Pennsylvania

10 Absolutely Jaw-Dropping Natural Wonders In Pennsylvania You Need To See

Published

2 years ago

August 29, 2024

Sarosh

A family of four running happily with arms spread like wings in a park.

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You’ll Be Pleasantly Surprised

Pennsylvania is not just an important state for industrial centers like steel and coal; it also has some stunning natural wonders that are breathtaking. From standing at the edge of a gorge so deep it could swallow skyscrapers to wandering through a cavern that feels like it belongs in a fantasy novel, nature’s art here is stunning.

So, we’ve carefully picked out the best natural wonders in Pennsylvania that could be a feast for your eyes! After all, who doesn’t love spending good quality time with their loved ones?

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Ricketts Glen State Park

Have you seen 24 waterfalls in one spot? Pennsylvania has it. Ricketts Glen State Park is no less than 24 named waterfalls, with the tallest, Ganoga Falls, cascading down an impressive 94 feet. Yeah, imagine!

With amazing waters that crash down with thunderous force and delicate, moss-covered cascades that trickle down like nature’s own dance, this place is a waterfall’s paradise.

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Pine Creek Gorge (Pennsylvania Grand Canyon)

The second one on our list is popular among photographers. Why? The charming landscape is straight out of a movie. Pine Creek Gorge, aka Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, is where nature’s drama is in full swing. This 47-mile-long and 1,450 feet deep canyon carves through the Allegheny Plateau with jaw-dropping vistas that shift with the seasons.

In the fall, the gorge is ablaze with fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, turning it into a living piece of art that looks like it’s been painted carefully by nature. So why stand on the edge on the gorge and soak in its beauty?

The front of the Boulder Field of the Hickory Run State Park

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Hickory Run State Park’s Boulder Field

This unusual natural wonder is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a huge field of boulders stretching over 400 feet wide and nearly a mile long. Wow! Sitting in Hickory Run State Park, this National Natural Landmark was formed over 20,000 years ago during the last ice age.

But when you walk across the boulders, you’ll get an outworldly vibe. The boulders, some as large as cars, are piled together in a seemingly endless sea of stone, with no soil or vegetation in sight. Also, the history is that the field results from freeze-thaw cycles that cracked the underlying bedrock into huge boulders, which then slowly shifted and settled into this giant expanse. Amazing!

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Ohiopyle State Park’s Cucumber Falls

If you’re in the mood for an enchantingly beautiful waterfall getaway, check out Ohiopyle State Park’s Cucumber, located near the small town of Ohiopyle in Fayette County.

The falls are a graceful, 30-foot waterfall pouring over a rocky ledge into a serene pool below, covered by a canopy of emerald-green trees. You know, you’ll hear the sounds of the serene falls before you even reach the viewing platform. Pack your bags and plan a private getaway at these stunning waterfalls.

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Presque Isle State Park

Want a coastal adventure in Pennsylvania? Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie, with stunning views, sandy beaches, and gorgeous foliage. The relaxing waters against the clear skies, framed by tons of birds flying all around, are a Copyscape natural wonder.

With over 11 miles of shoreline, you’ll find some secluded spots where you can enjoy a peaceful time or even some bustling spots that are speckled with people having a good time.

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Kinzua Bridge State Park

Once the longest and tallest railroad bridge in the world, the Kinzua Viaduct was a proud site of 19th-century engineering. Spreading 2,053 feet across and standing 301 feet tall, this iron giant was titled Eighth Wonder of the World in 1882. But in 2003, a powerful tornado ripped through the area, destroying half of it.

Today, the remnants of the Kinzua Viaduct have been transformed into unique Kinzua Skywalk. Stretching 624 feet out into the Kinzua Gorge, the Skywalk with glass floors has a straight down view into the 225 deep gorge. Scary?

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Raystown Lake

With over 8,000 acres of water, this is Pennsylvania’s largest lake. Raystown Lake has 8 miles of shoreline and is located in dense forests of the Allegheny region. It is surrounded by huge greenery, a rugged landscape, calm yet giant water filled with tons of fish, and great weather.

Also, the lake’s serpentine shape winds through valleys and between towering ridges, creating countless secluded coves and inlets that you can explore via boating.

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Bushkill Falls

Even if you haven’t seen Niagara Falls, this is the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania. In the center of Pocono Mountain is Bushkill Falls. Its a stunning, gorgeous, cascading body of water with some of the best views. But that’s not all. Actually, it is a series of eight waterfalls, the tallest of which drops 100 feet with gorgeous views. How cool is that?

Whether you’re standing on a bridge with the spray of the falls cooling your face or looking down from a high vantage point as the water crashes into the pool below, Bushkill Falls showcases nature’s nature’s raw power along with it beauty.

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Indian Echo Caverns

Okay, now this is a must-see if you like limestone rock formations. The Indian Echo Cavern, located near Hershey, is nature’s masterpiece in every sense. When you step into these limestone caverns, you’ll see formations sculpted over thousands of years by the drip of water and the slow, steady work of geological forces like wind.

You’ll also see dazzling display of stalactites and stalagmites, some of which stretch from floor to ceiling like the pillars. Wow! Plus, each chamber in the cavern has its own unique personality, from the Cathedral Room, with its towering columns and naturally formed “altar,” to the Rainbow Room, where mineral deposits have created a striking color on the walls and ceiling.

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Cherry Springs State Park

If you’re a stargazer, Cherry Springs State Park is the place to be. This remote park in northern Pennsylvania is one of the best places on the East Coast to see the Milky Way, thanks to its exceptionally dark skies. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Andromeda Galaxy, and even the Northern Lights on rare occasions.

Just imagine laying down here and watching the sky lit with these amazing stars that seem to look like speckled glitter by nature on a dark canvas. Beautiful! You see, Cherry Springs has a pristine and light-pollution-free environment. Also, since it’s far from the glow of city lights, the park’s 48-acre Night Sky Viewing Area is perched at an elevation of 2,300 feet, ensuring unobstructed views of the sky.

A family of three one father and three children hiking

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What’s Stopping You From Exploring?

Alright, so who’s ready to hit the road and soak up some seriously epic views? Pennsylvania’s got the goods, from starry skies that’ll blow your mind to waterfalls and wild hikes that are straight-up Instagram gold.

So grab your friends, your camera, and maybe some snacks, and let’s go explore Pennsylvania’s coolest spots. Trust me, you won’t regret it. But one thing, please don’t leave any traces or trash. Respect the nature’s beauty.