Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Working to ensure a place--and an experience--for everyone in Pennsylvania's state parks and forests. Http://paparksandforests.org

As much as we love that classic TLC song, we DO go chasing waterfalls around here! Pennsylvania is home to some amazing ...
06/16/2026

As much as we love that classic TLC song, we DO go chasing waterfalls around here!

Pennsylvania is home to some amazing waterfalls and no matter how many times you may see them, they always manage to take your breath away.

Last year, we asked folks what their favorite trails were for seeing waterfalls and the people answered the call! Check out the Waterfalls fact sheet under 'Favorite Trails' on PPFF's Publications page, linked in the comments.

Do you have a favorite PA park or forest you like to visit for epic waterfall viewing?

Photo credits:
#1 - William Sisson, Ricketts Glen SP
#2 - Lisa Hoose, Tioga SF
#3 - Fran Bires, McConnells Mill SP
#4 - Brodie Bard, Ohiopyle SP
#5 - Bruce Walkovich, Elk SF
#6 - D Suszanne Evans, Ohiopyle SP

Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to unwind, and awareness of risks and being prepared can help make outdoo...
06/15/2026

Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to unwind, and awareness of risks and being prepared can help make outdoor adventures stay fun and enjoyable.

Today PPFF joined representatives from DCNR, DEP, and public health officials from the PA Department of Health at a press event in Samuel S. Lewis State Park to raise awareness on tick safety and simple steps everyone can take to reduce their risk while enjoying the outdoors.

Some tick prevention tips:
👚 Wear light-colored clothing
👖 Wear long pants and tuck into your socks
🥾 Treat your clothes with permethrin or use insect repellant containing some DEET
👣 Stay on trails when possible
✔️ Perform a thorough tick check after spending time outside

Awareness and preparation goes a long way toward keeping your outdoor experiences safe and enjoyable.

Are you looking for a way to beat the heat? Come on out to the Carlisle Theater for a showing of Out There, a National P...
06/14/2026

Are you looking for a way to beat the heat?

Come on out to the Carlisle Theater for a showing of Out There, a National Park Story brought to you by the Friends of Kings Gap.

The show starts at two o'clock today and if you arrive early enough, you can meet some of the exhibitors, including the Friends, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, and PPFF.

Tomorrow is National Get Outdoors Day!We're all about outdoor fun around here, and Pennsylvania's state parks and forest...
06/12/2026

Tomorrow is National Get Outdoors Day!

We're all about outdoor fun around here, and Pennsylvania's state parks and forests offer so many opportunities to get out there and experience the numerous ways outdoor recreation improves our health and well-being.

Spending time outside offers an incredible amount of benefits to physical and mental health, helping to reduce stress levels, improve mood, increase cardio health and fitness, and help increase mobility and function.

Outdoor recreation can help build community, encourage exploration, and foster a deep appreciation for nature through shared experiences or finding time to volunteer.

If you're looking for a fun or new experience this weekend to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day, download the 250 Celebrations 'Bingo' game (linked in the comments) to discover and explore!

How are you celebrating this weekend?

Photo credits:
#1: David Raymond, Michaux SF
#2: Dan Wertz, Memorial Lake SP
#3: Marilyn Wagener, Cook Forest SP
#4: Beth Vanhorn, Park Dam SP

PA Parks and Forests Foundation staff are out and about today!While Bryce was visiting our friends at Beltzville State P...
06/11/2026

PA Parks and Forests Foundation staff are out and about today!

While Bryce was visiting our friends at Beltzville State Park, Marci and Carla were at Cowans Gap State Park at the DCNR press event on Accessible Recreation.

Marci and DCNR staff, including Secretary Cindy Dunn, spoke about the importance of these projects to help all Pennsylvanians find belonging in the outdoors and to find empowerment in recreating in the Commonwealth's parks and forests.

Cowans Gap has thoughtfully designed accessible amenities to make outdoor recreation more easily available to more park users. There's accessible pavilions and a large shaded picnic area, a fishing pier, accessible lake access ramp, and a Communication Board installed at the playground. These features exist because of park user feedback, which goes a long way in helping park staff understand the diverse needs and functionality of these amenities.

For more information on where to find accessible features in PA parks and forests, check out the map linked in the comments.

06/11/2026

Friends of Beltzville State Park

Today on the trail we’re out visiting Friends of Beltzville State Park! Located south of Scranton - the friends host fir...
06/11/2026

Today on the trail we’re out visiting Friends of Beltzville State Park! Located south of Scranton - the friends host first day and earth day hikes while also stewarding the trails. 🌲🌊🌸

🙋‍♂️We are looking for tabling volunteers! As event seaon wraps up, so do the chances for getting involved. From outdoor...
06/11/2026

🙋‍♂️We are looking for tabling volunteers! As event seaon wraps up, so do the chances for getting involved. From outdoor expos to local theaters - you can help PPFF educate the public about the value of our state parks and forests. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/pkVUmynNwmjSa8Ss8

We love a trailblazer, and who embodies that more than Emma "Grandma" Gatewood?In 1955 at the age of 67, Gatewood "went ...
06/10/2026

We love a trailblazer, and who embodies that more than Emma "Grandma" Gatewood?

In 1955 at the age of 67, Gatewood "went out for a walk" (AKA her first solo hike on the Appalachian Trail), beginning in Georgia and ending in Maine. She packed little provisions, wore Keds sneakers, and carried an army blanket, raincoat, and plastic shower curtain to use for shelter.

Resilient and resourceful, she quickly discovered that the A.T. is a long and challenging terrain to hike. Yet she received plenty of assistance from fellow hikers and became somewhat of a local celebrity in the A.T. towns, earning the nickname “Grandma Gatewood.”

Upon her completion of the trail she became the first woman and 6th person ever to complete the thru-hike. She then went on to complete the A.T. two more times after that!

Grandma Gatewood is an example of perseverance, resilience, and finding healing on the trail. As we celebrate our rivers and trails, we also celebrate her and the inspiring hiking legacy she left behind.

Tune in to the latest episode of WITF's The Spark tomorrow, June 9, at 12 p.m.!Join PPFF President Marci Mowery, PA Outd...
06/08/2026

Tune in to the latest episode of WITF's The Spark tomorrow, June 9, at 12 p.m.!

Join PPFF President Marci Mowery, PA Outdoor Business Alliance Executive Director Dr. Silas Chamberlin, and PA Outdoor Recreation Association Executive Director Lutricia Eberly as they sit down with host Asia Tabb to discuss the impact and importance of Pennsylvania's outdoor business economy.

The episode will be available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, with the podcast link going live Wednesday morning.

Find the link to WITF's website in the comments.

Address

704 Lisburn Road Suite 102
Camp Hill, PA
17011

Telephone

+17172367644

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