Pennsylvania Photography Hot Spot Locations – Charge your batteries, pack your bags, and prepare for adventure. Where should you go to do photography on your next photo adventure? Pamela Goodyer, a renowned photographer, has traveled to each of these locations, curating some of the best photography and travel locations in Pennsylvania.
This spring/summer 2026, we will tour the state to uncover more hot spots. Let us know if you would like to be featured.
We traveled to some dynamic photography areas in Pennsylvania and brought you all the details.
Elk County, Pennsylvania
Strasburg Railroad
Washington Crossing S.P.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Lock Haven Memorial Park, Pa.
Kettle Creek State Park
Kettle Creek Area
Coutersport, Pa – Old Hickory
Baker’s Run Boat Dock
Harley Davidson
Allegheny Mountains
The Castle Inn, Pocono Area
WHERE TO DO PHOTOGRAPHY
Pennsylvania is a state in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is the 33rd-largest state by area and the fifth-most populous state, with over 12 million residents. Pennsylvania is home to some of the country’s most famous historical landmarks, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Valley Forge. The state is also home to various landscapes, making it an excellent place for photography enthusiasts to explore.
PENNSYLVANIA PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
If you’re looking for great locations to photograph in Pennsylvania, you’ve come to the right place.
One of our favorite places to photograph in Pennsylvania is Ricketts Glen State Park. The park is home to 22 named waterfalls and is a beautiful place to take nature photos. There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore if you want action shots.
Another excellent location for photography in Pennsylvania is Valley Forge National Historical Park. The park offers various landscapes and is a great place to take historical photos. Several monuments and statues make great subjects for photographs.
Pennsylvania is known for its dark skies, the Pocono Mountains, and historical landmarks.
Two of our favorite places are Ricketts Glen State Park (Which has waterfalls that will take you an entire day to photograph) and Cherry Springs State Park, a dark sky location.
Jim Thorpe, Eastern State, and the Philadelphia Zoo are great places to photograph.
MILKY WAY PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Regarding Milky Way photography, this state has some of the best locations in the country. From the mountains of the Poconos to the vast fields of Lancaster County, there are plenty of places to get a great shot of the night sky. Here are some of our favorite spots for viewing the Milky Way.
1. Cherry Springs State Park – This state park is known for its dark skies and is a great place to see the Milky Way. Several overlooks offer great views of the night sky.
2. Observatory Park – This park is home to an observatory that offers excellent night sky views. Several hiking trails provide great views of the Milky Way.
3. Laurel Highlands – The Laurel Highlands offer some of the best night sky views.
4. Ricketts Glen State Park—This state park is home to several waterfalls and offers great night sky views.
5. Valley Forge National Historical Park – This national park offers excellent night sky views.
WHEN TO GO
The state is home to various landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Poconos to the urban metropolis of Philadelphia.
Spring is an ideal time for nature photography. The state’s flowers bloom in early April; the trees are green by May, and the grass is vibrant. The weather is usually mild in spring, making spending time outdoors exploring Pennsylvania’s natural beauty comfortable.
Autumn is another great season for photography here. The leaves begin to change color in late September, and by October, the whole state is aflame with reds, oranges, and yellows. The crisp air and shorter days make autumn a great time to take pictures of fall foliage.
Winter can be a magical time for photography, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch a snowfall. The blanket of snow transforms the landscape into a scene straight out of a storybook.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several great places to stay while photographing Pennsylvania, but it depends on what you’re looking for. There are several great Airbnbs in the area if you want something more private than a hotel. If you’re going to get away from it all and explore the more rural parts of the state, staying in one of the small towns dotting the state would be a great option. Wherever you stay, plenty of great photo ops will surely be there.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE PARKS TO PHOTOGRAPH
Here is a list of some of the State Parks:
1. Ricketts Glen State Park — This park is known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. There are also plenty of opportunities to photograph wildlife.
2. Elk State Park—This park is a great place to photograph elk in their natural habitat and offers scenic views of the Allegheny Mountains.
3. Sinnemahoning State Park—This park offers views of Sinnemahoning Creek as it flows through the Allegheny Plateau. It also has hiking trails and camping sites.
4. Ohiopyle State Park—This park is home to the Youghiogheny River, a popular spot for whitewater rafting. It also has hiking trails and picnic areas.
5. Cook Forest State Park—This park is known for its old-growth forest and many hiking trails.
State Forests
National Parks
National Forest
National Memorials
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
National Historic Sites
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
Hopewell Village National Historic Site
Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area
National Historic Parks
Gettysburg National Military Park
Independence National Historical Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park
National Wildlife Refuge
National Recreation Area
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Metro and City Parks
