Out and About in Pennsylvania
Enjoy the following excerpts and stories from visitors to state parks and forests. Have a story or photograph to show? Email Pam Metzger! You can also find stories and pictures on our Facebook page.
Marsh Creek State Park 
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
The following are comments pulled from park cabin journals. They spoke to us, and we thought that they might speak to you, as well.
Connecting Youth to Our Great Outdoors
Last night my aunt and I went to the bridge to look at the stars. We saw so many stars! We saw the Big Dipper. When we came back to the cabin my family had decorated it for my birthday.
The Healing Power of Nature
My son has been learning disabled all of his life. Eight years ago he began hallucinating. I took him to New York and he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
My son and I had a good week here. As a result of the fresh air, sunshine, and recreation, my son’s hallucinations have lessened. We celebrated his 41st birthday yesterday. His father drove up from Williamsport with a cake.
I just retired and this is our way to get away from it all and forget everything including my job. What a great way to leave it go. Very peaceful and beautiful as always! The groundhog under the cabin sounds like he’s moving furniture.
Building Memories
I have come to World’s End all of my life, each time brings an everlasting memory. The thought of a four hour ride to most would seem tedious, to me it is transforming. The closer I get to the sight of the mountains, the more I feel at peace. This is a place where, although my life has changed dramatically over 46 years, the serenity of the mountains remains constant.
We had the BEST TIME out here! You see, I had my 12th birthday party here and me and my friends Bethany, Sarah, Matt (my big bro) and his friend Jamer went to the dam and played hide and seek in the dark. We cooked s’mores and mountain pies and played at the playground. We had mac and cheese for lunch. We had a blast!
Thank You DCNR
We’ve traveled a lot, but PA’s state parks still have our hearts. Explore as many as you can. Each is unique and has many gems to be discovered. Thanks to PA DCNR for keeping them clean and for the mountain clubs for maintaining the trails and keeping them accessible.
Have been coming to these PA woods for 61 years now between Clear Creek and Parker Dam. We’ve seen our children grow here. So many memories. The simple things in life are the best! God bless PA PARKS!
A Little Poetry
Well, it was our first time here,
And now we hope to come back each year.
We arrived on Friday night,
And the cabin was quite a sight.
Very open, nice and spacious,
For indoor plumbing we were gracious.
Before we knew it the snow began to fall,
Lots of outdoor fun for all.
Took a walk and went down the slide,
Then came back to nap and hide.
We played some cards, had some fun,
Sunday morning we woke to the sun.
So now it’s time to pack things up,
Hope to make it home safe and not crack up.
Hackenbery
Learn More!
Leave your hometown behind and Explore PA. Experience art and culture along Pennsylvania’s Artists’ Trails, mingle with the crowds at Fairs & Festivals, delve into the history of state’s Spirit of Independence and reconnect with friends and family in Pennsylvania Homecomings. Every episode of Explore PA also features a look at Pennsylvania’s outdoor adventures and natural treasures. No matter the weather it’s always a great time to hike a state park, visit a wildlife refuge or even go ice fishing!
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