Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S.

Zoom in: Ohiopyle, about 90 minutes south of Pittsburgh in the Laurel Highlands, scored high across the board and earned a perfect score for wildlife, with thousands of species recorded on iNaturalist.

• The park draws millions of visitors each year with hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, climbing and other outdoor activities.

What they're saying: "We are thrilled for this honor that reflects the incredible natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and dedicated stewardship that make Ohiopyle such a treasured destination in Pennsylvania," Cindy Adams, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, tells Axios.

Zoom out: Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida each had nine parks featured in the index. Other standout parks in Pennsylvania include Cook Forest State Park, Presque Isle, and Cherry Springs.