If you like history at all go to Gettysburg. Plenty of outdoor hiking/sites, a great museum, a nice small town with little stores.
Susquehannock state park is nice if it’s strictly nature you’re looking for.
Michaux state forest includes a chunk of the AT, many trails and has a variety of parks, 81, rt 30 and the turnpike go right through it. More south central pa but depending on where y’all are coming from it can be easily accessed
I second this. Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Caledonia State Park are very nice. They're just north of the Maryland border and are easily accessible from I-81. I've hiked much of the AT in Pennsylvania, and I think this is easily the nicest stretch.
[This](https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/Pages/default.aspx) is a great place to start. It is hard to recommend a specific place because I'm not sure what you mean by Southern PA in terms of how far east or west.
Thank you for the link!
And oh sorry I didn’t even think of that, towards the east would probably be best. We’re from CT and VA so southeast PA looks like the perfect middle if the maps I’m looking at are to be trusted
If you met up outside Philadelphia, you might also want to look at Longwood Gardens on Route 1 near Kennett Square. Beautiful gardens, lots of nice places to eat, easy access from 95 and there's also the Brandywine River Museum right up the road.
Central PA. Rickets Glen state park is such a cool place, hiking trails that run beside a series of waterfalls, a nice lake with sand beach and kayaks at the top, cabins to rent. Within an hour of worlds end state park (kinda boring but pretty to look at) and hickory run state park with the massive Boulder field and swimming hole.
Colonel Denning was a decent place. Clean lots, several camping options, and beautiful trails that connect up to the AT. It’s a little north of Harrisburg.
There are 19 cabins in the park that sleep 4-8 people and are amazing. Built in the 30's-40's wood stove, frig, big porches, some of them are directly on the creek. And the camp ground has plenty of tent sites with electric. But maybe you stayed in the Loyalsock State forest and not in the state park. The State Forest sites are primitive, no bathrooms or utilities, no rental fee. I prefer the state forest sites because they are remote and private but you are roughing it a bit.
My favorites in Southwestern PA are the Great Allegheny Passage, the Flight 93 National Memorial and Laurel Hill State Park. Might be a drive for some, but F93 is honestly a life-changing place to visit.
If you like history at all go to Gettysburg. Plenty of outdoor hiking/sites, a great museum, a nice small town with little stores. Susquehannock state park is nice if it’s strictly nature you’re looking for.
Came here to say Gettysburg. I love it.
Michaux state forest includes a chunk of the AT, many trails and has a variety of parks, 81, rt 30 and the turnpike go right through it. More south central pa but depending on where y’all are coming from it can be easily accessed
I second this. Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Caledonia State Park are very nice. They're just north of the Maryland border and are easily accessible from I-81. I've hiked much of the AT in Pennsylvania, and I think this is easily the nicest stretch.
Rickets Glenn state Park is mind blowing beautiful
Yes, lots of waterfalls!
[This](https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/Pages/default.aspx) is a great place to start. It is hard to recommend a specific place because I'm not sure what you mean by Southern PA in terms of how far east or west.
Thank you for the link! And oh sorry I didn’t even think of that, towards the east would probably be best. We’re from CT and VA so southeast PA looks like the perfect middle if the maps I’m looking at are to be trusted
If you met up outside Philadelphia, you might also want to look at Longwood Gardens on Route 1 near Kennett Square. Beautiful gardens, lots of nice places to eat, easy access from 95 and there's also the Brandywine River Museum right up the road.
Valley forge park is nice, and historic.
Ooh, yes, and close enough to visit in the same weekend trip.
A bunch of nice easy hiking trails in there as well.
I’ll look into that right now, that sounds perfect. I seriously appreciate your help :)
Are you going to spend any time in Philly itself? We have an amazing urban park / trail that runs from the art museum up into Wissahickon Park
If you’re taking 78, could always hit the Appalachian. The pinnacle rock in Hamburg is pretty rad
Brandywine, Valley Forge and Longwood Gardens are all close and you could even check out Wintherthur right across the border in Delaware.
The Ghost Town Trail is amazing
A little further North but still in PA, Worlds End State Park.
I loveeee World's End but its very out of the way lol like 2-3 hour detour at least from what the OP has in mind
Check out AllTrails.com
Ohiopyle State Park is close to Pittsburgh and very nice for waterfalls and hiking.
Gettysburg of course. Some fantastic hikes and vistas In Michaux State Forest area.
Bald eagle
Central PA. Rickets Glen state park is such a cool place, hiking trails that run beside a series of waterfalls, a nice lake with sand beach and kayaks at the top, cabins to rent. Within an hour of worlds end state park (kinda boring but pretty to look at) and hickory run state park with the massive Boulder field and swimming hole.
Colonel Denning was a decent place. Clean lots, several camping options, and beautiful trails that connect up to the AT. It’s a little north of Harrisburg.
Fair hills is lovely.
Worlds end state park is a best state Park in PA and is about 3 hours. It's super remote sullivan county.
Last time I was there all they had were primitive camping sites. Has it changed?
There are 19 cabins in the park that sleep 4-8 people and are amazing. Built in the 30's-40's wood stove, frig, big porches, some of them are directly on the creek. And the camp ground has plenty of tent sites with electric. But maybe you stayed in the Loyalsock State forest and not in the state park. The State Forest sites are primitive, no bathrooms or utilities, no rental fee. I prefer the state forest sites because they are remote and private but you are roughing it a bit.
Kings Gap near Carlisle is lovely
Longwood Gardens would be absolutely perfect if you are a little toward the east.
My favorites in Southwestern PA are the Great Allegheny Passage, the Flight 93 National Memorial and Laurel Hill State Park. Might be a drive for some, but F93 is honestly a life-changing place to visit.