PENNSYLVANIA, USA — With autumn approaching, the cooler temperatures and fresh air make it an ideal time to explore Pennsylvania’s 19 National Parks.
Here is a comprehensive list of the National Parks available for visitors in the commonwealth:
1. **Gallitzin Railroad Park** – 110 Federal Park Rd., Gallitzin, PA 16641: This railroad, the first to traverse the Allegheny Mountains, operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can explore 1,249 acres including hiking trails and historic structures at no entry fee.
2. **Appalachian Trail** – Appalachian Trail Park Office, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425: This extensive footpath is open daily with no fees for hiking, although some areas require permits for camping or parking.
3. **Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail** – 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081: This water trail is open year-round for boating and paddling, though individual access points may have differing hours and fees.
4. **Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area** – 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324: Open 24/7 with no entrance fee, it features opportunities for hiking, fishing, and more in a stunning natural setting.
5. **Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site** – 532 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, PA 19123: Currently closed for renovations, this historic site allows self-guided tours when open.
6. **Eisenhower National Historic Site** – 250 Eisenhower Farm Rd., Gettysburg, PA: Open daily with free tours offered from August through mid-October.
7. **First State National Historical Park** – 10 Market St., New Castle, DE 19720: Contains multiple sites across Delaware and Pennsylvania.
8. **Flight 93 National Memorial** – 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, PA 15563: This memorial honors the victims of Flight 93 and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9. **Fort Necessity National Battlefield** – 3 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437: Open daily from sunrise to sunset, this historic battleground charges no entrance fee.
10. **Friendship Hill National Historic Site** – 223 New Geneva Rd., Point Marion, PA 15470: Features the home of former Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin and is open daily from sunrise to sunset with free entry.
11. **Gettysburg National Military Park** – 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325: The battlefield is open daily, free for visitors from dawn until dusk.
12. **Gloria Dei Church** – 916 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia, PA 19147: Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., it is the oldest church building in Pennsylvania.
13. **Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site** – 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520: This park features trails and historic sites, open Wednesday through Sunday with free entry.
14. **Independence National Historical Park** – 599 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106: Visitors can explore significant sites and must book tours for Independence Hall.
15. **Johnstown Flood National Memorial** – 733 Lake Road, South Fork, PA 15956: This memorial is open daily from sunrise to sunset at no cost.
16. **Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail** – 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA: This expansive trail, open year-round, marks the journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at no charge.
17. **National Park Service – Delaware River** – 1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107: Open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering scenic views.
18. **Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail** – 142 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795: This picturesque trail is open year-round with free access.
19. **Steamtown National Historic Site** – 350 Cliff St., Scranton, PA 18503: This site preserves the steam railroad era and is open daily; some areas are closed for repairs.
20. **Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial** – 3 and Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19106: Open on weekends, the memorial is free to enter.
21. **Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River** – 274 River Road, Beach Lake, PA 18405: Open 24 hours a day with no entrance fee, ideal for fishing and canoeing.
22. **Valley Forge National Historical Park** – 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406: Open year-round with free entry; some activities like trolley tours have fees.
These parks offer diverse experiences, from historical sites to natural wonders, inviting all to explore Pennsylvania’s rich heritage and beautiful landscapes.