While scrolling social media, I saw someone casually mention Sweet Arrow Lake as a place to find a…read morewaterfall in Central PA. A waterfall? Within 45 minutes of my house? Excuse me?! That was all I needed. Immediately added to the Sunday adventure list. I planned my visit for a mid-March Sunday, right after a hearty pre-St. Patrick's Day brunch (and cocktail), because if I was going to go chasing waterfalls, I might as well do it properly fueled and slightly festive. Getting there was super easy with Google Maps, and parking was plentiful all around the lake. Since it was my first visit, I parked near the clubhouse and set out to explore. Bathrooms were locked for the season, but there were portajohns available...which I respectfully chose to ignore and simply hoped for the best. It was about 50°, cloudy, and windy, but that didn't stop people from being out and about. There were families, walkers, and a surprisingly intense group of disc golfers launching discs through the air like they had something to prove. I heard multiple rounds of "HEAD'S UP!" and just accepted that at any moment I could become part of the game. Even with the number of people there, it never felt crowded. The park is big enough that you can easily find your own little peaceful corner and pretend you're out in nature alone...minus the occasional flying disc. This is definitely more of a walk than a hike, which honestly matched my post-brunch energy level perfectly. The paths are a mix of paved trails and well-worn walking routes, with plenty of options to wander depending on how far you feel like going. The lake itself was gorgeous in that moody, dramatic way that makes you feel like you're in a very calm, slightly emotional movie scene. There was someone fishing from a kayak, a few people along the shoreline, and just enough quiet to make it feel relaxing despite the wind. I came for the waterfall, though. And I heard it before I saw it. "I can hear water!" I announced (again, to no one in particular) as I followed the Waterfall Trail like I was on some sort of mission. And when I finally got there...totally worth it. The waterfall was beautiful. It might be partially man-made, but honestly, I do not care. It's water. It's falling. It's peaceful. It's a win! As I walked around, I kept thinking how perfect this place would be for a picnic once the weather warms up. There are so many great spots to throw down a blanket, snack, and pretend you're the kind of person who has their life together enough to plan outdoor picnics. Sweet Arrow Lake is easy to get to, easy to park, easy to walk, and very family-friendly. There's nothing wildly over-the-top here beyond the waterfall, but that's kind of the point. It's a solid, peaceful place to get outside, get some steps in, and enjoy a view that you don't come across every day in Central PA. And honestly? For a spontaneous "there's a waterfall 45 minutes away" adventure...I'd say that's a pretty great return on investment!

A wonderful place to go walking hiking trails are for beginners the small damn was cool must come…read moreearly parking are limited so get your parking spot early boat rental fun for the little one

The best playground we've ever taken our children too! He didn't want to leave! The soft ground…read morecoverings were peace of mind while he ran about with all the other children.

Lots of space to play and clean bathrooms. What more could you want?…read more I can't think of anything negative to say about this park. There is plenty of parking, is wheelchair- friendly, and is spread out, but small enough to let your little ones roam without worry. There is also a nice walking path that goes around the perimeter of the property that is good to get the wiggles out if the playground is not enough.

Well paved, nice for walk or run or picnic and fishing. Dog friendly. Well maintained. Lots of…read moreshades and don't need to worry to loft from the track

Beautiful clean and well maintained large park. Great family environment. Picnic tables with Grills…read moreare scatter throughout the park. Designated fishing areas. Boat rental available, prices are honestly steep. Prepare to pay close to $100 for 3 hours depending what you chose to rent. There is NO swimming area. Paragliding is allowed with proper registration. Dog friendly park. With trash receptacles and even doggy bag dispensers which I saw at the far end of the Dam Dam is walkable and a nice place to cool off and feel the breeze coming over the lakes surface.

Easily marked hiking trails, clean restrooms. Nice mix of easy and difficult trails. Plenty of…read morepicnic tables and grills.

For families with mobility issues or physical disabilities please do your research with certain…read morepavilion picnic areas. I was very disappointed with how our accessibility concerns were initially handled at Little Buffalo State Park. Pavilions 1 and 2 are extremely difficult, and for some people with disabilities, practically impossible to access from the parking area. I called the Little Buffalo State Park office on 7/9/26 two days prior to our family gathering to simply request to have the gate at the end of the access road to be opened temporarily (as we had the last several years), so family members with serious mobility limitations could be dropped off closer to our Pavilion 1. We were not asking to park there permanently. When I was told they would not temporarily open gate for us I asked to speak to Park Manager Jim Eckert to discuss this but he never called me back. There were 2 office employees I spoke to 7/9 and 7/10. One office employee named Tracy, who showed little empathy or willingness to help and ultimately hung up on me when I suggested going above their head and call DCNR (Department of conservation and natural resources.) Thankfully, Ryan Donavan at DCNR apologized and stepped in immediately and resolved the issue by making sure the gate was opened for drop-off. DCNR was wonderful, responsive, empathetic, and helpful--and the park rangers were also wonderful. We also found that a wheelchair could not even get through the bathroom stall entrance serving Pavilions 1 and 2. And not even a grab bar near the urinal. People with disabilities should not have to fight for basic access. The Americans With Disabilities Act is the law, not a suggestion! Little Buffalo State Park needs to seriously address accessibility at Pavilions 1 and 2 and how accommodation requests are handled by park manager Jim Eckart and staff. They were not at all empathetic or willing to help us find a solution. I would not want this to happen to another family. Thank you DCNR for stepping in.

If you don't mind the terrain - which can be a bit unstable - then this is a hike you'll enjoy!…read more The river runs right next to it. I parked at the "Devils" parking entrance. There's a tiny bridge as well as a very iffy hike alongside. I had my deaf and blind dog along with me so I couldn't do too much as I was afraid he'd fall down the side into the river. I hear that just past this parking area there's a beach? That should be cool. I'm actually on my way back there this morning to check it out. Bring water and bug spray cause I can only imagine the mosquitos, etc., that are there in late Spring and during Summertime. Enjoy!! Happy hiking.

I've camped at Hickory Run a few times and although this time there were some updates, there were…read moresome major downfalls. I stayed in the organized group camping area and loved how the sites that we booked allowed for plenty of tents to spread out within your group. We stayed in J, K and L. Last year there were porter potties and this year there was a bathhouse. Sadly there were no showers, the family bathroom was locked all weekend, and maintence getting to the bathroom was not good. Wehad to walk through a field of knee high grass to get there. During peak tick season, this was not ideal. Lastly, quiet hours apparently do not exist this is area of camping. Groups around us were chanting and singing before 5am and had an intense volleyball match at 6am. Boyscotts camped near us and were up late screaming until 12am. There needs to be more ranger presence, this truly altered our experience. The state park itself has great hiking and swimming area but the organized group sites were very mismanaged.

After 3 years of bi annual visits to Jim Thorpe, my boyfriend and I finally went to visit the…read moreoverlook (and it was finally opened - we had a great luck of it being closed the first 2-3 times we drove by it). You have to take a short detour off of either W Broadway or Beaver Run Dr. to Flagstaff Rd. There are signs you can follow all the way up there, on a one way dirt path 1,000 feet above the town, and only 3 miles away from it. We went around 4pm in November, when the sun was blending beautifully with the clouds. The panoramic view is insanely stunning! According to discovernepa.com : "Facing south, you'll take in a breathtaking look at the expansive Mahoning Valley and the rolling Pocono foothills. To the north, the overlook offers a stunning bird's-eye view of Jim Thorpe itself, nestled at the base of the mountains and bordered by the scenic curves of the Lehigh River." We took some pictures, walked around to take the views in. We noticed there is a development in process, so depending how long the construction will take place - I imagine the overlook might get more crowded, or the area more restricted. There is a picnic bench you can sit down at. And apparently there is also a camp site. Just imagine drinking your morning coffee with this view! Definitely will be visiting again when we're in the neighborhood.

Take in stunning, panoramic views of the rolling hilltops of Carbon County at this overlook in Jim…read moreThorpe. 100 Mile View offers a southern survey of the Mahoning Valley and beyond. To the north, you can capture a bird's eye view of Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge State Park, and the snaking Lehigh River. it is accessible via Flagstaff Road (or put google map) Parking: ample parking on the top.!! but when you are reaching, its one-way dirt road to the top, like hardly 200-300 meter.

One of my favorite places ever Our family has enjoyed camping here many years. There is a medium…read moresized lake with a beach area and plenty of room outside of that to fish and boat. The sites have a nice amount of trees in them and privacy between spots. We prefer the beach loop which is all tent camping. It usually is cold enough in the summer to need hoodies at night. There are a ton of chipmunks and squirrels. Make sure your food is secured well as they will find it and have chewed through our plastic totes to get to it. This morning we found that they got our chocolate bars, took them up into a tree and were dropping them half eaten onto the ground. Wildlife is nothing to mess with, they will cut you.

The lake and property are quite beautiful but the inhumane restrooms/showers are unacceptable.read more

WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! This hiking/walking/cycling/kayaking spot…read morealong the river is a breathtaking. I have hiked all over the country and this spot is definitely in my TOP FIVE! There's plenty of parking. There's actually a building for your personal needs - #1 & #2 that is incredibly clean. If you're cycling there's a bike pump and tire repair station. Bring your own patches, etc. If you want to dip your toes in the river there are quite a few stairs that lead you to the water. I have been here a few times - and it always surprises. At the parking area there's a bench you can sit at to relax and take in the sounds of the running river. When you walk to the left - over the bridge - you will come upon BUTTERMILK FALLS. Not sure why the name but it's beautiful and soothing. There are a few picnic tables if you should choose to bring some lunch. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take your trash with you!! Whenever possible, bring a bag with you and pick up whatever trash you come across while walking or hiking as not everyone respects nature. If you bring a dog - pick up after it. I attached a few pics & videos. Enjoy!!

We went here in anticipation on a hike yesterday morning. Once we parked, we came across a short…read morecave and explored inside a bit. If you're afraid of spiderweb or if the water was knee high in mud- all was good! It's was a short walk, get ready to duck your head or slowly walk with your cellphone light to guide you. The cool air in the cave was refreshing before we stepped out to look for the trail. Once you drive past the cave, there was another parking lot a few minutes further abd we parked again. At that point we took a map from the information by the outside board and kept it with us. We walked on this one trail for more than a mile or two until we realized we saw more people riding on bicycles than walking. We found out the bicyclists were on your and individuals can rent bicycles and choose to be part if a tour or bring their own. The trail itself was a good trail for biking, but we didn't know because it was implied anywhere more bikers were on it than walkers. When we returned back to the parking lot after the walk back, you can also bring your own rafts too and large groups of people can bring it down by the water. The hiking trail at Lehigh Gorge State Park was nowhere to be found. On the map, it is shown there is a trail (the brown lines) once you park. There was no parking lot, no signs to indicate where this hiking trail was, and we moved forward to go elsewhere. The map should probably be updated for this hiking trail because we did try to drive slowly and look for it over three times. Please mark accordingly where the hiking trail is for Lehigh State Park on the roads. We would love to come back to bike! It was a steady trail for biking and a gradual incline you can barely notice, making it comfortable to ride slow or fast.

Historic Fort Hunter Mansion & Parks offer family-fun activities: Find Your Happy Dauphin County…read moreParks Passport (10 different sites) with free mobile access, check-ins, and rewards. Wonderful place to relax. You can arrange a tour & visit the mansion, rent the barn, and enjoy the playgrounds, swings, and Adirondack chairs along the Susquehanna River. There are bathrooms and plenty of parking. Pavilions to rent or have lunch.

My friend had her wedding here, it was so pretty. Lots of…read moreparking & the park was very well cared for.

In York there are a lot of wonderful parks to choose from and this isn't any different. They have a…read morelarge selection of activities to choose from. A nice walking trail circles most of the park and biking, roller blades, and dogs are allowed. There are several playgrounds for kids, volleyball courts, softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, and an outdoor basketball court. During the summer months amateur and little league games are played in the park. Also in the summer are a series of concerts by the small pond. A great place to spend a warm day.