Created in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the GeoTrail leads visitors to 25 state parks where themed geocaches reveal stories from Pennsylvania’s past through a technology-driven scavenger hunt.
The DCNR America250PA GeoTrail will launch Saturday, April 11, and run through March 2028.
For details on how to participate, including coordinates, rules, and park information, visit the DCNR America250PA GeoTrail webpage.
“America’s story lives on Pennsylvania’s land, and DCNR has long conserved the parks, forests, and historic landscapes where that story was written,” said Secretary Dunn. “This anniversary year, we are proud to join America250PA in celebrating that legacy through education, conservation, and public events.
“Through initiatives like the DCNR America250PA GeoTrail, we are creating new opportunities for Pennsylvanians to connect with the places that shaped our nation. And as we honor the past, we are investing in the future to ensure these lands remain protected and accessible for generations to come.”
Participants will discover Pennsylvania’s rich history through its state park system by joining this technology-driven scavenger hunt.
Called geocaching, this free activity begins by entering the coordinates provided on DCNR’s website into any GPS-enabled device.
From there, hike through one of the 25 participating state parks to search for a hidden container or cache.
Each park features a unique cache that highlights a piece of Pennsylvania history that occurred at the park.
Visit all 25 parks and find all 25 caches to receive a completion coin.
“Pennsylvania’s story lives in its landscapes—in the places where people worked, played, and helped shape the nation,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director, America250PA. “The DCNR America250PA GeoTrail invites people to explore our state parks in a new way, connecting history and the outdoors through discovery and hands-on experience. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, this initiative helps bring our shared history to life and helps ensure that every corner of Pennsylvania has a place in this milestone.”
Located in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, the Codorus State Park geocache highlights the Mary Ann Furnace, built in 1762 by George Stevenson, George Ross—who later signed the Declaration of Independence—and William Thompson, who together established what is believed to be the first charcoal furnace constructed west of the Susquehanna River.
The furnace produced items such as pans, kettles, utensils, and five plate stoves, and later supplied cannonballs and grapeshot for the Continental Army.
Although no structures remain, artifacts including an original five plate stove are displayed at the park’s visitor center.
The founders of Mary Ann Furnace went on to play influential roles in the development of the United States, making this site an important piece of early Pennsylvania history.
Participating State Parks & Geocache Themes
Beltzville – The Walking Purchase
Benjamin Rush – Patriot Physician - Geocache is ADA Accessible
Black Moshannon – From Trail to Turnpike
Codorus – Mary Ann Furnace
Chapman – Bridge to the Past
Cook Forest – Old Growth Forests
Elk Country Visitor Center – American Elk
French Creek – Life of Collier
Fort Washington – War Defenses
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center – Colonial Government
Jennings Environmental Education Center – Frontier Remnants
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center – Colliers Cache
Little Buffalo – Juniata Iron Furnace
Lyman Run – From Lumber to Park
Moraine – Liberty Tree
Ohiopyle – Washington’s Raft - Geocache is ADA Accessible
Oil Creek – The Oil Boom
Pine Grove Furnace – Peak into Iron Making
Point State Parkt – Whiskey Rebellion - Opens May 1
Presque Isle – The Harbor
Ryerson Station – Dangers of Frontier Life
Shawnee – Road to Revolution
Sinnemahoning – Early Surveyors
Washington Crossing Historic Park – Soldiers at War
White Clay Creek Preserve – Building State Lines
With more than 14,000 miles of trails, 6,400 local parks, 125 state parks, and 2.2 million acres of forest land, all of which are free and open to the public, Pennsylvania boasts one of the largest public trail systems in the eastern U.S. — positioning the Commonwealth as a leader in four-season recreation, and a hub for active tourism.
Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests are also home to some of the nation’s most significant historic sites, including Point State Park’s French and Indian War history, Washington Crossing’s Revolutionary War legacy, and Presque Isle’s ties to the War of 1812.
In addition to these well-known places, DCNR also stewards many lesser-known historic features across public lands, from early industrial structures to cemeteries and cultural landscapes that help tell the story of Pennsylvania’s past.
Click Here for the DCNR announcement.
Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.
Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website. Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.
Related Articles This Week:
-- DCNR Kicks Off America250PA GeoCache Trail Through 25 PA State Parks [PaEN]
-- Gov. Shapiro, America250PA Announce 5-City Commonwealth Free Concert Series Tour Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Role Through 250 Years Of America
-- Gov. Shapiro, DCNR Announce Grand Opening Of Laurel Caverns State Park In Fayette County, Pennsylvania’s First Underground State Park [PaEN]
-- Lt. Gov. Davis, DCNR Turn On Point State Park Fountain After $3.4 Million In Park Upgrades Ahead Of NFL Draft In Pittsburgh
-- DCNR Resource News: Laurel Caverns State Park Opening; Volunteer Opportunities; Replace Invasive Plants, Much More!
-- DCNR Grants News: McCahill Park Improves Recreation, Stormwater Management; Lumber Region Anniversary; Open Space A Catalyst For Community Impact Webinar
-- DCNR Linkedin: Recognizing The Impact Of Conservation Volunteers On Pennsylvania’s Public Lands - By DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn [PDF of Article]
-- Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation, Now Available
-- ClearWater Conservancy Kicks Off 10th Season Of Centred Outdoors - Free Guided Outings, Wellness Programs, Adventure Hikes [PaEN]
-- Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust Earth Day Trail Run/Walk Race Set For April 18 In Montgomery County [PaEN]
-- Help Wanted: PA Environmental Council Mapping/Program Coordinator [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Post-Gazette - Mary Ann Thomas: Longtime Owners Of Laurel Caverns Trust DCNR To Take Care Of Natural Attraction As State Park
-- Observer-Reporter: Laurel Caverns Becomes First Subterranean State Park In PA
-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: Pennsylvania’s First Underground State Park Opens To Public
-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Laurel Caverns Belongs To All Pennsylvanians
-- WESA: Point State Park Water Fountain Flows After $3.4 Million Upgrade Ahead Of NFL Draft In Pittsburgh
-- WHYY: Progress Report On Project To Build A Park Over I-95 At Penns Landing In Philadelphia
-- FCFreePressPA.com: Buttonwood Nature Center Presents 35th Earth Day Celebration April 25 In Franklin County
-- DCNR Forecast For April 11 Shows Higher Wildfire Danger Levels In Southern Half Of Pennsylvania
-- PennLive: Wildfire Season Is Here: Why Spring Is So Dangerous In PA And How You Can Help
-- TribLive: Forecasters Caution Of Wildfire Risk In Allegheny County
-- TheDerrick.com: Cranberry Twp. Joins Other Communities In Adopting Ordinance Allowing ATV, UTVs To Ride On Designated Public Roads
-- ABC6: Families Mourn 2 Fire Chiefs Killed Riding UTV On Public Road In Berks County By A DUI Driver
-- Tribune-Democrat: Birdwatching ‘Nest’ Planned For Lake Somerset
-- PennWATCH: Pennsylvania Braces For ‘High-Risk’ Tick Season As Spring Temperatures Rise
[Posted: April 12, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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