National Parks in Pennsylvania
The following is a comprehensive travel guide and complete list of the 19 different national parks in Pennsylvania. Each of these national parks are considered an official unit of the National Park Service.
List of the National Parks in Pennsylvania
- Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail* (w/ 13 other states)
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (w/ New Jersey)
- Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- First State National Historical Park (w/ Delaware)
- Flight 93 National Memorial
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
- Independence National Historical Park
- Johnstown Flood National Memorial
- Middle Delaware National Scenic River (w/ New Jersey)
- Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail* (w/ Maryland, Virginia & Washington, DC)
- Steamtown National Historic Site
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
- Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River (w/ New York)
- Valley Forge National Historical Park
* Not shown on above map.
NOTE: As of 2021, I have visited all of the national parks in Pennsylvania, except for Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Philadelphia.
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Nearest City: Altoona, PA
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is great for those interested in history or trains alike. One of the national parks in Pennsylvania, it was the first railroad built through the the Allegheny Mountains. Therefore, it was this amazing feat that made this 19th-century railroad a marvel of engineering for its time. Moreover, the Allegheny Portage Railroad also helped to greatly reduce transportation time from Philadelphia to the Ohio River.
In addition, some features of this national park include an engine house, a reconstructed track and a skew arch bridge. Furthermore, a separate unit of the park is the first railroad tunnel built in the United States.
Official NPS Website for Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/alpo/index.htm
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,200-mile long hiking trail that stretches from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Crossing 14 states (including Pennsylvania), it is the longest hiking-only trail in the world. The trail is jointly managed by the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The Appalachian Trail is popular with hikers of all experience levels. For example, more than 2 million people hike at least a portion of the trail every year.
Official NPS Website for Appalachian National Scenic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Nearest City: Stroudsburg, PA & Point Jervis, NY
Straddling the border of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans 70,000 acres. Moreover, it features numerous cultural and historical sites, such as Native American archaeological sites, villages, and structural remains from early Dutch settlements. Furthermore, this national park also boasts endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, like hiking, biking, swimming and canoeing.
Two separate national parks in Pennsylvania also fall within the boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. A portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs alongside the eastern boundary of the national park. The Middle Delaware National Scenic River is a 40-mile stretch of the Delaware River that is protected within the park as well.
Official NPS Website for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: https://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Nearest City: Located in Philadelphia, PA
This national park in Pennsylvania preserves a house that was once rented by one of America’s most famous authors, Edgar Allan Poe. Located in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Spring Garden, it also commemorates his life and work. Poe spent six years of his life in Philadelphia between several different residences. However, the home at Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is the only one left standing.
As an aside, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is affiliated with another of the national parks in Pennsylvania (and Philadelphia) – Independence National Historical Park.
Official NPS Website for Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/edal/index.htm
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Nearest City: Gettysburg, PA
Eisenhower National Historic Site is one of the national parks in Pennsylvania, preserving a home and farm once owned by the 34th President of the United States. Located just outside of Gettysburg, the property encompasses over 690 acres of land. In addition, it was used as a weekend retreat for President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. Furthermore, the property and grounds also served as a meeting place between Eisenhower and several world leaders while he served in office.
Official NPS Website for Eisenhower National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/eise/index.htm
First State National Historical Park
Nearest Cities: Dover, Lewes, New Castle, & Wilmington, DE
First State National Historical Park is located primarily in the state of Delaware. However, the Brandywine Valley unit extends partly into Pennsylvania. This national park preserves the early history of the Colony of Delaware, as well as the role it played in the establishment of the United States. Delaware would be the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
Features of the park include one of the nation’s oldest courthouses, and several historic homes and churches. Another component of the park is Beaver Valley – a 1,100-acre piece of land that has remained relatively unchanged since the early 1900s. Not surprisingly, it is used today for several outdoor recreational activities by visitors.
Official NPS Website for First State National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm
Flight 93 National Memorial
Nearest City: Johnstown, PA
On September 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 was hijacked and crashed into a rural Pennsylvania field. Located in Somerset County, Flight 93 National Memorial was created in remembrance of the 40 brave individuals on the flight that stopped the terrorists from reaching their intended target. Subsequently, the memorial was completed and opened on September 10, 2011, followed by a visitor center exactly five years later.
The visitor center overlooks an intricate, white marble ‘Wall of Names’, which displays the names of all of the victims of this particular attack on September 11th. This wall, as well as an observation platform at the visitor center, were both built beneath the path of Flight 93.
Official NPS Website for Flight 93 National Memorial: https://www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Nearest City: Uniontown, PA
Fort Necessity National Battlefield preserves the site of the Battle of Fort Necessity – the first battle of the French and Indian War. During the summer of 1754, it was at this site where George Washington abruptly began his military career. Also, it was the place of his first and only military surrender.
One of the national parks in Pennsylvania, it features a modern reconstruction of Fort Necessity. In addition to the Fort, other components of the park include the Mount Washington Tavern and two other separate units. These are the site of the Battle of Jumonville Glen and the grave of British General Edward Braddock.
Official NPS Website for Fort Necessity National Battlefield: https://www.nps.gov/fone/index.htm
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Nearest City: Pittsburgh, PA
Friendship Hill was the home of Albert Gallatin, the longest-serving Secretary of the Treasury under two different presidents (Jefferson and Madison). In addition, Gallatin was also a U.S. Congressman and the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain and France. The house preserved at Friendship Hill was built in several sections with different architectural styles, the earliest (and main part) being the brick house constructed in the Federal style.
Friendship Hill National Historic Site was established in November of 1978 and is administered under another nearby National Park Service site – Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
Official NPS Website for Friendship Hill National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/frhi/index.htm
Gettysburg National Military Park
Nearest City: Gettysburg, PA
The site of one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War is protected and preserved at Gettysburg National Military Park. Managed by the National Park Service, it comprises not only the Gettysburg Battlefield, but also several other non-battle sites – including Gettysburg National Cemetery and the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. Additionally, the cemetery was the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address”, one of the most famous speeches in American history.
With so much history, it’s no surprise that Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the most popular national parks in Pennsylvania – receiving over 1 million visitors every year.
Official NPS Website for Gettysburg National Military Park: https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Nearest City: Reading, PA
Located in in southeastern Pennsylvania, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is America’s finest example of a former rural “iron plantation”. This National Park Service site is comprised of 14 restored buildings and structures, preserving an early American industrial landscape. The village at Hopewell Furnace features several different restored buildings and structures that were utilized during the 18th and 19th centuries. Included are the blast furnace, the ironmaster’s mansion, the blacksmith shop and the charcoal house.
Founded in 1771 by ironmaster Mark Bird, Hopewell Furnace saw its most prosperous years between 1820 and 1840. However, the American Civil War also raised production levels significantly for a brief period. In the mid-19th century, new methods and technologies in ironmaking were invented, making smaller businesses like Hopewell Furnace obsolete. As a result, operations at Hopewell Furnace finally ceased in 1883.
Official NPS Website for Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/hofu/index.htm
Independence National Historical Park
Nearest City: Located in Philadelphia, PA
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park preserves several historic sites directly related to the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. Established on July 4, 1956 (Independence Day), the 55-acre park is one of the national parks in Pennsylvania.
The centerpiece within Independence National Historical Park is Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both conceived and signed inside this building, in 1776 and 1787 respectively.
Another notable feature of this national historical park is the Liberty Bell Center, which houses the famous Liberty Bell. Other components of the park include Congress Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, Free Quaker Meeting House, the City Tavern and the First Bank of the United States.
Official NPS Website for Independence National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Nearest City: Johnstown, PA
Johnstown Flood National Memorial was established in remembrance of the more than 2,200 people who lost their lives in the devastating Johnstown Flood on May 31, 1889. It was on this day that the South Fork Dam, operated and owned by the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club broke from the weight of accumulated rain water. Consequently, 20 million tons of water rushed towards Johnstown at 40 mph, destroying everything in its path. As a result, it would take Johnstown five years to totally rebuild and recover from the flood.
Managed by the National Park Service, visitors to this memorial can see the remains of the South Fork Dam, as well as the former lakebed of Lake Conemaugh. In addition, there are several other buildings belonging to the park, including the Unger House and the Springhouse. These structures are both a short walking distance from the visitor center. Moreover, the nearby community of St Michael is home to the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Clubhouse.
Official NPS Website for Johnstown Flood National Memorial: https://www.nps.gov/jofl/index.htm
Middle Delaware National Scenic River
Nearest Cities: Stroudsburg, PA & Point Jervis, NY
The Delaware River is one of the major rivers on the eastern coast of the United States. A 40-mile portion of this picturesque river helps to form the boundary between the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Middle Delaware National Scenic River is entirely encompassed by one of the larger national parks in Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. In addition, this section of the river is home to the historic Minisink Valley Region. This area was occupied by indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
Official NPS Website for Middle Delaware National Scenic River: https://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a 710-mile network of both existing and planned sections. It crosses through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Managed by the National Park Service, the trail aims to showcase the historical, natural, and cultural heritage of the Potomac River, as well as the watersheds of the Ohio and Rappahannock Rivers. Unlike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Potomac Heritage Trail features numerous side trails and alternate routes. However, the Potomac Heritage Trail actually intersects with the Appalachian Trail near Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia.
Official NPS Website for Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm
Steamtown National Historic Site
Nearest City: Located in Scranton, PA
Located in the heart of downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown National Historic Site is a heritage railroad and railroad museum administered by the National Park Service. The park was built on the site of the former Scranton yards of the DL&W (Delaware, Lackawanna and Western) Railroad. Furthermore, the fascinating museum was constructed around a roundhouse and fully-functional, working turntable. The majority of the locomotives and equipment displayed at the museum were part of the private collection of F. Nelson Blount. He moved the original Steamtown from Bellows Falls, Vermont to Scranton in 1984.
Official NPS Website for Steamtown National Historic Site: https://www.nps.gov/stea/index.htm
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
Nearest City: Located in Philadelphia, PA
This site was the former home of Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Kościuszko, a Polish patriot and hero of the American Revolutionary War. He made this building at 301 Pine Street his home after his return to the United States. This move followed his wounding, capture, imprisonment, and banishment from Poland, which was occupied by Russia at the time. While he recuperated from his war-time wounds, Thaddeus Kosciuszko was visited at this house by Vice President Thomas Jefferson.
At only 0.02 acres, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial the smallest of all the national parks in Pennsylvania. Likewise, it is also the smallest site operated by the entire National Park Service.
Official NPS Website for Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: https://www.nps.gov/thko/index.htm
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Nearest City: Honesdale, PA
The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River includes a 73.4 mile stretch of the Delaware River. Running along the state border between Pennsylvania and New York, it crosses through five different counties. Of the 55,575 acres that make up this park, the vast majority of the land in this park is privately owned. Therefore, only about 30 acres are governed by the National Park Service.
In addition to the river itself, there are other features in the park. These include Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct (the oldest wire suspension bridge in the U.S.) and the Zane Grey Museum. This museum is the former home of the famous American author. Unfortunately, it was badly damaged by the 2006 Mid-Atlantic United States flood. Repairs and renovations to the home were successful, so as a result, the museum is once again open to visitors.
Official NPS Website for Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River: https://www.nps.gov/upde/index.htm
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Nearest City: King of Prussia, PA
Valley Forge National Historical Park was the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army. That is to sayCommanded by General George Washington, the encampment lasted exactly six months from December 19, 1777 until June 19, 1778. Originally established as Pennsylvania’s first state park, Valley Forge became a National Historical Park on July 4, 1976.
At over 3,500 acres, there are several different components located within Valley Forge National Historical Park. These include the Muhlenberg Brigade Area, Washington’s Headquarters, the National Memorial Arch, and various other historical buildings. Furthermore, reconstructed structures, such as log cabins and four redoubts, are also available for park visitors to explore.
Official NPS Website for Valley Forge National Historical Park: https://www.nps.gov/vafo/index.htm