9 Pa. state parks named among best in the US for 2025 — and one ranks No. 1
The analysis comes from vacation rental company HomeToGo, which released its 2025 State Park Index July 31. Topping the list of 100 state parks across the U.S. was Ohiopyle State Park.
'Waterfalls roar and trails wind through rugged gorges in this slice of the Alleghenies,' HomeToGo said of its No. 1 pick. 'Known for its natural waterslides and scenic Youghiogheny River, 2025's top state park is a veritable playground for hikers, rafters, and travelers chasing untamed landscapes.'
Located in Fayette County, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses around 20,500 acres and offers hiking and multi-use trails, horseback and snowmobile riding, picnicking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing and more.
HomeToGo highlighted the park's waterfalls and trails, calling the destination 'a playground for hikers, rafters and nature seekers.'
The 2025 index ranked state parks on a number of metrics, including accommodation price and affordability, size, scenic nature, trails, wildlife and a 'hidden gem' score. That measurement accounted for the volume of vacation rental stays in the area. A perfect total score is 60 and Ohiopyle took the top spot at 53.11.
Pennsylvania was well represented in the great value analysis, with eight other state parks in the commonwealth joining Ohiopyle in the top 100. Among them were Centre County's Bald Eagle State Park and Black Moshannon State Park.
The nearly 6,000-acre Bald Eagle State Park in central Pennsylvania offers swimming, fishing, boating, camping and other recreational opportunities in Howard. The park opened a new camping loop earlier this year. Bald Eagle ranked at No. 45 in the HomeToGo index with high marks for size and hidden gem score.
Black Moshannon, in Rush Township, is a bit smaller at around 3,400 acres and includes a 250-acre lake of the same name and wetlands. It is surrounded by Moshannon State Forest.
Like Bald Eagle, Moshannon performed best in the HomeToGo ranking when it came to size and hidden gem score, with an overall score of 47.49 of 60.
In a post acknowledging Pennsylvania's performance in the index, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said initiatives to support the commonwealth's 124 parks offer 'affordable, accessible, and unforgettable outdoor experiences for everyone.'
In addition to state parks, Pennsylvania also has several National Park Service holdings offering recreational opportunities.
Pennsylvania's 2025 great value state parks
Here's how Pennsylvania's state parks fared in the 2025 HomeToGo State Park Index. The commonwealth tied with Texas and Florida for states with the most parks featured on the ranking.
Ohiopyle State Park, ranked No. 1
Caledonia State Park, ranked No. 19
Black Moshannon State Park, ranked No. 24
Cook Forest State Park, No. 26
Worlds End State Park, ranked No. 30
Presque Isle State Park, No. 39
Bald Eagle State Park, No. 45
Parker Dam State Park, No. 56
Cherry Springs State Park, No. 95
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