Judge’s Choice: Awe
Carey Fritz, Clear Creek State Park

Zelienople resident Carey Fritz won Judge’s Choice in the “Awe” category with her photo taken at Clear Creek State Park.

On this particular Spring day, she was walking through the campground at Clear Creek State Park and passed by a newly planted tree, where bees were visiting the new blossoms. “When our family is camping, I am never without my camera when I enjoy hikes, bike rides, boats, etc.,” says Carey. “I saw that the bees were admiring the blooms like I was, and I started to take photos.”

“There is beauty all around us, we just need to slow down and take notice,” she encourages. “Clear Creek State Park holds a special place in our hearts. Years ago, our friends invited us to go camping with them and have been camping there ever since. This year was our family’s 14th year camping at Clear Creek.”

Carey goes on to talk about her family’s love of state parks and forests. “We love to visit Pennsylvania State Parks and are hoping to collect all the Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests Passport stamps from each one, but we make sure that Clear Creek is a yearly stop. So far, we have collected 69 stamps out of the 124 state parks. Pennsylvania has so much to offer, and it has been fun exploring each state park!”

Judge’s Choice: Beyond the Edge
Holly April Harris, Ohiopyle State Park

Holly April Harris, resident of Coal Center, won Judge’s Choice in the “Beyond the Edge” category for her photo taken at Ohiopyle State Park.

Having extra time from driving around the mountains to see the Mountain Laurel in bloom, Holly decided to stop at Ohiopyle State Park and arrived just in time to watch the kayakers go through the rapids.

“It just so happened that there were 4 kayakers taking turns going over the big falls when I got there, so I decided to see if I could get some good shots of them to share the experience with others. I stood there talking with the park ranger watching them,” she recalls. “The kayakers were very skilled and a lot of fun to watch. I’d never seen anybody going over the falls before and it was a neat experience!”

Holly continues to tell us about her love of the state park. “What is not to love about Ohiopyle? It has everything – waterfalls, wildlife, scenic views, trails, rare wildflowers, the bike trail, the river… I like nature and taking photos and every portion of the park is a different opportunity to see something cool and beautiful! I spend as much time as I can in our state parks and forests – the beauty, peace and magic of nature is well preserved in our beautiful parks and forests.”

Judge’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to New Experiences
Gloria Benfer, Shikellamy State Park

Selinsgrove resident Gloria Benfer won Judge’s Choice in the “Leap In to New Experiences” category with her photograph taken at Shikellamy State Park while visiting with her husband and granddaughters.

“Ray and I decided to let our granddaughters, Chloe and Lana, lead the way with a park map in hand,” Gloria said about setting off to explore the overlook tract at Shikellamy State Park with a map. “We enjoyed watching them study the map as to what their next maneuver would be. They were having fun exploring all of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests as they fill in their own PA Parks and Forests Passport books with stamps.

“I love the diversity of Shikellamy State Park with the overlook and trails on one tract and the view with the Marina on the other tract. It is a beautiful, clean park that is enjoyed by young and old alike, with picnic areas and playgrounds as well a haven for boating enthusiasts.”

Gloria expresses her love of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests by stating, “[they] are a great place for families to enjoy spending quality time together in recreation, learning, and relaxing. The vast parks and forests each have their own unique characteristics that motivate you to want to see them all! PA parks and forests are boredom busters!”

Judge’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to the Lesser Known
Colin Gillette, Mount Pisgah State Park

Colin Gillette of Milan won Judge’s Choice in the “Leap In to the Lesser Known” category with a macro-shot taken at Mount Pisgah State Park.

Colin enjoys macro photography and is always searching the forest floor for the little things. He has always liked pinwheel mushrooms and was happy to find the grouping in the winning photograph.

“What I love about Mount Pisgah State Park is its diversity. There is a good mix of deciduous and coniferous woodland plus open fields and meadows. There are some wetter areas of woodland which are great for a plethora of interesting plant and animal species. Plenty of hills giving different facing slopes also helps with plant diversity,” says Colin. “Plus, the lake and streams give you pretty much everything you could ask for in a state park. My kids like the pool and playground. It is also only a few miles from home.”

Judge’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to Volunteering
Maureen Dwyer, Presque Isle State Park

Haverford resident, Maureen Dwyer, captured the Judge’s Choice award in the “Leap In to Volunteering” category with her photo taken at Presque Isle State Park.

Nationally known for its birding year-round, Presque Isle State Park has a banding station that allows visitors of all ages to connect with nature and learn about birds. The station is run by Erie Bird Observatory, a non-profit organization who offers public education and outreach. It offers migration monitoring for several weeks in the spring and in the fall.

“I grew up in Erie, PA about 15 minutes from this wonderful state park. My family would visit the ‘peninsula’ regularly for swimming and cookouts,” states Maureen. “Now, when I am in town, I enjoy visiting the Park and walking the trails looking for and photographing the wide species of birds. As Pennsylvania’s only seashore, this Park offers many year-round activities including birding, boating, swimming, and fishing. It is a gem among all of Pennsylvania’s amazing state parks.”

Judge’s Choice: Young Photographer (12-17)
Andy Zhang, French Creek State Park

Andy Zhang, who resides in West Chester, won Judge’s Choice for the Young Photographers (12-17) category. He captured a photograph of an Eastern American Toad at French Creek State Park.

When asked about his photo and why he enjoys PA state parks and forests, Andy said, “I like being in nature and observing the wildlife, the diversity of life in PA, as well as the numerous environments and ecosystems.”

People’s Choice: Awe, First Place
Wendy Hampe, Forbes State Forests

Wendy Hampe, a resident of Meyersdale, won First Place in the People’s Choice “Awe” category with her photo taken in Forbes State Forest.

“One of my favorite places to go in the fall is the Forbes State Forest. I love seeing the golden, graceful ferns all aglow as the sunlight peeps in through the trees,” says Wendy. “As my husband and I were driving down the road, I was searching for the prettiest ferns. When we came upon this area, I told my husband to stop. I took a few shots, and this was my favorite!”

When she was asked about her favorite part, Wendy states, “The Forbes State Forest at the Mt Davis area has heightened weather conditions being our highest point. Each season has something special that makes it a joy to photograph. It also has a few lookouts that offer awesome views!”

People’s Choice: Awe, Runner Up
Sabine Panzner, Kooser State Park

Latrobe resident Sabine Panzner won Runner-Up in the People’s Choice “Awe” category with her photo taken at Kooser State Park.

“I love wildlife photography,” states Sabine, who has been enjoying more time being outdoors and practicing the hobby since her kids have grown. When someone posted in a local photography group that they had seen an otter at Kooser State Park, she couldn’t resist heading over with her camera. And, the otter gave her some rewarding shots for sitting in the freezing cold!

“I took hundreds of pictures of him coming up out of the water, climbing up on the ice, fishing, eating the fish, etc, and stayed until it got too dark for the camera to get anymore good pictures,” she said of her experience.

“Kooser is one of my favorite local state parks in the winter only living about 40 minutes from there. It is one of the quieter parks with less people, and it is a good park to use snowshoes when the conditions are right,” says Sabine. “We love the outdoors, we hike, bike, and kayak locally and all over the state and country. There are many beautiful trails and lakes to do that. We always find something to do in the local state parks and forests. We have visited more than half of the state parks in PA, and I will fill the PA State Park and Forest Passport book eventually!”

People’s Choice: Beyond the Edge, First Place
Todd Underwood, French Creek State Park

Kutztown resident Todd Underwood is the first place winner for People’s Choice in the “Beyond the Edge” category with his photo taken at French Creek State Park.

While walking around Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park looking for dragonflies to photograph, Todd happened upon the turtle basking on a stump, in a wonderful pose. “The water was still that day so there was a perfect reflection of the turtle in the water,” Todd explains. “Usually, the basking turtles quickly disappear underwater as you walk by, but this one sat still for a few photographs.”

“French Creek State Park is one of my favorite parks because of the large, forested area as well as the diverse habitats throughout the park. There is a good diversity of birds, butterflies, and dragonflies that I love to observe and photograph.” He then goes on to express his love of state parks and forests by stating, “I enjoy visiting all of our wonderful state parks, but I spend more time at French Creek because it is the closest park to home.”

People’s Choice: Beyond the Edge, Runner Up
Rick Baker, Presque Isle State Park

Erie resident Rick Baker is the runner-up for People’s Choice in the “Beyond the Edge” category with his photo taken at Presque Isle State Park.

Rick knew that he wanted to capture this photo by shooting the image off a water puddle and just had to wait for the right day following a heavy rainfall.

When asked what he loves most about Presque Isle State Park, Rick stated he enjoys “connecting with nature and the serenity at daybreak.”

People’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to New Experiences, First Place
Ally Latham, Ricketts Glen State Park

Ally Latham, a Scranton resident, took a photo on her first visit to Rickets Glen State Park that won People’s Choice first place in the “Leap In to New Experiences” category.

While hiking the Falls Trial Loop, she recalls the breathtaking views – especially when she reached the largest one, Ganoga Falls. “The mist, light, and sound were incredible—I knew I had to capture the moment, so I snapped the picture.”

“In general, Pennsylvania state parks like Ricketts Glen offer such a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility, with their rich landscapes, wildlife, and well-maintained trails. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and recharge,” states Ally. “What I love about Ricketts Glen is its incredible variety of waterfalls—each one feels unique and awe-inspiring. The trails are surrounded by lush forest, and there’s this peaceful connection to nature that’s hard to describe.”

People’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to New Experiences. Runner Up
David Nolte, Hyner View State Park

Bloomsburg resident David Nolte’s photo was the People’s Choice Runner-up in the “Leap In to New Experiences” category taken at Hyner View State Park.

The photo was taken during one of the weekends that the Hyner Hang Gliding Club has their “fly-in” weekends, when people are able to walk around and chat with all of the flyers. They’re all very kind, and of course love to talk about hang gliding.

“The fly-in weekend at Hyner View State Park is breathtaking,” David said when asked about capturing his winning photograph. “After spending the day chatting it up with the flyers, they all were getting ready for their last flights of the day as the sun slowly dropped toward the horizon. I positioned myself near the launching area and watched as one-by-one, flyer-after-flyer sidestepped down the narrow, dirt trail with their bodies harnessed into the wings, into their holding positions to wait for a favorable breeze. I watched as they all took flight, then stayed a bit longer to watch a fiery sunset.”

People’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to the Lesser Known, First Place
Liz Mickley, Fowlers Hollow State Park

Orrtanna resident Liz Mickley won People’s Choice first place in the “Leap In to the Lesser Known” category with her photo taken at Fowlers Hollow State Park.

After setting up camp at the campground at Fowlers’ Hollow State Park, Liz noticed that her father had placed his chair facing the creek. “This simple scene spoke to me as nature’s invitation to pull up a chair and enjoy the peace and quiet of the creek and the surrounding forest.”

“Fowler’s Hollow State Park is a lesser-known state park, and very small, but it is one of my favorites because it is the park where I grew up camping and developed my love of camping and nature,” says Liz. “Now that I have my own family, we return annually to Fowler’s Hollow to enjoy the creek, the solitude, and tranquility that this park has to offer. While we enjoy all of our state park trips, the trips to Fowler’s Hollow hold a special place in my heart.”

People’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to the Lesser Known, Runner Up
Jason Philibotte, Pinchot State Forest

Walnutport resident Jason Philibotte is the runner-up of the People’s Choice in the “Leap In to the Lesser Known” category with his image taken in Pinchot State Forest.

“I was on the hunt for some fall foliage and knew the area this waterfall was in might have good color around that time of year,” explains Jason when asked about his winning photograph. “I did not expect that water to be flowing so strong as its usually a trickle in this location. It made for an awesome morning and a great photo that I love.”

“I love Pinchot State Forest because it keeps expanding and adding new and amazing places to see. In terms of PA state parks and forests in general, I love how many things are hidden in plain view just waiting to be discovered!”

People’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to Volunteering, First Place
Sam Rob, Pine Grove Furnace State Park

The People’s Choice First Place photo was taken by Sam Rob of Boiling Springs while visiting Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

Sam took the photo while attending the Fall Furnace Fest. The reenactor and volunteer Chair of the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace chapter, Andre Weltman, was giving a demonstration of how charcoal was made in colonial times for use in the iron furnace.

“What I like about Pine Grove Furnace State Park is it has so much to offer in terms of nature, recreation, and history,” Sam says. “The park is, of course, named for the historic iron furnace on the property. The famous Appalachian Trail passes through the park and the park itself is home to the Appalachian Trail Museum. The park has a campground, two lakes with swim beaches, kayak and canoe rentals, and fishing – bass and perch in the lake for warm water and wild brown trout and native brook trout in Mountain Creek and its tributaries within the park.

People’s Choice: ‘Leap In’ to Volunteering, Runner Up
Linda Stager, Tioga State Forest

The People’s Choice Runner-Up in the “Leap In to Volunteering” category is a photograph from Wellsboro resident, Linda Stager, taken in one of her favorite locations, Tioga State Forest.

Behind Linda, not pictured in her winning photo, is a waterfall and pool. Volunteers and state employees carry pails of trout along this creek to stock the deeper waters for the season. When we asked her about the photo, she also added the need for volunteers across the state. She gives ideas like helping stock trout when needed, giving campfire talks to educate, or just picking up litter along a trail.

“I spend a lot of time in state parks and forests across the state. They are areas of beauty and protected land for us all,” she states. “We all need sacred places in our state to visit. We need everyone to pitch in if we want to continue to visit places like this one.”

People’s Choice: Young Photographer, First Place
Addelyn Brown, Ricketts Glen State Park

Millersville resident Addelyn Brown won People’s Choice First Place in the Young Photographers (12-17) category with a photograph from Rickets Glen State Park.

“My inspiration for this photo was to show the angle of a small animal on a log in the forest,” states Addelyn. “I wanted to give a perspective that isn’t one we normally see when hiking.”

She then goes on to say, “I love state parks and forests for hiking, exploring, and climbing rocks. I love that there are safe, pretty places to hike with my friends and family.”

People’s Choice: Young Photographer, Runner Up
Christian Scheibe, Weiser State Forest

Kennet Square resident Christian Scheibe took the People’s Choice Runner-Up for the Young Photographer (12-17) category with his photo in Weiser State Forest.

“It was my first time visiting Weiser State Forest in mid-June and I immediately thought that it was an amazing place,” states Christian. “On our hike, I found 32 bird species in less than an hour and some amazing species, like the Blue Headed Vireo and Hooded Warbler.”

Despite the abundance of birds, his winning photograph was of an Eastern Newt who seemed to know it was its time to shine. After being spotted by his brother, Christian got on the ground, the Newt looked right at him, and he captured the face-to-face shot.

“It was by far one of my favorite hiking spots I have ever visited,” says Christian. “But, I love all PA state parks and forests in general. Being able to go birding in such great habitat on protected land is truly special and showcasing this in photography is even better.”