While there are a variety of things to do in northeastern Pennsylvania, this rather mountainous terrain brings with it beautiful landscapes and plenty of opportunities to experience the great outdoors. There are numerous state parks to explore before the cold winter months hit, so maybe check one of these out on your next adventure.

Salt Springs State Park

This 405-acre park is located seven miles north of Montrose in Susquehanna County. Salt Springs is famous for its old growth hemlock trees, many of which are estimated to be over 300 years old. There are over 12.75 miles of trails for visitors to hike. The trails pass through old growth forest, overlook the gorge and weave through a variety of habitats. Furthermore, sections of Silver Creek and Fall Brook traverse the park for about two miles, providing fishing opportunities for both beginners and experts.

Archbald Pothole State Park

Archbald Pothole State Park is a 150-acre park that is named for Archbald Pothole, a geologic feature that formed during the Wisconsin Glacial Period around 15,000 years ago. The eastern side of the park has undergone strip mine reclamation and has athletic fields in Ed Staback Park. A small loop trail follows an old coal mine tram road and passes through a forest.

Prompton State Park

Prompton State Park provides boat launching and picnicking facilities to the 290-acre Prompton Lake, and 26 miles of hiking trails surround the lake. The hiking trails are a mix of rocky paths and smooth forest floor. Most of these trails are rated more difficult to hike, and all of the trails are open to mountain biking. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course in the USACE portion of the park.

Promised Land State Park

About 3,000 acres in size, Promised Land State Park is on the Pocono Plateau, which is 1,800 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania’s Delaware State Forest. Visitors can enjoy fishing and boating in two lakes, rustic cabins, camping, miles of hiking trails and exploring the forests. The 422-acre Promised Land Lake offers approximately nine miles of shoreline, while the 173-acre Lower Lake has almost four miles. There are approximately 50 miles of hiking trails in Promised Land State Park and the surrounding Delaware State Forest. Furthermore, there are 6.5 miles of roads for biking, and horseback riding is also an option for visitors to enjoy.

Lackawanna State Park

The 1,445-acre is located 10 miles north of Scranton. The centerpiece of the park, the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, is surrounded by picnic areas and multi-use trails winding through forest. Boating, camping, fishing, mountain biking and swimming are popular recreation activities. Canoes and kayaks are available for visitors to rent. There are 18 miles of hiking trails, with a series of them looping through the campground, forests, fields, lakeshore areas and woodland streams. There are also 15 miles of mountain biking trails that wind through the park.