Things to do in Pennsylvania, United States: The Best Outdoor Activities

July 22, 2021 Weston Hennigan

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Pine Creek Rail Trail, Lehigh Gorge Trail, Chester Valley Trail, Appalachian Trail, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, National Aviary, Erie Zoo, Scranton Lake Walking Path, The Struble Trail, Saucon Rail Trail.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania

1. Pine Creek Rail Trail

Us Hwy 6, Wellsboro, PA http://www.pinecreekvalley.com/Pine_Creek_Rail_Trail_About.asp
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 183 reviews

Pine Creek Rail Trail

Reviewed By Firedude01 - Wellsboro, United States

Had a beautiful walk along pine creek in pa Grand Canyon on the rail trail he trail runs along pine creek through the canyon to jersey shore if you decide to go the entire length the trail is scheduled to be extended into wellsboro

2. Lehigh Gorge Trail

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/lehighgorge
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Lehigh Gorge Trail

Reviewed By cgriffith1050 - Lehigh Valley, United States

Started in Jim Thorpe, rented bikes. Took a bus to the trail, and biked the 26 miles back to JT. Fun afternoon. Some beautiful views.

3. Chester Valley Trail

Exton, PA 19341 http://www.chesco.org/1239/Chester-Valley-Trail
Excellent
61%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Chester Valley Trail

4. Appalachian Trail

PA http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
Excellent
64%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Appalachian Trail

5. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-1075 +1 412-665-3640 http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/
Excellent
51%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,978 reviews

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Enjoy a family experience that fosters understanding, respect, and appreciation of wildlife with a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo. Take a trip to the Islands and get an eye to eye view of warty pigs, Philippine crocodiles, and clouded leopards. Venture into the Jungle for an Odyssey of fun where you’ll discover our giant anteater, the elusive fossa, the world’s largest rat, and the pygmy hippo. Take in the scenic bird’s-eye view of the African Savanna before heading to our aquarium and Water’s Edge, home of the impressive polar bear and playful sea otter. *Jungle Odyssey and Zoo zip line open Summer 2017.* There is so much to explore at the Zoo, we provide 77 acres of fun! The Pittsburgh Zoo is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Prices vary per season, so visit our website: and follow us on Facebook,and Twitter.

Reviewed By 716courtneyg - Portsmouth, United States

We took our 7 year old and even with limited animal exhibits (due to winter), it was an incredible experience!

6. National Aviary

Allegheny Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 +1 412-323-7235 [email protected] http://www.aviary.org
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,416 reviews

National Aviary

Amazing collection of more than 600 exotic and endangered birds from nearly every continent.

Reviewed By xxxyyyWashington_DC

The VIP experience was beyond expectations! Our two guides and all of the staff were very friendly, outgoing, and engaging. They asked a few weeks in advance what types of encounters we were interested in, and they made it happen. Although it's hard to pick a favorite experience (penguins, raptors, Amazon), feeding the lorikeets was amazing and a lot of fun! The National Aviary is a great way to see and learn about so many different kinds of birds, and if you want to experience more and are able to support them by buying a VIP tour, I can't recommend it enough.

7. Erie Zoo

423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508-2701 +1 814-864-4091 http://www.eriezoo.org
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 779 reviews

Erie Zoo

Reviewed By drbaker1994 - Waynesboro, United States

Our family of 4 (parents and young adult kids) had a great time here. Most of the animals were active and we were able to see them really well. The most amazing was the Tiger, because we weren't expecting him and we turned a corner and there he was walking toward us. We also really enjoyed the orangutans and so many more. Since we were there during Covid, there were a few areas that were closed off and animals we could not see (1 being the zebras, as I could see them when I peeked through a gate). Also due to Covid, you have to preorder your tickets on line and choose the time you will be arriving. This did help in keeping the crowds to a minimum and there were only a few areas where we had to wait for others to move out of the way to see. They do require you to wear your mask the entire time you are in the park. The online order was simple and the value for the tickets was reasonable. We did not do the carousel or the train ride.

8. Scranton Lake Walking Path

Scranton Lake, Scranton, PA
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 145 reviews

Scranton Lake Walking Path

Reviewed By Georgeschirra - Scranton, United States

Lake Scranton is a beautiful location to visit. The patch is very clean, patrolled by security and miles long. The lake is surrounded by woodland which makes it great to witness all sorts of critters. Unfortunately dogs, bikes, rollerblades and anything motorized is not allowed on the premises. There is also a large lookout point which is very scenic! I featured this lake in a vlog on my YouTube channel

9. The Struble Trail

Norwood Road, Downingtown, PA http://dsf.chesco.org/ccparks/cwp/view.asp?q=642050
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

The Struble Trail

Reviewed By cjharrer63 - Downingtown, United States

Pleasant, enjoyable scenery. Well maintained trail, very polite people and stress free walking. Also, good for jogging and slow bike riding.

10. Saucon Rail Trail

Hellertown, PA http://www.lowersaucontownship.org/srt.html
Excellent
60%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Saucon Rail Trail

Reviewed By CourtneyT_13 - Hellertown, United States

The other day I rode my beach cruiser from the Grist Mill to the Upper Saucon Township Park. I went alone. Usually, I'm with my family, or taking the dogs for a long walk, but this time, I just hopped on my bike and went for a ride. Friendly "hello"s and gorgeous scenery, well-maintained surfaces and amazing golf course and backyard views, as well as water fountains, park benches for resting and bubbling creeks ALL added up to a delightful hour of "me" time. If you get a chance to come to Hellertown, do yourself a favor and take a peaceful stroll along our historic rail trail!

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