How lucky are we to have 121 Pennsylvania state parks, all ready and waiting for us to explore pretty much any time of the year? Even better, none of the state parks in Pennsylvania charges a fee, which makes exploring them a fun and an inexpensive day out. Lehigh Valley Gorge State Park in Pennsylvania is just one of the many parks brimming with natural beauty, including waterfalls and a river with rapids, that’s worthy of a mention on your bucket list.

Lehigh Gorge State Park, in Weatherly, promises something for everyone – from avid hikers and bikers to those who chase waterfalls. It’s one of those destinations where you can spend a day or…

Explore for a few days or more. The state park stretches across more than 6,000 acres and sits along the Lehigh River, which is incredibly popular with whitewater boaters.

Lehigh Gorge State Park’s also a prime spot for wildlife watching and for admiring its many gorgeous views. A trip to Turn Hole Tunnel is a must, especially if you like sweeping views.

You can reach the former railroad tunnel via the Lehigh Gorge Trail, starting in Jim Thorpe. The trail clocks in at just over three miles, and you can either hike or bike it.

The park’s also the perfect place to chase waterfalls. Unfortunately, one of the area’s most popular waterfalls, Glen Onoko Falls is now off-limits, due to injuries and deaths along the trail that leads to it.

The Glen Onoko Falls Trail permanently shut in 2019. If you venture onto the closed path, you could receive a citation and a fine.

However, you can still visit such gorgeous cascades as Buttermilk Falls. Follow the 1.2-mile Buttermilk Falls and Luke’s Falls Trail.

The scenic trail, which is rated easy and winds through a cave, features a waterfall at both ends, making it well worth the time.

In addition to hiking, you might want to embark on a day of cross-country skiing or snowmobiling in the winter.

The park’s also an idyllic setting during the fall foliage and for having a picnic any time you visit.

Stop by the official website of Lehigh Gorge State Park for a full list of the activities available at the park.

Did you come across Leigh Gorge State Park in Pennsylvania when you looked up "waterfalls near me?" Have you been to this Pennsylvania gem? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! On the lookout for another hidden gem state park? Plan a visit to Salt Springs State Park in Susquehanna County.