(WHTM) — With warmer weather right around the corner it’s time to start planning outdoor activities like hiking or camping! Here is a list of some popular, public, hiking trails and parks in central Pennsylvania.

Gifford Pinchot State Park

Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County spans over 2,300 acres and has trails for hiking/walking (such as the Mason-Dixon Trail) as well as swimming and boating areas which are open from late May to mid-September. The state park also features two 18-hole disc golf courses.

Some upcoming events at Gifford Pinchot State Park include:

• Vernal pool Evening walk – Friday, April 7 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Learn about the ecology of a vernal pool and then take a walk to see one in person at Gifford Pinchot State Park! Explore and learn about the biology and critters that call forest ponds home.
• Wildflower walk – Wednesday, April 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Join park staff for a walk as you identify wildflowers and learn information about Pennsylvania’s native plants. The walk is for ages 10 and up.

Colonel Denning State Park

Located in north-central Cumberland County, Colonel Denning State Park offers 273 acres of woodland and a man-made 3.5-acre lake. Over 96,000 acres of Tuscarora State Forest surround the park, so there are plenty of hiking trails. The park also sits in the Doubling Gap of Blue Mountain. There is 1,132 feet of elevation at Colonel Denning State Park.

Here are some upcoming events and activities at Colonel Denning State Park:

• Saturday morning birdwatching – every Saturday starting April 29 through June 3 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
  • Birdwatching at Colonel Denning State Park is a great opportunity to get outside to see and hear Pennsylvania’s songbirds! The birdwatching walks are for birdwatchers of all experience levels. If you do not have any binoculars, you can lend a pair from the park.

Cowans Gap State Park

Surrounded by Buchanan State Forest in Allens Valley, Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre park in Fulton County that features a 42-acre lake, a lookout, and multiple hiking paths. Cowans Gap State Park also offers a large campground.

Here is a list of upcoming events at Cowans Gap State Park:

• What’s missing hike – Saturday, April 8 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Join Samuel Cowan to walk through Cowans Gap State Park and see what has changed since Cowan and his wife came to the gap. The high is mostly flat terrain and is…