Pennsylvania Hiking

Description - Pennsylvania's most prominent natural feature is the Appalachian Mountain Range that rises in the center of the state. Several major rivers flow through the state including the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, in the east; the Susquehanna, centrally located; and the Ohio, Allegheny, Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers in the west. The major cities of Pennsylvania, including the capital city of Harrisburg, lie along these waterways.

The southeastern corner of Pennsylvania supports much of the population and some of the oldest communities in the state. The largest city within this region is Philadelphia. This city harbors Independence National Park and a plethora of historical and cultural institutions. Also rich in history are West Chester, Lancaster, Doylestown, and Hershey.

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Coal mining and tourism characterize the northeastern region of the state. The largest community in the region is Scranton, which developed around the mining industry. Over the past century, the gentle Pocono Mountains have become a haven for skiers and honeymooners from New York and New Jersey. Outdoor opportunities abound at nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Hickory Run State Park, and Tobyhanna State Park.

West of Scranton the state remains mountainous but significantly less populated. This region is the place to experience the slow pace of Pennsylvania. Thousands of visitors descend on this region each fall to view the brilliant display of fall colors.

The northwestern corner of the state contains the Allegheny National Forest the largest natural area in the state. North of the forest on the New York border is Allegheny Reservoir a haven for anglers and boaters. Erie is the largest community in this region and it lies on the southern shore of Lake Erie. The lake provides access to a variety of water-oriented activities.

Southwestern Pennsylvania harbors the other large city within the state, Pittsburgh. This city is known for its significant role in the steel making industry of the early twentieth century. Outdoor recreation abounds in this region offering some of the East Coasts best whitewater boating with yearly competition drawing thousands to the campgrounds, hiking trails and even to the new Rails-to-Trails system that has resulted in 84 multi-use trails.

Attractions - Pennsylvania's most prominent natural feature is the Appalachian Mountain Range that rises in the center of the state. Several major rivers flow through the state including the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, in the east; the Susquehanna, centrally located; and the Ohio, Allegheny, Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers in the west. The major cities of Pennsylvania lie along these waterways because they were once heavily used for transportation.

Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania and it lies in the south central region of the state. The Susquehanna River flows through the city and often causes havoc during flood stages. Outside of this small city are rolling hills and farming communities. Gettysburg National Military Park and several state parks lie within two hours of the capital.

The southeastern corner of Pennsylvania supports much of the population and some of the oldest communities in the state. The largest city within this region is Philadelphia. This city harbors Independence National Park and a plethora of historical and cultural institutions. Also rich in history are West Chester, Lancaster, Doylestown, and Hershey. Each of these communities provides an interesting look into the past and present Pennsylvania culture. Small state parks dot the landscape in this thickly settled region.

The northeastern region of the state is characterized by coal mining and tourism. The largest community in the region is Scranton, which developed around the mining industry. The landscape includes gentle mountains and rolling hills. The Pocono Mountains have been a haven for skiers and honeymooners from New York and New Jersey for decades. This region contains many green areas including Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Hickory Run State Park, and Tobyhanna State Park.

West of Scranton the state remains mountainous but significantly less populated. This region is the place to experience the slow pace of Pennsylvania. During the summer months, the diverse deciduous forest displays a thousand shades of green. The fall colors are remarkable and draw many visitors to the area.

The northwestern corner of the state contains the Allegheny National Forest the largest natural area in the state. North of the forest on the New York border is Allegheny Reservoir a haven for anglers and boaters. Erie is the largest community in this region and it lies on the southern shore of Lake Erie. The lake provides access to a variety of water-oriented activities.

Southwestern Pennsylvania harbors the other large city within the state, Pittsburgh. This city is known for its significant role in the steel making industry of the early twentieth century. Today the city is a cultural center for the region supporting many museums and historical sites. Natural areas surround the city with state parks to the north, south, east and west.

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Recreation - Recreation in this state is centered around state administered parks, forests and game lands. Small natural areas dot the landscape and provide facilities for hiking, camping, biking, fishing and picnicking. Within the last few years, a major initiative to turn abandoned railways into trails have resulted in 84 multi-use trails.

Climate - Pennsylvania has four distinct seasons and recreationists can find good in each one. Summer is usually hot and humid often extending from late May into September. Expect temperatures in the southeastern part of the state to reach 90 degrees F frequently. Temperatures in the Northern and western areas of the state are slightly cooler. Summer lows usually don't dip below 60 degrees F.

Winter temperatures average between 25 degrees and 45 degrees F in southeastern Pennsylvania. The west and mountains receive colder temperatures that average between -10 degrees and 35 degrees F. Spring and fall are excellent times to visit the state as temperatures are mild with little humidity. Spring brings a variety of wildflowers and shrubs into bloom and fall color displays of deciduous trees draw many to the forests of the state.

Location - Pennsylvania lies in the northeastern United States. Philadelphia is located in eastern Pennsylvania and Pittsburg is located in the western part of the state.