Pennsylvania
"Virtue, Liberty, and Independence"
Nickname
Keystone State
Capital
Harrisburg
Statehood
December 12, 1787 (2nd)
Motto
Virtue, Liberty, and Independence
Explore Pennsylvania
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's two largest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, sit on opposite ends of the state with genuinely different economies and identities — colonial trade history in the east, steel and river-industry heritage in the west — connected by a long stretch of Appalachian ridge and farmland in between.
Below, the guides move across that geography, covering both anchor cities along with the mountains, farmland, and small towns that fill the space between them.