We are lucky to have 120 state parks to visit in Pennsylvania, all of which are free and open to the public. Chances are that you're never further than a 30-minute drive from one of our expansive and gorgeous natural landscapes. Even better? You can visit them anytime of the year and will probably want to go in each season. Here are 12 of the best parks in Pennsylvania that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

1. Presque Isle State Park, Erie

Pennsylvania's most expansive beaches are those found along the coast of Lake Erie, in Presque Isle State Park. The park includes 13 sandy beaches as well as many miles of hiking trails. One of the best parks in Pennsylvania, Presque Isle boasts a full menu of fun - from swimming and boating to surfing and biking. You can even go searching for beach glass. Make sure you visit during the winter, too, for cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Learn more on the official website of Presque Isle State Park.

2. Archbald Pothole State Park, Lackawanna

The appropriately named Archbald Pothole State Park is home to one of the largest potholes in the world, measuring in at 38 feet deep. It was formed more than 15,000 years ago, and to give an idea of just how big it is: You could fit 35 fire tankers into the massive pothole. The small state park in Pennsylvania is also popular with hikers and hunters. Here's the official website of Archbald Pothole State Park.

3. World's End State Park, Sullivan County

World's End State Park is known for trout fishing and white-water kayaking. With more than 20 miles of trails, it is also one of the best parks in Pennsylvania for hiking. It features a beach, perfect for swimming and cooling off in the summer. Other popular activities include wildlife watching, camping, and picnicking. Check out the full list of activities on the official website of Worlds End State Park.

4. Big Pocono State Park, Monroe County

If you've ever been to Camelback Mountain, chances are you've also been through Big Pocono State Park. The area attracts many visitors during winter for skiing and snowboarding, but makes for a beautiful destination year-round. If you want to find scenic hiking trails in Pennsylvania, you've come to the right place. Big Pocono State Park boasts nearly nine miles of scenic hiking trails. Stop by the official website of Big Pocono State Park for more information.

5. Buchanan's Birthplace State Park, Franklin

The birthplace of the 15th president of the United States is commemorated by a stone monument in the shape of a pyramid. The tiny 18.5-acre state park is popular for picnicking and fishing, too, so you can make a morning or an afternoon of it. Head to the official website of Buchanan's Birthplace State Park for more information.

6. Canoe Creek State Park, Blair County

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources named Canoe Creek State Park one of the 20 must-see state parks in Pennsylvania. It is the home of the largest nursery colony of brown bats in the state. You'll find an abundance to do too, including hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Check out the official website of Canoe Creek State Park.

7. Cherry Springs State Park, Potter County

Cherry Springs State Park is famous as a destination for astronomers and stargazers. It has some of the darkest skies in the eastern half of the United States, making it the best state park in Pennsylvania for stargazing. The park offers two viewing areas - one for casual stargazers and an overnight area for professional astronomers. Find more on the official website of Cherry Springs State Park.

8. Benjamin Rush State Park, Philadelphia

Benjamin Rush State Park holds one of the largest community gardens in the entire world. Explore the picturesque state park by hiking or on bike. Cross-country skiing is popular in the winter while radio-flying attracts visitors year-round. Learn more on the official website of Benjamin Rush State Park.

9. Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon County

Greenwood Furnace was once a thriving iron town in the 1800s, and remnants of it still remain along the beautiful hiking trails. You'll find a ton of things to do outside in Pennsylvania and, most notably, at this state park. It offers hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and camping. Stop by the official website of Greenwood Furnace State Park to learn more.

10. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Butler County

Here you will find 20 acres of natural prairie, the only place where this ecosystem is protected in the state. Explore the cozy state park along one of the hiking trails, or go cross-country skiing after a snowfall in the winter. Check out the official website of Jennings Environmental Education Center for a full list of the park's amenities.

11. Kinzua Bridge State Park, McKean County

A tornado in 2003 destroyed Kinzua Bridge, which was up until that point the world's highest and longest railway bridge. Only a 600-foot portion of the bridge remains, but it's more than worth a visit as it's been turned into a skywalk. Stroll down the skywalk and, at the end, find a glass floor. Peer more than 300 feet down to the forest floor below at what ranks as one of the best parks in Pennsylvania. Head over to the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park for more information.

12. Salt Springs State Park, Susquehanna County

Salt Springs is the only state park in Pennsylvania managed by a non-profit organization, the Friends of Salt Springs Park. It is home to 500-year-old hemlocks, some of the oldest trees in the state. If you're looking for a ton of things to do outside in Pennsylvania, you've come to the right place. Salt Springs State Park offers hiking, picknicking, wildlife watching, and camping. In the winter, spend a day cross-country skiing or sledding. Stop by the official website of Salt Springs State Park.

What are your favorite state parks to visit in Pennsylvania? Which ones have interesting stories that you know about? Tell us about them in the comments below! Then check out the best lesser-known state parks to visit in Pennsylvania.