great place to take children. The descent to the bottom of the main falls can be long and steep, but the well maintained steps with secure hand railing makes it a convenient hike. With an area to have a picnic, fishing pond, paddle boats,and miniature golf, this is a great family destination.

Source: Bushkill Falls – PAHikes

Yellow Creek State Park is located in Indiana county of Pennsylvania, just off route US422, about half way between Ebensburg and Indiana, PA. Located on the Allegheny plateau of the Laurel Highlands, Yellow Creek State Park offers a variety of activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. The lake at Yellow Creek offers many opportunities to view migrating water fowl.There are three hiking trails available within the state park. All of the trails are easy to hike and well marked. They make for great hikes with young children. The three trails can offer up to 6 miles of hiking, with the shortest hike being the Laurel Run Trail. The Damsite trail takes you to a vista of the dam at Yellow Creek, while the Ridge Top trail is probably the most demanding as it does ascend to to the top of a small ridge line.Additional information about Yellow Creek State Park and the activities available can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Source: Yellow Creek State Park – PAHikes

Ricketts Glen harbors Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. Take the Falls Trail and explore the Glens, which boasts a series of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, each cascading through rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside. The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of 22 named waterfalls.

Old growth timber and diverse wildlife add to the scenic area. Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania.There are 26 miles of trails to explore in the Ricketts Glen State Park. However, the most popular and scenic is the Falls Trail. This trail parallels the two branches of Kitchen Creek as it flows through Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh. On the Falls Trail you will see 21 falls of varying heights. The Falls Trail can be hazardous in places, and good hiking boots along with a bit of caution should be used when hiking this trail.

Source: Ricketts Glen State Park – PAHikes

Ohiopyle State Park is the largest state park in Pennyslvania, encompassing approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty. It is the southern gateway to the Laurel Highlands as well as the southern terminus of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.There are many things to do while visiting Ohiopyle State Park. Aside from the over 80 miles of hiking trails located within the park, the focal point of the park is the Youghiogheny River Gorge. The “Yough” provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States. The Great Allegheny Passage also passes through the park. This 141 mile rails-to-trails path, used by both bikers and hikers, connects Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD.Hiking, biking, and white-water rafting are all available in Ohiopyle State Park to anyone looking for some outdoor adventure. Additional information about Yellow Creek State Park and the activities available can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Source: Ohiopyle State Park – PAHikes