Overview
As Pennsylvania’s leader and chief advocate for conservation and outdoor recreation, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will inspire citizens to:
- Value their natural resources
- Engage in conservation practices
- Experience the outdoors
Hiking
Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in Pennsylvania, and it’s no wonder with all of the outstanding opportunities, from short loop hikes on state park trails to long, multi-day options on state forest lands, to family-friendly adventures on one of Pennsylvania’s rail-trails.
Hiking
Biking
If your need for speed is on two wheels, there are lots of options in our Pennsylvania state parks or the vast network of rail trails in Pennsylvania for a spin on flat, family-friendly trails.
Biking
Kayaking and Canoeing
Pennsylvania is a paddler’s paradise because it is blessed with an abundance of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds all across the commonwealth for kayaking and canoeing. Many of these paddling opportunities exist within our state parks and forests.
Kayaking and Canoeing-
August 05, 2026 Shapiro Administration Opens New Round of Motorized Recreation Funding for ATV, Snowmobile Projects to Improve Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation IndustryThe fall grant round is open now through September 30, offering funding support to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities.
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August 05, 2026 Shapiro Administration Leaders Join Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps to Plant 250 Trees in Eagles Forest at Neshaminy State Park, Honoring Nation’s AnniversaryDepartment of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker joined regional Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps members at Neshaminy State Park in Bucks County to plant 250 trees in Eagles Forest honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.
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July 30, 2026 ICYMI: DCNR Celebrates Induction of Two State Parks into the National Old-Growth Forest NetworkOle Bull State Park in Potter County and Tuscarora State Park in Schuylkill County are the 44th and 45th forests to join the Old-Growth Forest Network, making Pennsylvania the leader for designated old-growth forests in the U.S.
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July 30, 2026 Responses to Wildfires in Cumberland, Carbon Counties Earns Two DCNR Groups Governor’s Awards for ExcellenceTwo teams of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) staff members who demonstrated exemplary public service in their wildfire response efforts have been recognized by Governor Josh Shapiro with Governor’s Awards for Excellence.
