When’s the last time you pulled out your trusty bucket list? If it’s been too long (or even if it was yesterday), you won’t find a better time to dust it off than right now. Flip through all the things you plan to do. Then consider adding one or more of these Pennsylvania natural wonders to it.
- Archbald Pothole State Park
Wikimedia Commons/Clint Pennsylvanians are no strangers to potholes. Did you know, in fact, that PA is home to the world’s largest pothole? Yep, Archbald Pothole, in Archbald Pothole State Park, is so big it could easily hold 140,000 gallons of water or fit 35 fire trucks. It’s definitely worthy of an add to your outdoor bucket list.
- Hammersley Wild Area
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli If it’s remote you like, it’s remote you’ll find at Hammersley Wild Area, the most remote area of Pennsylvania. The pristine wild area spans more than 30,000 acres and motor and other types of vehicles are prohibited. In fact, it has the largest roadless area in the entire state. Explore the lush area along the Twin Sisters Trail.
- Ringing Rocks
Trip Advisor/Pierre C. We’ve all probably heard of Ringing Rocks, but how many of us have been there? Ringing Rocks County Park is home to a natural phenomenon that you have to experience to believe. Bring a hammer with you to the boulder field. There, you’ll gently tap one of the rocks and discover – it makes music.
- Ricketts Glen State Park
Flickr/fauxto_digit An outdoor bucket list certainly wouldn’t be complete without Ricketts Glen State Park, perhaps best known for its 22 waterfalls. Even better? If you’re up for a challenge, you can see all of them along the Falls Trail. The sprawling state park also features a sandy beach, 26 miles of trails, and camping facilities.
- Pine Creek Gorge
Flickr/Chris M. Morris Make your way to Colton Point State Park or Leonard Harrison State Park for stunning views of Pine Creek Gorge. Popularly known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge promises jaw-dropping natural beauty no matter what season you visit. The spectacular natural wonder spans 47 miles, is one mile wide, and measures 1,450 feet at its deepest point.
- Laurel Caverns
Flickr/daveynin Pennsylvania’s home to several caverns and caves, and Laurel Caverns holds the distinction of being the deepest cave in Pennsylvania at 464 feet deep. However, when you visit it, you’ll only go down 150 feet. Both tours and caving adventures are available.
- Seven Tubs Nature Area
All Trails/Kim Jackson Tucked in Wilkes-Barre, Seven Tubs is a breathtaking natural wonder that features natural tubs. Wear comfy shoes for your hike along the 1.8-mile trail that’s dotted with lush greenery, small waterfalls, shimmering streams, and natural tubs. Unfortunately, swimming in the natural tubs and water is prohibited.
- Bilger’s Rocks
Trip Advisor/H. Charles B. Bilger’s Rocks date back more than 300 million years. A bucket-list-worthy destination, Bilger’s Rocks consist of caves, passageways, and cliffs. You can even climb the boulders while you’re there. After you’ve explored the rocks, relax with a picnic in the picnic area.
- Cherry Springs State Park
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli Whether you’re an avid stargazer or it’s your first time, you’ll find no better place to do a little stargazing than Cherry Springs State Park. The park, in fact, boasts the darkest skies on the eastern seaboard. Amateur astronomers can view the nighttime sky from the designated viewing area.
What other Pennsylvania natural wonders will you add to your outdoor bucket list? Let us know in the comments! Consider adding another natural wonder, Beartown Rocks, to your outdoor bucket list.
Wikimedia Commons/Clint
Pennsylvanians are no strangers to potholes. Did you know, in fact, that PA is home to the world’s largest pothole? Yep, Archbald Pothole, in Archbald Pothole State Park, is so big it could easily hold 140,000 gallons of water or fit 35 fire trucks. It’s definitely worthy of an add to your outdoor bucket list.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
If it’s remote you like, it’s remote you’ll find at Hammersley Wild Area, the most remote area of Pennsylvania. The pristine wild area spans more than 30,000 acres and motor and other types of vehicles are prohibited. In fact, it has the largest roadless area in the entire state. Explore the lush area along the Twin Sisters Trail.
Trip Advisor/Pierre C.
We’ve all probably heard of Ringing Rocks, but how many of us have been there? Ringing Rocks County Park is home to a natural phenomenon that you have to experience to believe. Bring a hammer with you to the boulder field. There, you’ll gently tap one of the rocks and discover – it makes music.
Flickr/fauxto_digit
An outdoor bucket list certainly wouldn’t be complete without Ricketts Glen State Park, perhaps best known for its 22 waterfalls. Even better? If you’re up for a challenge, you can see all of them along the Falls Trail. The sprawling state park also features a sandy beach, 26 miles of trails, and camping facilities.
Flickr/Chris M. Morris
Make your way to Colton Point State Park or Leonard Harrison State Park for stunning views of Pine Creek Gorge. Popularly known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge promises jaw-dropping natural beauty no matter what season you visit. The spectacular natural wonder spans 47 miles, is one mile wide, and measures 1,450 feet at its deepest point.
Flickr/daveynin
Pennsylvania’s home to several caverns and caves, and Laurel Caverns holds the distinction of being the deepest cave in Pennsylvania at 464 feet deep. However, when you visit it, you’ll only go down 150 feet. Both tours and caving adventures are available.
All Trails/Kim Jackson
Tucked in Wilkes-Barre, Seven Tubs is a breathtaking natural wonder that features natural tubs. Wear comfy shoes for your hike along the 1.8-mile trail that’s dotted with lush greenery, small waterfalls, shimmering streams, and natural tubs. Unfortunately, swimming in the natural tubs and water is prohibited.
Trip Advisor/H. Charles B.
Bilger’s Rocks date back more than 300 million years. A bucket-list-worthy destination, Bilger’s Rocks consist of caves, passageways, and cliffs. You can even climb the boulders while you’re there. After you’ve explored the rocks, relax with a picnic in the picnic area.
Whether you’re an avid stargazer or it’s your first time, you’ll find no better place to do a little stargazing than Cherry Springs State Park. The park, in fact, boasts the darkest skies on the eastern seaboard. Amateur astronomers can view the nighttime sky from the designated viewing area.
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Address: Archbald Pothole State Park, 960 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Archbald, PA 18403, USAAddress: Hammersley Wild Area, Austin, PA 16720, USAAddress: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USAAddress: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USAAddress: Pine Creek Gorge, Watson Township, PA 17740, USAAddress: Laurel Caverns, 1065 Skyline Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, USAAddress: Seven Tubs Nature Area, 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USAAddress: Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
