National Parks in Pennsylvania
26 NPS units in Pennsylvania — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to 26 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from stunning natural areas to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Pennsylvania's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Pennsylvania.
Other NPS Units in Pennsylvania
Allegheny Portage Railroad
National Historic Site
The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad…
Appalachian
National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses…
Captain John Smith Chesapeake
National Historic Trail
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age.…
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School…
Chesapeake Bay
Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to…
Delaware Water Gap
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware…
Edgar Allan Poe
National Historic Site
Described as horrifying, mystifying, and brilliant, Poe’s writing has engaged readers all…
Eisenhower
National Historic Site
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General and 34th President…
First State
National Historical Park
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born…
Flight 93
National Memorial
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when…
Fort Necessity
National Battlefield
The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the…
Friendship Hill
National Historic Site
Albert Gallatin is best remembered for his thirteen year tenure as Secretary…
Gettysburg
National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War,…
Gloria Dei Church
National Historic Site
Before Pennsylvania there was New Sweden. Discover this last historic link to…
Hopewell Furnace
National Historic Site
Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883,…
Independence
National Historical Park
The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national…
Johnstown Flood
National Memorial
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed…
Lewis & Clark
National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through…
Lower Delaware
National Wild and Scenic River
The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States,…
North Country
National Scenic Trail
Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on…
Potomac Heritage
National Scenic Trail
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering…
Steamtown
National Historic Site
Feel the heat from the firebox, smell hot steam and oil; hear…
Thaddeus Kosciuszko
National Memorial
Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and…
Upper Delaware
Scenic & Recreational River
Canoe through rapids and quiet pools as the Delaware River winds its…
Valley Forge
National Historical Park
Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army…
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
National Historic Trail
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army…
Planning Your Pennsylvania National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Pennsylvania's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 26+ NPS units in Pennsylvania and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 0 designated national parks and 26 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Pennsylvania?
The best park depends on your interests. Each park offers a unique experience. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Pennsylvania?
Most NPS units in Pennsylvania charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.