5 Hidden Gem State Parks in Pennsylvania You’ve Never Heard Of

Pennsylvania’s well-known parks, like Ohiopyle, Hickory Run, and Ricketts Glen, are crowd favorites for a reason. But if you’re looking to escape the weekend crowds and find a bit more peace and quiet, these parks might not be your best bet—especially during the summer.

Luckily for you, Pennsylvania has over 120 state parks throughout the Commonwealth. We’ve visited most of them, and we have discovered new favorites along the way that we can’t wait to share with you. These five lesser-known state parks should be on your adventure list.

Whether you’re after a quiet hike, a scenic paddle, or just a chance to sit and enjoy nature or bird watching, check out these five underrated parks.

1. Trough Creek State Park

Trough Creek State Park is a small, quiet park nestled in the south-central part of the state. It’s home to some really cool natural features like the teetering Balanced Rock and the beautiful Rainbow Falls.

What makes Trough Creek special is that you can enjoy the many unique spots here more often without the large crowds you’d find at larger parks. The suspension bridge and old cemetery add history to the park’s charm.

A person stands in front of Balanced Rock, a large, precariously stacked natural rock formation at Trough Creek State Park in central Pennsylvania. Surrounded by a wooden fence and green trees, the scene captures the unique geological feature under a partly cloudy sky.

We love the hiking options at Trough Creek, too. We’d recommend parking at Copperas Rock to start your hike, continuing all the way to Rainbow Falls and Balanced Rock.

Some of the trails along the gorge are narrow, with steep drop-offs, but if you visit when the rhododendrons bloom, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a magical forest. They add an extra splash of color to the already beautiful landscape.

Though the campground is on the smaller side, this park is perfect for a weekend getaway.

2. McConnells Mill State Park

McConnells Mill State Park is one of our favorite day-use parks, and since we’re on the western side of PA, we visit often! The centerpiece of the park is the historic gristmill and the striking red covered bridge. That’s what you’ll most often see in photos of the park, as well as Hells Hollow Falls.

But the real draw for hikers is the Gorge Trail and all the connectors, where the challenging terrain rewards you with spectacular views of the Slippery Rock Gorge and waterfalls cascading through the gorge.

A calm scene at McConnells Mill State Park features a historic covered bridge painted in red, adjacent to an old, weathered mill beside calm, greenish water. The overcast sky and bare trees surrounding the area add a serene, timeless quality to this hidden gem in Pennsylvania.

Parking can be tricky near the mill and bridge, especially on weekends. If you’re planning a hike, we recommend parking in the small pull-off above Alpha Falls if you can snag a spot. There are other larger parking lots, too, both at the Point and the Kildoo picnic area.

If you’ve managed to snag a spot above Alpha Falls, start your adventure along the North Country Trail, passing several key sights and eventually reaching Breakneck Falls.

We often opt for a loop hike, crossing the creek via the Eckert Bridge and returning on the opposite side of the gorge. While the area around the mill can get crowded, the trail itself is beautiful with lots of interesting rock features and seasonal waterfalls.

3. Prompton State Park

Prompton State Park is a hidden gem for those who enjoy a variety of activities. With over 26 miles of hiking and biking trails, a scenic lake, and even a disc golf course, we had a ton of fun exploring this park. Being another day-use park off the beaten path, it’s a little more quiet and secluded.

On our visit, our first mission was to find the waterfalls in the park. We’re always on the lookout for new waterfalls! We had a little trouble finding these ones, but don’t worry. We’ll save you some time and energy.

A lush, green lakeside view at Prompton State Park with a clear reflection of the forested hills and clouds in the still water. A disc golf basket stands out with its red hue on the grassy shore dotted with yellow wildflowers.

Park along Beech Grove Road and follow the East Shore Trail. Don’t take any of the early side trails! We did, which led to us wandering around on top of the ridge for quite some time.

Eventually, we found the waterfalls on our way back down the hill, and they were worth the effort. However there is an easier way to get there! Make sure to stay on the East Shore Trail until you cross the bridge to reach the falls!

We also enjoyed the disc golf course, which was one of the more scenic we’ve played, with a variety of wooded holes and some with great views of the lake.

4. Chapman State Park

Chapman State Park is the perfect place to spend a some time in the northern PA Wilds.

It’s and ideal par for paddling the lake, camping, and wildlife watching. Chapman is a four-season destination, with camping and hiking in the warmer months and a sledding hill for winter fun.

An empty park bench overlooking the peaceful lake at Chapman State Park, with a forested hillside in the background under a clear blue sky. The bench invites visitors to sit and enjoy the views in this lesser-known park in Pennsylvania.

If you want to explore further, Chapman is an excellent base for exploring nearby parts of the Allegheny National Forest.

On our visit, we took full advantage of the hiking trails and spotting wildlife. It’s common to see eagles and deer in this area, so bring your binoculars!

The campground is well-maintained with around 80 sites, making it a great spot for a low-key camping weekend.

5. Kings Gap Environmental Education Center

Kings Gap offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and educational opportunities. At the top of the drive, you’ll find panoramic views of the Cumberland Valley from the Cameron-Masland Mansion overlook.

The views are very accessible, and you can reach it by either hiking or driving up South Mountain.

The stately mansion at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, featuring a unique blend of rough stone architecture with modern glass elements. Surrounded by greenery and set under a clear blue sky, this historic building serves as a focal point at the summit, showcasing the center's commitment to merging natural beauty with educational facilities."

There are over 20 miles of hiking trails, where you can cover a variety of terrain to beautiful views. The center hosts educational programs year-round, but it’s the peaceful hikes and breathtaking views that make Kings Gap stand out.

We spent some hiking the forested trails lower on the mountain before making our way up to the mansion. The view from the mansion overlook is incredible! The Kings Gap Hollow and Cold Springs Overlook trails were some of our favorites.

Kings Gap is perfect for those looking to combine a hike with a little bit of history and environmental education. Make sure you also check out the garden near the mansion before you head back out of the park.

These five state parks may not be the most famous in Pennsylvania, but that’s exactly what makes them so special. From unique geological formations at Trough Creek to the quiet beauty of Chapman State Park, each of these hidden gems has a variety of new terrain to explore.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape where you can truly connect with nature, I highly recommend adding these parks to your list.

Are you looking for more beautiful Pennsylvania state parks? Check out these must-visit state parks in PA with waterfalls, too.