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Nature|National & State Parks

You’ll Love The Endless Skies At This Enchanting Park In Pennsylvania

Lyman Run State Park in Pennsylvania offers a perfect getaway with activities like hiking, boating, and stargazing.

Published Aug 11, 2018

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Craving a little alone time? Peace and quiet to just clear your head, to think, or to just be? Nature certainly provides everything we need to relax and to recharge. Even a stroll through a small, local park can do wonders for releasing stress. But, sometimes we need more than that. Sometimes we want to go beyond our neighborhood. Next time you've got a free day, journey to this enchanting park in Pennsylvania perfect for a day trip or an overnight getaway.

Escape to Lyman Run State Park, nestled on a cozy 595-acres in Potter County, under endless skies that are perfect for watching the sunset and stargazing.

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Trip Advisor/rivercouple75

Of course, the cozy state park boasts plenty to do — from hiking and boating to swimming and ATV riding.

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Facebook/Friends of Lyman Run

If you visit during the winter months, you can go ice skating, snowmobiling, or sledding.

But, the main attraction? The endless skies. Throw down a blanket near the lake, an idyllic spot for watching the sunset.

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Trip Advisor/rivercouple75

In fact, Lyman Run State Park sits only 18 miles from Cherry Springs State Park, known as one of the clearest spots for stargazing on the Eastern Seaboard. (Stargazing at Lyman Run is pretty spectacular, too.)

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Trip Advisor/Jessica S.

But, before nightfall, explore Lyman Run Lake by kayak, canoe, or motorboat. Or, sink your feet into the soft sand of the 300-foot beach before cooling off in the lake.

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Facebook/Friends of Lyman Run

Lyman Run State Park also features six miles of hiking trails. For an easy hike, head out on the Spur Line Trail.

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Trip Advisor/Julie M.

Unfortunately, the rest of the trails in the park are rated difficult.

And, on your hike, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Bobcats, coyotes, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey all call the park home, depending on the time of the year you visit.

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Trip Advisor/Katie M.

Pitch a tent or park your RV for a night.

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Trip Advisor/rivercouple75

All campsites feature a fire ring, a lantern hanger, and a picnic table.

Lyman Run State Park is located at 454 Lyman Run Rd., Galeton, PA 16922.

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Trip Advisor/rivercouple75

Learn more about Lyman Run State Park by clicking here for the official website.

Stargaze at this enchanting park in Pennsylvania. And, plan a visit to Cherry Springs State Park, just 18 miles from Lyman Run State Park, which offers the most unobstructed spot on the eastern seaboard for stargazing. Click here to read more.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore One Of Pennsylvania’s Cleanest Lakes At Prince Gallitzin State Park

Published Aug 14, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Spending the day at a lake in Pennsylvania is oh-so-easy, especially when we have more than 2,500 from which to choose. Some of the cleanest, clearest lakes in Pennsylvania are tucked in our 124 state parks. Whether you want to spend a day by the water or fall asleep under the starry sky, you'll quickly discover this Pennsylvania state park is bucket list-worthy.

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Stretched across nearly 6,250 acres in Cambria County, Prince Gallitzin State Park beckons outdoor lovers with its full menu of amenities - from hiking to horseback riding.

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Facebook/Prince Gallitzin State Park

But it's the beautiful Glendale Lake that is, arguably, the gem of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Summertime means cooling off in the clean lake before drying off on the sandy shore of Muskrat Beach.

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Google/Dancing Dolphin

The massive lake measures 1,635 acres and boasts 26 miles of shoreline. If you're looking for a bit of quiet, you're sure to find it at this Pennsylvania lake.

Don't forget a volleyball when you're packing your beach gear. A sand volleyball court overlooks Glendale Lake.

Slip your kayak, canoe, or boat into the water from one of more than a half dozen boat launches, and spend the day exploring the water. Iceboating is popular in the winter, although you'll need a launching permit.

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Google/Kris Hoover

You can rent a variety of watercraft at the seasonal marina and boat rental.

Picnic tables, some of which offer lake views, dot the park, making it easy to have a meal and fuel up for more adventures.

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Facebook/Prince Gallitzin State Park

Even if you prefer to stay on land, you'll have plenty of chances to explore. The park features more than 32 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult.

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Google/Anthony Scharf

Turn that daytrip into a camping adventure by pitching your tent or parking your RV in the campground. With paved sites, the campground offers a full menu of amenities, from a camp store and a swimming beach to boat rentals and playgrounds.

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Google/Charles J.

Find more information on the official website of Prince Gallitzin State Park. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this

state park in Pennsylvania.

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Google/Jonathan Dawson

Have you been to this clean lake in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! While you're at Prince Gallitzin State Park, follow one of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Find a full list of hikes on All Trails.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/waterfall-hikes-bucket-list-pa/

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Nature|National & State Parks

Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest State Park In Pennsylvania Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Sand Bridge State Park in Pennsylvania, the smallest state park in the U.S., offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

I love state parks in PA! With so many state parks - 124, to be exact - Pennsylvania truly offers something for everyone. If you're up for a quaint adventure, visit Sand Bridge State Park. It doesn't offer as many amenities as Pennsylvania's larger state parks, but you'll still find plenty to do to at the smallest state park in Pennsylvania.

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Tallying just three cozy acres, Sand Bridge State Park in Mifflinburg earns recognition as the smallest state park in Pennsylvania and in the United States.

Sign for Sand Bridge State Park Picnic Area, surrounded by trees, with a road and parked motorcycles nearby.
Google/Charles J.

Because this is the smallest state park in Pennsylvania, it only has one hiking trail that travels most of the park.

A serene stream flows through a lush green forest, surrounded by trees and rocks. Sunlight filters through the leaves.
Google/Dennis Vasbinder

Follow the picturesque trail that meanders past a small but breathtaking waterfall. It's the perfect backdrop for photos.

A serene stream flows over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, creating a peaceful natural scene.
Google/Nelson Miller

Fishing is also popular in Rapid Run. Your chances of catching a fish are pretty good, as it is stocked each year with brown and brook trout. In fact, it is one of the more popular state parks in PA for fishing.

A serene forest scene with autumn foliage, a small stream, and a rustic shelter nestled among the trees.
Google/Christine Coblentz

Bring a picnic along, too. The park has several picnic tables, charcoal grills, and two pavilions that are available for no fee.

A serene picnic area with wooden tables surrounded by lush green trees and a gazebo in the background.
Google/Joshua Bear

Remember to take out any trash you bring in. Sand Bridge State Park does not have trash or recycling.

It also features basic bathroom facilities.

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A rustic restroom building with two doors, surrounded by trees and a sign for accessible parking nearby.
Google/Anthony Scharf

The smallest state park in Pennsylvania is popular in all four seasons, so make it a point to visit. You'll discover vibrant foliage in the fall and a...

A wooden picnic shelter surrounded by trees with vibrant autumn foliage and picnic tables on the ground.
Google/Christine Coblentz

Snow-capped landscape in the winter.

A snowy landscape with trees and a wooden bridge over a small stream, illuminated by soft winter sunlight.
Google/Jessie Aigler

Learn more at the website for Sand Bridge State Park.

A serene stream flows through a lush green landscape, with a small waterfall and surrounding trees.
Google/Stacey Pence

Have you been to Sand Bridge State Park, the smallest state park in Pennsylvania? Tell us about it in the comments!

Do you have everything you need for a hike? Consult our Ultimate Hiking Packing List.

Craving an amazing weekend getaway? Visit this one small town in Pennsylvania.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/small-town-getaways-lititz-pa/

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