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Day Trips from Allentown

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Day Trips from Allentown: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Allentown, PA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Allentown

Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY 12446

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Kerhonkson, NY 12446

Just 2 hrs 36 min from Allentown, rated 4.8 stars by 5,489 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 36 min4.8 (5,489)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center, Newark, DE 19711

White Clay Creek State Park Nature Center

Newark, DE 19711

Just 1 hr 46 min from Allentown, rated 4.8 stars by 267 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 46 min4.8 (267)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, PA 17814

Ricketts Glen State Park

Benton, PA 17814

Just 1 hr 45 min from Allentown, rated 4.8 stars by 5,699 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 45 min4.8 (5,699)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Natural Lands' Stroud Preserve, West Chester, PA 19382

Natural Lands' Stroud Preserve

West Chester, PA 19382

Just 1 hr 21 min from Allentown, rated 4.8 stars by 648 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 21 min4.8 (648)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Natural Lands' Crow's Nest Preserve, Elverson, PA 19520

Natural Lands' Crow's Nest Preserve

Elverson, PA 19520

Just 1 hr 5 min from Allentown, rated 4.8 stars by 162 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 5 min4.8 (162)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville, NY 10570

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Pleasantville, NY 10570

Just 2 hrs 9 min from Allentown, rated 4.8 stars by 2,432 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 9 min4.8 (2,432)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Natural Lands' Hildacy Preserve, Media, PA 19063

Natural Lands' Hildacy Preserve

Media, PA 19063

Just 1 hr 8 min from Allentown, rated 4.8 stars by 202 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 8 min4.8 (202)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Nolde Forest - Sawmill, Reading, PA 19607

Nolde Forest - Sawmill

Reading, PA 19607

Just 1 hr 3 min from Allentown, rated 4.8 stars by 539 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 3 min4.8 (539)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Seven Tubs Recreation Area - Pinchot Forest District, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Seven Tubs Recreation Area - Pinchot Forest District

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Just 1 hr 5 min from Allentown, rated 4.7 stars by 2,101 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 5 min4.7 (2,101)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Gateway National Recreation Area, Highlands, NJ 07732

Gateway National Recreation Area

Highlands, NJ 07732

Just 1 hr 51 min from Allentown, rated 4.7 stars by 6,952 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 51 min4.7 (6,952)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill, PA 18324

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Bushkill, PA 18324

Just 51 min from Allentown, rated 4.7 stars by 6,739 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

51 min4.7 (6,739)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Ridley Creek State Park, Media, PA 19063

Ridley Creek State Park

Media, PA 19063

Just 1 hr 12 min from Allentown, rated 4.7 stars by 3,399 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 12 min4.7 (3,399)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Allentown

What are the best state parks near Allentown, PA?

The best state parks near Allentown offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Allentown?

Most state parks near Allentown charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Allentown are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Allentown offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Allentown?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Allentown. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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