I am blessed to live within a short drive of Oil Creek, Cook Forest, McConnell’s Mill and Pymatuning State Parks. But there are two parks, not on your list, that will always be the “top dogs” on my personal list. The first is Clear Creek State Park. It’s a short distance from Cook Forest. I started going there with my parents in 1976. Now I have instilled my own children with a love for it’s charm and beauty. The second is Ole Bull State Park. It’s very similar to Clear Creek with a campground right along Kettle Creek. What holds it dear in my heart, though might be what would make it undesirable to many. It was the site of my first ever black bear and rattlesnake encounter. 😮 I didn’t bother them and they didn’t bother me. It was good for an adrenaline rush and a fond memory, though. Excellent video, Bill. Thank you.
Funny enough I am heading up to Clear Creek State Park on Thursday! I should've specified in the video but my picks for this only reflect the parks ive filmed/documented on the channel. I am thinking there is a good chance Clear Creek will make the list next year, it's a great park indeed! As for Ole Bull, the episode is already filmed but not edited yet...I was actually up there for the last solar storm and it was amazing!
Thanks as always for stopping by and checking out the video, Ill admit I need to get out to eastern pa more...but yeah you can't go wrong with either of those parks. After one visit they were easily some of my favorites
Beautiful! We are so lucky to live in a state with so many wonderful parks. It is hard to pick a favorite. Especially since I haven't visited them all as yet. I thoroughly enjoyed this video, impressive job!
Absolutely, at the end of the day it's just an opinion and I am sure when I redo this list in a year my own opinion will change as well. Thank you for the support Susan and thank you for the comment!
Nice review and video! You've missed Presque Isle State Park, talk about a gem, the bay on one side, Lake Erie on the other, camping, fishing, boating, walking trails, etc. I would think it might sqeek into your top 10.
@@billrobinson5301 thanks for checking the video out Bill! Presque Isle is a great park that’s for sure, I’ll be revisiting it here soon. Happy New Year!
Your list is well done. If you start kayaking in the Allegheny National Forest and end in Cooks Forest, it's a magical trip. And Ohiopyle is incredible.
Never thought of doing that! I might have to move that up to the top of my bucket list though, are you able to camp along the way? Thanks for stopping by David!
Truly an outstanding video. I plan on saving this to review over and over throughout the year I can only imagine how many hours you and Sam put into making this annual classic a reality. My favorite on this list is Worlds End but always subject to change. Thanks Bill & Sam keep up the great work
Always great hearing from you Barry! Officially starting on 2025's adventures this weekend, hoping to add a new park or two when the top 12 comes out next year! Worlds End is a great one, would love to see it in the winter or fall! Thanks for the comment as always I hope you enjoy the wedding trip coming out here soon!
We recently found your channel - so happy we did! Love your passion for PA and it’s state parks Makes us proud to live here and see what the state has to offer! We’re making a list to get out and visit more state parks this year (2025). Thank you.
Love all your picks❤. A small gem is Goddard State park in Mercer County. I love the trail, fishing, and kayaking! Never crowded. A Fourth of July trip there is the most peaceful inPA! I’m always happy when there. Presque Isle in Erie PA is an amazing trip as well. A long time PA gal here, I have explored many and hope to get to the Eastern PA parks soon!
Thanks for stopping by and checking out the video Diane! I am very familiar with Goddard state park, just haven’t gotten up there to film it yet, couldn’t agree more a great little park! Eastern PA is on the list for me this year! Happy New Year!
Well done. Awesome opening. But I'm sure you had trouble picking. Pa is full of great parka and each one visited holds a special place in our hearts. They all deserve the #1 spot. I'm sure you'll agree. Keep on adventuring. See you soon. 👍🙂🙏
Thanks as always Dave and you wouldn't believe the time I spent sitting down with a paper and pen trying to pick the top eleven, I think Sam wanted to kill me at one point with all the numbers and columns I had going on haha, and you are absolutely correct we live in such an amazing state and they are all someones #1 out there. Thanks, and yes sir Ill cya soon!
Ricketts Glen SP is hands downs my favorite. Hiking the falls trails are great, particularly in autumn. And you are quite right to point out it’s great for photography, but not during a dry-spell as the falls slow to a trickle. The park has gained in popularity in recent years so much so that obtaining a camping spot is difficult and must be done well in advance. A drive north from the park to Lopez, Mildred, and Dushore are miles from nowhere in some very scenic and remote areas of the state. I believe there is one traffic light in all of Sullivan County, in Laporte.
Hey Bruce! Thanks for the comment and I can't argue with you on that one, Ricketts Glen was simply amazing after visiting it for the first time this past spring and getting to spend the entire weekend exploring it, not gonna lie I caught a lot of flak for not having it in my top ten list last year so I feel a little more relieved this year having it in there after finally visiting! Thanks for the comment!
Driving along Cook Forest’s River Road with views of kayakers and canoeing patrons meandering down the Clarion River on a clear sunny day is simply breathtaking.
Well done!! Your videography is outstanding and I love the drone photography. My favorite park is Blue Knob, I saw it didn't make the list this year. That stung a bit...😉 but your list was hard to argue with. Keep up the good work! 😁👍
Hey Joe, thanks so much for stopping by and dropping a comment. I really need to make it back up to Blue Knob. My one time there I really enjoyed, it really is a great park. Thanks and ill see ya on the trail!
This is a good list! We’ve been to almost all of these, but still missing a few from the West. Hopefully 2025 brings us that direction to knock out a few of them! I totally agree with Cook Forest being number 1, we really enjoyed our time there this summer.
Great video! “Each park has its own unique charm.” That statement is so true!! I have not visited a lot of parks in Western PA, but it is hard to pick a favorite from those I have visited. Several that I love are Presque Isle, McConnell’s Mills, Hickory Run, World’s End, Ohiopyle and Rickett’s Glen.
You’ve got great taste, those are all amazing choices, it always amazed me how many unique stories and history you can dig up in each and every one of these parks. Hickory Run is on the list for this year...really excited to check it out!
Looks like I have a lot more exploring to do :) Great video, I definitely added some parks to my list. Ive never been to the west side of the state. Furthest west Ive been was Kinzua.
YES!!! Cook Forest is definitely a gem! So few realize it! I camped there over the peak Fall weekend this year with beautiful weather, and there were not many people out biking River Road or hiking Forest Cathedral. Glad you picked it as #1!
Nothing better than walking through those old growth forests during fall foliage with a little fog early in the morning, if that doesn't make you a nature lover I don't know what will! Thanks for the comment!
I have fond memories of Cook Forest. Many years ago, we camped there. When we got up to pee in the middle of the night, we saw some of the best stars I've ever seen. The night sky was filled with them. Parks can be great for stargazing.
A lot of great parks on that list. PA has so many beautiful parks, it'd be tough to narrow it down to ten... or eleven in this case! Two I didn't see, were Hyner View State Park and nearby Hyner Run State Park. The vista at Hyner View is one of the best, if not the best, in the state. If you are lucky enough to be there when hang gliding is taking place, it's even better! Near by Hyner Run offers camping, and direct access to the PA Wilds. Whether it's camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling or adventure riding on the PA BDR-X. Nicely done!
It took me a few weeks to compile the list and really whittle it down to what I have here. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a great comment. As for Hyner View and Hyner Run, I have yet to make it to those two but hopefully will get there in the near future, looks to be one of the best views in the state and I look forward to seeing it! Thanks again Andy!
First visited Cook Forest as a college student at Clarion in the 1970's -- fell in love with it then and the affair continues to this day. Although I now live in south central PA, my wife and I made a special trip here four years ago just so I could introduce her to the park. We went tubing in the river, hiked the Cathedral Trail and climbed the fire tower. Among your list, I can only claim to have visited four: Cook Forest, Ohiopyle, Kinzua Bridge and McConnell's Mill. Enjoyed all of them. Rickett's Glen is on the bucket list. The boulder field at Hickory Run is something to see. All told, probably have visited 30 PA state parks through the years. Should you ever do a video on your least favorite state parks, I would nominate McCalls Dam. Can't figure out why this continues to be a state park. Great job with the video -- informative and well-constructed!
I tossed around the idea of making a "worst" list last year and the more I talk to folks and the more I learn about this amazing state, I came to realize some of the most hated state parks are someones favorites out there lol. Thank you for the kind comment and I hope to see you on the next one!
Excellent as always! Love Top Ten lists! Would love you to do the top roadside attractions or top campgrounds..lol. But serious props, the amount of editing you had to do to produce top notch had to be a lot. Sharing your video on numerous platforms🎉
Thank you for stopping by and dropping a comment! Making these lists are pretty time consuming but extremely rewarding when it all comes together, if/when I do the next list it might be the best vistas or overlooks in the state possibly, but I like the idea of a top campgrounds list! Thanks man!
Laurel Hill is such an underrated park imo! Clear Creek is getting the "filming" treatment in 2025, I only included parks ive done films on...I probably shoulda mentioned that lol. Also not a bad idea for fishing spots!
I got to spend some time in Little Pine a few years back and really enjoyed it, it's a nice quiet little park and the campground is one of the best imo. Still need to make it out to Hickory Run, hopefully this year will allow it. Thanks for the comment Keith!
If I may advocate for a few of my favorites I'd wish you would consider these parks: Racoon creek s.p. in SW Pa. is known mostly for the lake and beach area but incredibly beautiful is the wildflower preserve while the western section along the Appaloosa trail is quite large and almost devoid of people. Presque Isle s.p. on the shore of Lake Erie should be near the top of everyone's list in my opinion. The beaches, the bay, the marshlands, the trails along the interior woodlands all come together to make this unique Great Lakes ecosystem a real gem. There's plenty of history to learn at Pennsylvania's only lighthouse too. Although we tend to think of our state parks as being out in the wilderness areas, please consider the green urban oasis of Point State park in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Blockhouse dating from 1764 is the oldest structure west of the Appalachian mountains and the Ft. Pitt museum shows how the French and Indian War began for control of the Forks of the Ohio. The fountain at the river confluence is a powerful and uplifting experience for those that like water and a one of a kind urban environment!
Hey John, thanks for leaving such a great comment. Ive been to all of the parks you mentioned above and live only 20 mins away from Point State Park. I can honestly say ive visited all of those parks multiple times and you are right they are all great. Thanks for the comment!
Where is the location at 0:20? I know PA Wilds but I can't find the spot, looks amazing! Great list, I'm at about 70 of 124 so far. Honorable mentions to Little Pine and Shawnee.
@MaksimOutdoors Ah shoot, I meant the 0:26 drone shot. You gotta get to Hyner View if you want a great vista. I usually don't prefer car accessible vistas but I make an exception with Hyner.
It's so tough to rank. At least another 5, maybe 10 that I really love. Good luck on your journey. Unique parks got higher ranking for me. Like something besides natural beauty was important. I realized during covid that I had been to around 40. I am at 123 of 124. Only missing paddling out to Allegheny Islands. I have physically been to the river. Just have not paddled out to the islands
The only one I've been to was Worlds end. Didn't care for it much. Pet camping is feet from a noisy road, but easy access to the creek. We like Pine grove furnace with its two lakes and bike trails. Gifford Pinchot for fishing and bike trails. Tobyhanna also. Thanks for your review. Will research your recommendations.
Heading out to Gifford Pinchot in the New Year so I'll have to report back after visiting, looking forward to it. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, I am sure you won't be disappointed!
So technically I only featured videos I did a video on for the channel and I haven't gotten around to make a proper Presque Isle video yet, possibly in 2025. Been to Presque numerous times and its an amazing park, so I didn't forget about it!
Hard to argue with any of these. 11 must see parks. Hopefully you get a chance to pay another visit to the PA Wilds region soon. Plenty more great parks yet to see, including my personal favorite: Ole Bull.
Ole Bull is actually filmed already and will be coming out in 2025 (I was lucky enough to be camping there during the last big aurora which was a real treat!) Thanks for leaving a comment Patrick!
Haven't made it to Hyner View yet so that's why it wasn't on this list, as for Cherry Springs you are right it is a great park but to me its more of a "one trick pony"
The less people the better for this guy, but to each their own! Ive visited Presque Isle throughout my life and it is a great park (check out my video about the eclipse a few months back if you haven't) in 2025 ill get up there and give it the proper filming for the channel if all goes well!
Don't waste your time visiting Pisgah State Park. Nice lake and there are a few short trails but basically boring. There is a pool but it frequently gets closed because some kid will defecate in it.
Im from Pittsburgh so naturally I did more exploring on this side of the state, as of right now I am sitting right around 70 state parks ive been to but I honestly wouldn't change a thing from the list.
I worked at Raccoon creek state park for over 31 years. It had and has everything. Not even an an honorable mention. Wake up. Please get your head out of you arse and give it it's do.
@@saddletramp6935 I’ve visited Raccoon atleast a dozen times throughout the years, it’s a very busy park with a lot of “noise” last time I visited it felt like a jet flew over every 5 mins due to it being right by the airport, I suppose if you like busy parks and traffic noises it would be in the top 10 but the mineral springs was an interesting area of the park…
@MaksimOutdoors you are correct. It was somewhat noisy. I retired from there in 2009 so I can't say what it's like between then and now. But ran the parks water and waste water plants so iwas surrounded by noise. Also the air traffic noise was worse when U.S. Air had thier hub at airport . The flew low enough that I would wave to them. BTW, I don't miss the job at all. Too political.
I am blessed to live within a short drive of Oil Creek, Cook Forest, McConnell’s Mill and Pymatuning State Parks. But there are two parks, not on your list, that will always be the “top dogs” on my personal list. The first is Clear Creek State Park. It’s a short distance from Cook Forest. I started going there with my parents in 1976. Now I have instilled my own children with a love for it’s charm and beauty. The second is Ole Bull State Park. It’s very similar to Clear Creek with a campground right along Kettle Creek. What holds it dear in my heart, though might be what would make it undesirable to many. It was the site of my first ever black bear and rattlesnake encounter. 😮 I didn’t bother them and they didn’t bother me. It was good for an adrenaline rush and a fond memory, though. Excellent video, Bill. Thank you.
Funny enough I am heading up to Clear Creek State Park on Thursday! I should've specified in the video but my picks for this only reflect the parks ive filmed/documented on the channel. I am thinking there is a good chance Clear Creek will make the list next year, it's a great park indeed! As for Ole Bull, the episode is already filmed but not edited yet...I was actually up there for the last solar storm and it was amazing!
agree ! Clear Creek is awesome!
❤Clear Creek!
Great video. Some of my favorites that you included were Worlds End and Ricketts Glen.
Thanks as always for stopping by and checking out the video, Ill admit I need to get out to eastern pa more...but yeah you can't go wrong with either of those parks. After one visit they were easily some of my favorites
Beautiful! We are so lucky to live in a state with so many wonderful parks. It is hard to pick a favorite. Especially since I haven't visited them all as yet. I thoroughly enjoyed this video, impressive job!
Absolutely, at the end of the day it's just an opinion and I am sure when I redo this list in a year my own opinion will change as well. Thank you for the support Susan and thank you for the comment!
Nice review and video! You've missed Presque Isle State Park, talk about a gem, the bay on one side, Lake Erie on the other, camping, fishing, boating, walking trails, etc. I would think it might sqeek into your top 10.
@@billrobinson5301 thanks for checking the video out Bill! Presque Isle is a great park that’s for sure, I’ll be revisiting it here soon. Happy New Year!
Your list is well done. If you start kayaking in the Allegheny National Forest and end in Cooks Forest, it's a magical trip. And Ohiopyle is incredible.
Never thought of doing that! I might have to move that up to the top of my bucket list though, are you able to camp along the way? Thanks for stopping by David!
Truly an outstanding video. I plan on saving this to review over and over throughout the year I can only imagine how many hours you and Sam put into making this annual classic a reality. My favorite on this list is Worlds End but always subject to change. Thanks Bill & Sam keep up the great work
Always great hearing from you Barry! Officially starting on 2025's adventures this weekend, hoping to add a new park or two when the top 12 comes out next year! Worlds End is a great one, would love to see it in the winter or fall! Thanks for the comment as always I hope you enjoy the wedding trip coming out here soon!
We recently found your channel - so happy we did!
Love your passion for PA and it’s state parks
Makes us proud to live here and see what the state has to offer!
We’re making a list to get out and visit more state parks this year (2025).
Thank you.
Thank you for the kind comment and I am glad you're along for the journey! I hope you have a great 2025!
Love Laura hill state park camped there many times swimming and kayaking.. Love it 20 miles from me
One of my local favorites!
Stunning cinematography❤ Great video.
Thank you so much, I appreciate it!
Have you ever been to Lehigh Gorge State Park? It has to be top 10! It’s so unique and has many different activities
I have not! I’ll get there eventually though!
Love all your picks❤. A small gem is Goddard State park in Mercer County. I love the trail, fishing, and kayaking! Never crowded. A Fourth of July trip there is the most peaceful inPA! I’m always happy when there. Presque Isle in Erie PA is an amazing trip as well. A long time PA gal here, I have explored many and hope to get to the Eastern PA parks soon!
Thanks for stopping by and checking out the video Diane! I am very familiar with Goddard state park, just haven’t gotten up there to film it yet, couldn’t agree more a great little park! Eastern PA is on the list for me this year! Happy New Year!
Well done. Awesome opening. But I'm sure you had trouble picking. Pa is full of great parka and each one visited holds a special place in our hearts. They all deserve the #1 spot. I'm sure you'll agree. Keep on adventuring. See you soon. 👍🙂🙏
Thanks as always Dave and you wouldn't believe the time I spent sitting down with a paper and pen trying to pick the top eleven, I think Sam wanted to kill me at one point with all the numbers and columns I had going on haha, and you are absolutely correct we live in such an amazing state and they are all someones #1 out there. Thanks, and yes sir Ill cya soon!
Forbes state park is beautiful.. Mt Davis is great and high point lake
Awesome parks and video.Thanks for sharing and giving so ideas
Thanks for watching!
Bill...your authoring, narration, and creativity is nothing short of stellar!!! I can only aspire to reach the mastery of your videos my friend!!!
Hey there! Thanks for the comment, it always means a lot to hear feedback like that. I'm glad you enjoy the video Griz, hope to see ya here soon!
Ricketts Glen SP is hands downs my favorite. Hiking the falls trails are great, particularly in autumn. And you are quite right to point out it’s great for photography, but not during a dry-spell as the falls slow to a trickle. The park has gained in popularity in recent years so much so that obtaining a camping spot is difficult and must be done well in advance. A drive north from the park to Lopez, Mildred, and Dushore are miles from nowhere in some very scenic and remote areas of the state. I believe there is one traffic light in all of Sullivan County, in Laporte.
Hey Bruce! Thanks for the comment and I can't argue with you on that one, Ricketts Glen was simply amazing after visiting it for the first time this past spring and getting to spend the entire weekend exploring it, not gonna lie I caught a lot of flak for not having it in my top ten list last year so I feel a little more relieved this year having it in there after finally visiting! Thanks for the comment!
Driving along Cook Forest’s River Road with views of kayakers and canoeing patrons meandering down the Clarion River on a clear sunny day is simply breathtaking.
@@jbmiller3280 couldn’t agree more! Thanks for the comment!
Well done!! Your videography is outstanding and I love the drone photography. My favorite park is Blue Knob, I saw it didn't make the list this year. That stung a bit...😉 but your list was hard to argue with. Keep up the good work! 😁👍
Hey Joe, thanks so much for stopping by and dropping a comment. I really need to make it back up to Blue Knob. My one time there I really enjoyed, it really is a great park. Thanks and ill see ya on the trail!
This is a good list! We’ve been to almost all of these, but still missing a few from the West. Hopefully 2025 brings us that direction to knock out a few of them!
I totally agree with Cook Forest being number 1, we really enjoyed our time there this summer.
Great video! “Each park has its own unique charm.” That statement is so true!! I have not visited a lot of parks in Western PA, but it is hard to pick a favorite from those I have visited. Several that I love are Presque Isle, McConnell’s Mills, Hickory Run, World’s End, Ohiopyle and Rickett’s Glen.
You’ve got great taste, those are all amazing choices, it always amazed me how many unique stories and history you can dig up in each and every one of these parks. Hickory Run is on the list for this year...really excited to check it out!
Great video. Really enjoyed it
Thanks Chris, everyone will have their own opinions on the matter but who doesn't love a top 10 (or 11) list!
Looks like I have a lot more exploring to do :) Great video, I definitely added some parks to my list. Ive never been to the west side of the state. Furthest west Ive been was Kinzua.
Let me know when you’re out this way man!
Beautifully done. Hard to pick favorites in your beautiful commonwealth!
Extremely difficult, but also fun making the list as well. Just one random guys opinion! Thanks for stopping by!
YES!!! Cook Forest is definitely a gem! So few realize it! I camped there over the peak Fall weekend this year with beautiful weather, and there were not many people out biking River Road or hiking Forest Cathedral. Glad you picked it as #1!
Nothing better than walking through those old growth forests during fall foliage with a little fog early in the morning, if that doesn't make you a nature lover I don't know what will! Thanks for the comment!
Beautiful video, very nice. I enjoy this video.
Thanks for watching and the constant support. Hope all is well with you!
@ thanks. Everything is good, dying to get back to painting. Hope you and your wife have a marvelous Christmas.
Well done sir. Helps me prioritize my list! Miss you 😂
Thanks buddy, just booked my campsite for April! Hope to see ya before then!
I have fond memories of Cook Forest. Many years ago, we camped there. When we got up to pee in the middle of the night, we saw some of the best stars I've ever seen. The night sky was filled with them. Parks can be great for stargazing.
A lot of great parks on that list. PA has so many beautiful parks, it'd be tough to narrow it down to ten... or eleven in this case!
Two I didn't see, were Hyner View State Park and nearby Hyner Run State Park. The vista at Hyner View is one of the best, if not the best, in the state. If you are lucky enough to be there when hang gliding is taking place, it's even better! Near by Hyner Run offers camping, and direct access to the PA Wilds. Whether it's camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling or adventure riding on the PA BDR-X.
Nicely done!
It took me a few weeks to compile the list and really whittle it down to what I have here. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a great comment. As for Hyner View and Hyner Run, I have yet to make it to those two but hopefully will get there in the near future, looks to be one of the best views in the state and I look forward to seeing it! Thanks again Andy!
Many great parks that I really like. I cannot pick just one. Thanks for this "Best of" review.
I hear you, it is a tough one! You should have seen all the notes I had trying to make these picks lol
I’m ready to explore
@@triumphofihm525 always ready!
First visited Cook Forest as a college student at Clarion in the 1970's -- fell in love with it then and the affair continues to this day. Although I now live in south central PA, my wife and I made a special trip here four years ago just so I could introduce her to the park. We went tubing in the river, hiked the Cathedral Trail and climbed the fire tower.
Among your list, I can only claim to have visited four: Cook Forest, Ohiopyle, Kinzua Bridge and McConnell's Mill. Enjoyed all of them. Rickett's Glen is on the bucket list. The boulder field at Hickory Run is something to see. All told, probably have visited 30 PA state parks through the years.
Should you ever do a video on your least favorite state parks, I would nominate McCalls Dam. Can't figure out why this continues to be a state park.
Great job with the video -- informative and well-constructed!
I tossed around the idea of making a "worst" list last year and the more I talk to folks and the more I learn about this amazing state, I came to realize some of the most hated state parks are someones favorites out there lol. Thank you for the kind comment and I hope to see you on the next one!
A fellow 70’s Clarion State grad who fell in ❤with Cooks forest too!
Couldn't agree more about Canoe Creek SP. Best cabins I've seen so far.
Very underrated park with a ton of awesome history, and can't agree more, those cabins are awesome perched up on the hill overlooking the lake!
Excellent as always! Love Top Ten lists! Would love you to do the top roadside attractions or top campgrounds..lol. But serious props, the amount of editing you had to do to produce top notch had to be a lot. Sharing your video on numerous platforms🎉
Thank you for stopping by and dropping a comment! Making these lists are pretty time consuming but extremely rewarding when it all comes together, if/when I do the next list it might be the best vistas or overlooks in the state possibly, but I like the idea of a top campgrounds list! Thanks man!
You need to check out Lehigh Gorge State Park when you have a chance. It's awesome!
Thanks for the advice! I’ll have to make it out there !
Laurel Hill and Clear Creek are me and my wife's favorites but we haven't been to all of them yet. Next year top 11 PA fishing spots maybe 😂🤘
Laurel Hill is such an underrated park imo! Clear Creek is getting the "filming" treatment in 2025, I only included parks ive done films on...I probably shoulda mentioned that lol. Also not a bad idea for fishing spots!
@MaksimOutdoors by the way if you haven't been there yet I highly recommend Black Moshannon state park.
Little pine creek state park and hickory run are my favs!!!
I got to spend some time in Little Pine a few years back and really enjoyed it, it's a nice quiet little park and the campground is one of the best imo. Still need to make it out to Hickory Run, hopefully this year will allow it. Thanks for the comment Keith!
We really love Two Mile Run State Park. It's nature is amazing.
Had to look that one up, are you referring to Two Mile Run County Park? If so the pics of it look great, ill add It to the list!
@MaksimOutdoors If you like musky fishing it's a good spot.
If I may advocate for a few of my favorites I'd wish you would consider these parks: Racoon creek s.p. in SW Pa. is known mostly for the lake and beach area but incredibly beautiful is the wildflower preserve while the western section along the Appaloosa trail is quite large and almost devoid of people.
Presque Isle s.p. on the shore of Lake Erie should be near the top of everyone's list in my opinion. The beaches, the bay, the marshlands, the trails along the interior woodlands all come together to make this unique Great Lakes ecosystem a real gem. There's plenty of history to learn at Pennsylvania's only lighthouse too.
Although we tend to think of our state parks as being out in the wilderness areas, please consider the green urban oasis of Point State park in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Blockhouse dating from 1764 is the oldest structure west of the Appalachian mountains and the Ft. Pitt museum shows how the French and Indian War began for control of the Forks of the Ohio. The fountain at the river confluence is a powerful and uplifting experience for those that like water and a one of a kind urban environment!
Hey John, thanks for leaving such a great comment. Ive been to all of the parks you mentioned above and live only 20 mins away from Point State Park. I can honestly say ive visited all of those parks multiple times and you are right they are all great. Thanks for the comment!
Where is the location at 0:20? I know PA Wilds but I can't find the spot, looks amazing! Great list, I'm at about 70 of 124 so far. Honorable mentions to Little Pine and Shawnee.
That would be Kettle Creek, one of the best vistas in the state imo. Thanks for stopping by and 70 is quite the number!
@MaksimOutdoors Ah shoot, I meant the 0:26 drone shot.
You gotta get to Hyner View if you want a great vista. I usually don't prefer car accessible vistas but I make an exception with Hyner.
@ Bucktail Overlook up near the Fred Woods Trail Head! I’ll get to Hyner one of these days
@@MaksimOutdoors Thanks you kindly 🙏 You'll love Hyner
1. Rickett's Glen 2. Ohioplye, 3. Cook Forest 4. Cherry Springs 5. Erie Bluffs 6. Mcconnell's Mill, 7. Worlds End 8. Trough Creek 9. Kinzua Bridge 10. Hyner View 11. Laurel Hill 12. Presque Isle 13. Cowan's Gap 14. Ole Bull 15. Hickory Run 16. Promised Land 17. Washington's Crossings 18. Kettle Creek 19. Black Moshannon 20. Little Pine 21. Big Pocono 22. Pymtuning 23. Sinnemahoning 24. Colton Point 25. Blue Knob
It's so tough to rank. At least another 5, maybe 10 that I really love. Good luck on your journey. Unique parks got higher ranking for me. Like something besides natural beauty was important. I realized during covid that I had been to around 40. I am at 123 of 124. Only missing paddling out to Allegheny Islands. I have physically been to the river. Just have not paddled out to the islands
@@brianc1651 great list! Can’t disagree with anyone out there, thanks for the comment and congrats on such an achievement! Cya on the next one!
I like them all
Me too!
The only one I've been to was Worlds end. Didn't care for it much. Pet camping is feet from a noisy road, but easy access to the creek. We like Pine grove furnace with its two lakes and bike trails. Gifford Pinchot for fishing and bike trails. Tobyhanna also. Thanks for your review. Will research your recommendations.
Heading out to Gifford Pinchot in the New Year so I'll have to report back after visiting, looking forward to it. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, I am sure you won't be disappointed!
Check out Laurel Summit State Park near Linn Run State Park. Only 6 acres but it is the most unique landscape in any park in PA!
I have a video from there filmed and it’ll be coming out here shortly actually
Nice video
Thanks for watching!
@MaksimOutdoors WC
😢what happened to Presque Isle State Park in Erie? 3200 acres of beauty nothing like any other park in the state.
So technically I only featured videos I did a video on for the channel and I haven't gotten around to make a proper Presque Isle video yet, possibly in 2025. Been to Presque numerous times and its an amazing park, so I didn't forget about it!
Centre County is hard to beat with so many outdoor options.
Centre county and that part of the state is slowly becoming one of my favorite areas within the commonwealth…
Cowans Gap state park is one of my favorites as well as Leonard Harris State Park
Just visited Cowans Gap for the first time a few months ago so that'll be on the list next year im sure.
Something about Cowans Gap's setting is just awesome. Need to get back.
Excape?
The Quaker State. Imperial Bloodline
A scene in the movie "The Pale Blue Eye" was shot at McConnell's Mill State Park.
I remember reading about that online a few years back, haven't seen it but anything with McConnells in it im sure is amazing!
do all the parks and keep the records 4 history
That’s the plan!
Hard to argue with any of these. 11 must see parks. Hopefully you get a chance to pay another visit to the PA Wilds region soon. Plenty more great parks yet to see, including my personal favorite: Ole Bull.
Ole Bull is actually filmed already and will be coming out in 2025 (I was lucky enough to be camping there during the last big aurora which was a real treat!) Thanks for leaving a comment Patrick!
No love for Presque Isle or the Bluffs?
To be fair, I was only doing parks I had previous videos on...Erie Bluffs is amazing though!
What about cherry springs or hyners view... deserving of at least an honorable mention
Haven't made it to Hyner View yet so that's why it wasn't on this list, as for Cherry Springs you are right it is a great park but to me its more of a "one trick pony"
Cherry Springs is simple, but amazing and so unique.
So how did these couple state parks get booted out of the top 10?
I haven’t been to every state park so as I explore new ones some end up getting the boot outta the top ten
Presque Isle in Erie recieves the most visitors, 4 million plus, ech years. Not in your top group?
The less people the better for this guy, but to each their own! Ive visited Presque Isle throughout my life and it is a great park (check out my video about the eclipse a few months back if you haven't) in 2025 ill get up there and give it the proper filming for the channel if all goes well!
square acres
No timestamps? 😞
They usually make themselves over time
Don't waste your time visiting Pisgah State Park. Nice lake and there are a few short trails but basically boring. There is a pool but it frequently gets closed because some kid will defecate in it.
@@Kayte... I’ll get there one day but thank you for the tip!
It seemed like it was 90% near Pittsburgh
Im from Pittsburgh so naturally I did more exploring on this side of the state, as of right now I am sitting right around 70 state parks ive been to but I honestly wouldn't change a thing from the list.
I worked at Raccoon creek state park for over 31 years. It had and has everything. Not even an an honorable mention. Wake up. Please get your head out of you arse and give it it's do.
@@saddletramp6935 I’ve visited Raccoon atleast a dozen times throughout the years, it’s a very busy park with a lot of “noise” last time I visited it felt like a jet flew over every 5 mins due to it being right by the airport, I suppose if you like busy parks and traffic noises it would be in the top 10 but the mineral springs was an interesting area of the park…
@MaksimOutdoors you are correct. It was somewhat noisy. I retired from there in 2009 so I can't say what it's like between then and now. But ran the parks water and waste water plants so iwas surrounded by noise. Also the air traffic noise was worse when U.S. Air had thier hub at airport . The flew low enough that I would wave to them. BTW, I don't miss the job at all. Too political.