Want an easy way to figure out which state parks to visit?! The PA Passport Program has all 121 state parks included and makes it fun for your kids! Read below to learn how it all works and for some of our favorite parks⛱️ .
What is the PA Passport Program?
A fun and unique way to get your kids outdoors is by participating in the PA Passport Program, which has been in effect since 2011 when the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began issuing spiral bound booklets. The 135-page passport is available for $12.72 (as of 2022), and includes maps, history of the parks and forest system, and supplemental online resources. Each park and/or forest featured in the passport is complete with a description of its most memorable feature(s), and participants can keep a record of their adventures by initialing /stamping and dating their booklet in the boxes provided for each.
A Local Favorite: R. B. Winter State Park (Mifflinburg)
Located in Bald Eagle State Forest, R. B. Winter State Park has a great beach area at Halfway Lake complete with a playground, as well as an easy hike to a scenic outlook. They also offer many environmental education opportunities, both outdoors and in their Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center & Sheary Linn Amphitheater.
Complete Challenges for Rewards !
The passport not only guides visitors to and around the public lands, but also provides various activities based on individual interest areas, making it engaging and approachable for many different kinds of families. For each interest area, you can challenge your family to complete the area and receive recognition for your accomplishments. Participants can receive a special ‘dog tag’ for each completed theme. For example, after visiting 10 scenic views or vistas, participating in 10 environmental education programs, or many other options, you get a tag! There is also a “See Them All” challenge if you are feeling competitive .
A Local Favorite: Hickory Run State Park (White Haven)
Hickory Run has many natural wonders to experience, including the famous National Natural Landmark, Boulder Field (which has been there-mostly unchanged-for 20,000 years!), as well as the Sand Spring Lake, Hawk Falls, Lehigh Gorge along Fireline Trail, and a visitor/educational center.
Want to see what each park has to offer?
This video by Kenneth Brubaker and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, gives you a glimpse of what each park or forest looks like!
A Local Favorite: Weiser State Forest (Catawissa)
Weiser State Forest has flat trails along the Roaring Creek Watershed area that are great for walking or biking, and views of McWilliam’s Reservoir that is lovely in both the summer and winter months. Four miles of the famed Appalachian trail pass through Weiser along the ridge top of Blue Mountain, which also offers gorgeous views.