Most of us will likely agree that we’re incredibly fortunate to have 121 state parks in Pennsylvania that offer activities – from hiking to wildlife watching – all year round. When winter rolls around, many of the parks welcome hikers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and ice skaters. The natural ice rinks at these Pennsylvania State Parks, in fact, provide a picture-perfect backdrop for a winter’s adventure. If you're wondering where you can go outdoor ice skating in Pennsylvania, keep reading!

Please note that ice skating is only allowed in designated state parks when the conditions permit. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) advises that the ice should be at least four inches thick if you’re skating solo. However, if there will be more than one skater on the ice, the ice thickness should measure no less than seven inches.

1. French Creek State Park – Elverson

Bring your skates and the whole family along for a day of ice skating at French Creek State Park, which boasts two lakes. Both Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake welcome ice skaters when the conditions are right. If you’re visiting after a snowfall, bring your sled, skis (for cross-country skiing), or hiking boots along for a full day of winter fun. Find more on the official website of French Creek State Park.

2. Mount Pisgah State Park – Troy

Glide along some of the 75 acres of Mount Pisgah State Park. Stephen Foster Lake offers a picture-perfect setting for a day of ice skating. The only spots on the lake that are monitored for ice thickness are the boat launch and the area for fishing. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular at the park. Here’s the official website of Mount Pisgah State Park.

3. Canoe Creek State Park – Hollidaysburg

Canoe Creek State Park is an ice skater’s paradise, especially if you like choices. You can skate, when conditions allow, on Canoe Lake or on one of the two ponds. Sledding and cross-country skiing are also popular winter activities at the park. Visit the official website of Canoe Creek State Park.

4. Cook Forest State Park – Cooksburg

Cook Forest State Park provides an idyllic backdrop for an afternoon or an evening of ice skating. The ice skating area, which you’ll find along River Road, even features lights. Make a day of it by bringing your sled along for a bit of sled riding or by exploring on cross-country skis. Here’s the official website of Cook Forest State Park.

5. Memorial Lake State Park – Grantville

Lace up your ice skates for a day of gliding around a one-acre section of Memorial Lake at this cozy state park. You’ll find the ice skating area at the boat launch on Middle Road. You can also explore the 230-acre state park on cross-country skis or by hiking the two miles of trails. Stop by the official website of Memorial Lake State Park.

Please note that ice skating is only allowed in designated state parks when the conditions permit. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) advises that the ice should be at least four inches thick if you’re skating solo. However, if there will be more than one skater on the ice, the ice thickness should measure no less than seven inches.

Here’s a list of all of the state parks in Pennsylvania that offer outdoor ice skating. Do you have a favorite Pennsylvania state park to go to ice skate? Which one? Join the conversation in the comments! For a one-of-a-kind ice skating adventure, make your way to BlueCross River Rink in Philadelphia.