History of outdoors and exploration in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's diverse terrain, which includes vast forests, rugged mountains, and tranquil lakes, has been a playground for outdoor enthusiasts for centuries. Native American tribes were the first to navigate Pennsylvania's wilderness, hunting and fishing in its abundant waters and forests. European settlers followed suit in the 17th century, exploring the state's natural resources and establishing some of America's earliest hiking trails.
The 19th century saw the rise of Pennsylvania as a hub for outdoor recreation. The creation of state parks like Hickory Run and Ricketts Glen offered citizens public spaces to engage with nature. Concurrently, hunting and fishing became popular pastimes; Pennsylvania's rivers teem with trout while its forests are home to deer, bear, and turkey.
In the 20th century, Pennsylvania embraced its role as an outdoor destination. The Appalachian Trail cuts through the state providing hikers with challenging terrain and breathtaking views. Today, Pennsylvania continues to attract adventurers with its 121 state parks, extensive trail systems like the Great Allegheny Passage, world-class fly fishing in streams such as Penns Creek and Yellow Breeches Creek.
Pennsylvania is a large agricultural state with $7.4B of ag production, and roughly 83.9% of the land privately owned by farmers and ranchers. The major crops are cow/calf production, dairy products, corn and broilers (chicken). When planning hunting trips to Pennsylvania on private lands like farms & ranches, it's important to understand some key dates for farmers and ranchers.
Ranchers in this region usually do their calving, brandings and vaccinations anywhere from February through June and will ship cattle in late fall. During these times, they are extremely busy and may be harder to communicate with. Farmers in Pennsylvania will usually begin planting their crops in late April through June and then will harvest their crops in September through early December, depending on weather.
Popular outdoor activities in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, often referred to as the Keystone State, offers a range of outdoor activities for every adventurer. With its diverse landscape encompassing mountains, forests, and waterways, Pennsylvania is a haven for hikers, anglers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts. The state boasts over 120 state parks and 2.2 million acres of public hunting lands teeming with white-tailed deer, turkey, and bear - making it a prime destination for hunting aficionados.
If fishing is your passion, Pennsylvania won't disappoint. Its freshwater lakes and streams are home to a variety of fish species including trout, bass, and catfish. The state's commitment to conservation ensures thriving populations for both catch-and-release or trophy-seeking anglers.
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Appalachian Trail that traverses through Pennsylvania offering stunning views of the mountainous terrain. For those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, white-water rafting in the Youghiogheny River or rock climbing in the Delaware Water Gap offer thrilling experiences.
Winter doesn't slow down outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania either; with numerous ski resorts like Blue Mountain Resort and Seven Springs Mountain Resort offering prime skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
In summary, whether you're an avid hunter looking for your next big game hunt or an angler seeking a serene fishing spot; whether you're a hiker wanting to conquer new trails or an adrenaline junkie looking for your next rush - Pennsylvania's diverse outdoor recreation options cater to every adventurer's needs.
Popular counties for outdoor activities in Pennsylvania
Pike County is a prime spot for fishing and hunting enthusiasts. Home to Lake Wallenpaupack, the third-largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania, it's teeming with bass, walleye, and muskellunge. The county also boasts an array of wildlife including white-tailed deer and wild turkey, making it a popular hunting destination.
For hikers and nature lovers, look no further than Lycoming County. It's home to Pine Creek Gorge (also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania), offering breathtaking views and miles of hiking trails. The county also houses part of Tiadaghton State Forest - an ideal spot for camping and bird watching.
Centre County should be on your radar if you're into water sports or fishing. It hosts Bald Eagle State Park with its 1,730-acre lake that's perfect for boating or kayaking. Plus, with trout-filled streams like Penns Creek and Spring Creek, it's a fly-fisher’s paradise.
Lastly, don't miss out on Potter County - aptly nicknamed "God's Country". Its dense forests are home to elk herds which you can observe at close quarters from viewing areas around the county. Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County is also renowned among stargazers for its exceptionally dark skies.
Whether you're an angler seeking your next big catch or a hiker yearning for panoramic vistas or a hunter on the lookout for game-rich lands - Pennsylvania's diverse counties have something to offer everyone.