Pennsylvania Wilds
1 – KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK
The Kinzua Bridge is the largest and tallest bridge in the world at the time of completion. The bridge itself only took 94 days to complete, an engineering feat in itself, and was over 300 feet high and 2,500 feet long.
On July 21, 2003, an F1 tornado touched down in the Kinzua Valley and destroyed 11 of the bridge’s 20 towers. Looking at the costs of rebuilding the bridge, the state instead decided to create a skywalk with the remaining 600 feet of the Kinzua Bridge.
The park is simply breathtaking during early October, when fall colors are at their peak.
2 – BILGER’S ROCKS
Bilger’s Rocks is Pennsylvania best rock outcropping.
Set amongst the woods outside of the tiny borough of Grampian, the rocks have attracted visitors for more than 10,000 years, when Paleo-Indians used the outcroppings for shelter.
However, the most interesting carving had to be the map of the Americas that was carved shortly after World War 1.
Today, the area is managed by the Bigler’s Rocks Association which maintains the area, hosts events, and runs tours through the rocks.
3 – COOK FOREST STATE PARK
Located in the Pennsylvania Wilds along the borders of Clarion, Forest, and Jefferson Counties, Cook Forest State Park is off the beaten path for many travelers. However, those that make it up to this lightly visited corner of the state are greeted by one of the most beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania.
Hiking through the Forest Cathedral gives you a chance to see some of the tallest trees in the Eastern United States.
The imposing Cook Forest Fire Tower offers a great view from the top.
Built in 1929, the Cook Forest Fire Tower rises 87.5 feet above the hilltop to provide a commanding view of the valley below. While the tower was built to provide a lookout for firefighters, it has been used solely as a viewing point since the mid-1960s.
4 – Animaland Zoological Park
Pennsylvania Wilds
1 – KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK
The Kinzua Bridge is the largest and tallest bridge in the world at the time of completion. The bridge itself only took 94 days to complete, an engineering feat in itself, and was over 300 feet high and 2,500 feet long.
On July 21, 2003, an F1 tornado touched down in the Kinzua Valley and destroyed 11 of the bridge’s 20 towers. Looking at the costs of rebuilding the bridge, the state instead decided to create a skywalk with the remaining 600 feet of the Kinzua Bridge.
The park is simply breathtaking during early October, when fall colors are at their peak.
2 – BILGER’S ROCKS
Bilger’s Rocks is Pennsylvania best rock outcropping.
Set amongst the woods outside of the tiny borough of Grampian, the rocks have attracted visitors for more than 10,000 years, when Paleo-Indians used the outcroppings for shelter.
However, the most interesting carving had to be the map of the Americas that was carved shortly after World War 1.
Today, the area is managed by the Bigler’s Rocks Association which maintains the area, hosts events, and runs tours through the rocks.
3 – COOK FOREST STATE PARK
Located in the Pennsylvania Wilds along the borders of Clarion, Forest, and Jefferson Counties, Cook Forest State Park is off the beaten path for many travelers. However, those that make it up to this lightly visited corner of the state are greeted by one of the most beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania.
Hiking through the Forest Cathedral gives you a chance to see some of the tallest trees in the Eastern United States.
The imposing Cook Forest Fire Tower offers a great view from the top.
Built in 1929, the Cook Forest Fire Tower rises 87.5 feet above the hilltop to provide a commanding view of the valley below. While the tower was built to provide a lookout for firefighters, it has been used solely as a viewing point since the mid-1960s.
4 – Animaland Zoological Park
Lancaster County
Abe’s Buggy Rides
Address:2596 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand, PA 17505, United States
Phone: +1 717-392-1794
www.abesbuggyrides.com
Conewago Recreation Trail
Address:2385 N Market St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, United States
Phone: +1 717-299-8220
The Conewago Recreation Trail has well-graded, level surfaces and six street crossings that are marked for safe trail use, making it ideal for hiking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach
Address: 130 Lakeview Dr, Lebanon, PA 17042, United States
Phone: +1 717-964-3130
Website: www.mtgretnalake.com
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach is a family owned and operated swim and recreation facility open to the public for a daily fee.
The eight acres of beach, recreation lawn and picnic grove are adjacent to mountain stream–fed Lake Conewago located in South Central Pennsylvania: 12 miles from Hershey; 25 miles north of the Lancaster Pennsylvania Dutch tourist and outlet centers; and just 4.5 miles off PA Turnpike Exit 266 (Lebanon/Lancaster).
Strasburg Scooters
Address: 242 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA 17579, United States
Phone: +1 717-344-2488
Website: www.strasburgscooters.com
Enjoy a guided covered bridge tour of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Hop onto a single—seat, 50cc scooter for a visit of 19th century covered bridges with an experienced guide.
Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center
Address: 455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA 17578, United States
Phone: +1 717-738-1490
Website: refreshingmountain.com
Whether your group enjoys a nice quiet afternoon of fishing, or fun in the sun splashing in a swimming pool, Refreshing Mountain offers plenty of activities to help you relax, have fun, and enjoy time together.
Dutch Country Roads
1 – Blue Marsh National Recreation Area
1268 Palisades Dr., Leesport, PA 19533-9195
(610)376-6337
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the Blue Marsh Lake trail. It is open for all nonmotorized uses, such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2011
Balloon Rides Daily by The U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team
2737 Old Philadelphia Pike Bird in Hand, PA 17505
(800) 763-5987 / http://www.ushotairballoon.com/
The U.S. Team is the Premier provider of hot air balloon rides and hot air balloon tours and events.
Imagine Amish farmland over Lancaster County, the beautiful
Brandywine and Schuylkill river valleys from above Chester, Berks, and Montgomery County. Picture yourself floating
effortlessly over Historic Bucks County and the picturesque Delaware River valley.
PA Lavender Festival Lite
Willow Pond Farm Fairfield, PA 17320
717-642-6387
Willow Pond Farm is a working farm with unpaved pathways. It is accessible, but there is uneven terrain on the grounds and in the gardens.
Willow Pond Farm proprietors Tom and Madeline Wajda (pronounced Vy-da) produce and sell a wide variety of herb plants and herbal products, but have a special love for lavender. The farm and all plants that are sold by the farm are certified organic by Pennsylvania Certified Organic.
The festival will feature some 75 varieties of lavender for sale, other herb and perennial plants, and lavender and other herbal products.
Allegro Vineyards
3475 Sechrist Rd. Brogue, PA 17309-9415
717-927-9148 / http://allegrowines.com/
The winery, established in 1980, was musically named. The primary meaning of the word is “lively”.
There is a lot of vineyard excitement at Allegro to look forward to in 2015: finish pruning and tying up vines, lots of preparation for new planting and all of the normal work that goes into each vintage.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
760 Tobias Dr Halifax, PA 17032
717-362-9126 / http://www.laketobias.com/
Since 1965 Lake Tobias Wildlife Park has been fascinating patrons with its wild, exotic animals and adventure-seeking safari tours. Nestled in the quiet countryside, Lake Tobias resounds with the sights and sounds of the jungles and grasslands of six continents.
Upstate PA
1 – Cozy Creek Family Campground
30 Vacation Lane Tunkhannock, PA 18657
570-836-4122
http://www.northeastpacamping.com/
THE GREATEST FAMILY CAMPING EXPERIENCE IN NORTHEAST PA!
The FUN ZONE has something for everyone! Unlimited mini-golf, arcade, jumping pillow and spider climbing web. The Fun Zone also is where the Gem mining Sluice is located.
2 – EMR Paintball Park
Routes 706 & 601 New Milford, PA 18834
570-465-9622
http://emrpaintball.com/
EMR Paintball Park is your premiere paintball and airsoft facility and home of the famous Castle Conquest. It has 20 diverse playing fields that include; Castles, Forts, Villages, and Towns complete with 2 story buildings, bunkers, tunnels, bridges, woods and various terrain!
3 – Montage Mountain Resorts LP
1000 Montage Mountain Rd. Scranton, PA 18507
570-969-7669
http://www.montagemountainresorts.com/
Montage Mountain is the premiere ski resort Scranton, PA. The ski resort features the 2nd steepest slope on the east, 2 terrain parks, the longest snowtubing lanes in Northeast PA, and much more!
It is located in the heart of NEPA, a region rich with history, art, and culture. Located just 2 hours from New York and Philadelphia, a trip to NEPA can be a wonderful experience for you and your family. There are so many things for you to see and do during your stay!
4 – NEPA Party Bike
51 Resevoir St. Simpson, PA 18407
570-561-3616
http://nepapartybike.com/
NEPA PARTY BIKE IS A PARTY ON WHEELS BASED OUT OF SIMPSON/CARBONDALE PENNSYLVANIA.
It is the Northeast Pennsylvania’s first pedicycle. Our custom-made vehicle fits up to 13 peddlars and 3 ride along passengers for a host of moving parties all around Northeastern PA.
5 – Hope Hill Lavender Farm LLC
2375 Panther Valley Rd Pottsville, PA 17901
570-640-4498
http://www.hopehilllavenderfarm.com/
Hope Hill Lavender Farm is Veteran owned “Semper Fi”. It is owned by Wendy and Troy Jochems who purchased the farm in 2004. Currently have 1200 plants in our greenhouse that where propagated using organic methods and will be ready in the spring.
Great Lake Regions
1 – Coolspring Corn Maze
215 Coolspring Church Rd Mercer, PA 16137
724-699-3221
http://www.coolspringmaze.com/
The Coolspring Corn Maze provide acres of fun for a family or small group. Activities include a corn maze outlining the Mercer County Courthouse, hayrides, fall crafts, and a country market.
Activities included are The Corn Maze, Indoor Hay Maze, The Hayride, Pedal Tractor Racetrack, Two 40′ Mountain Slides, and The Barnyard Boardgame!
2 – Hurry Hill Farm Maple Museum
11424 Fry Rd. Edinboro, PA 16412
814-734-1358
http://hurryhillfarm.org/
The Hurry Hill Maple Farm Association has developed wonderful experiences for visitors–children, families, sugar makers or anyone curious about nature’s pure product. A museum highlight is the story of the Newbery Medal award-winning book Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen. An extensive exhibit shows the people and places in the Edinboro and Cambridge Springs area the author used in the book.
3 – Hell’s Hollow Wildlife Adventure Trail
496 Bestwick Rd. Mercer, PA 16137
724-662-1999
http://www.hellshollowfarm.com/
See Hell’s Hollow farm with it’s old stone house built in 1824, wonder through acres of historic Indian hunting grounds and visit the Iron City Iron Ore Furnace from 1838.
There is so much history in Hell’s Hollow, and so much more to do. Take a hike or rent a cart buggy and explore 4 miles of wildlife trails.
Laurel Highlands
1 – Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park
535 North Route 73 West Berlin, PA 08091
856-767-7580
http://saharasams.com/
Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor and Outdoor Water Park provides Clean, Safe, Weather-Proof Family Fun the entire year with 58 of its 68-thousand square feet under a retractable roof system. Park features include arcade systems, surfing simulators, the world’s tallest ropes course, numerous water attractions, slides and a brand new 2-acre outdoor water park.
2 – Idlewild & SoakZone
2582 Rte. 30 Ligonier, PA 15658
724-238-3666
https://www.idlewild.com/
Idlewild & SoakZone has received the coveted Golden Ticket Award for Best Children’s Park. Introduced in 1998, the Golden Tickets are the most prized awards in the industry and are awarded based on a poll of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans worldwide in a survey conducted by Amusement Today.
Kid’s will enjoy the in-park adventures such as, Alligator Swamp, Bigfoot’s Mudslide, Bubbling Springs, and the ALL-NEW, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. The more adventurous tots and children will love spinning, twirling and bouncing through many in-park rides.
3 – Hidden Valley Resort
1 Craighead Drive Hidden Valley, PA 15502
814-443-8000
http://www.hiddenvalleyresort.com/
As a winter destination, Hidden Valley is the ideal winter destination for families.Built along the natural fall lines of its mountaintop home, 30 miles of vistas capture the dramatic landscape of the surrounding countryside.
4 – Antiochian Heritage Museum
140 Church Camp Trl. Bolivar, PA 15923
724-238-3677
http://www.antiochianvillage.org/
Antiochian Village is a Conference Center and Banquet Facility located on over 300 wooded acres nestled in the foothills of the Laurel Ridge in the scenic Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, between Ligonier and Johnstown.
While staying at Antiochian Village, you can enjoy a brisk morning walk on our wooded trails, a quick jog around our paved walking path, or you can indulge yourself in our indoor fitness center.
Pittsburgh & Countryside
1 – Go Ape Treetop Adventure
303 Pearce Mill Road Allison Park, PA 15101
http://goape.com/
A Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course is an outdoor experience that provides participants 2-3 hours of outdoor fun and exercise.It gets the adrenalin pumping, gets people out of their comfort zones and above all, it’s a great outdoor activity for families, friends and groups.
2 – Sandcastle Waterpark
1000 Sandcastle Dr. West Homestead, PA 15120-1084
412-461-0500
https://www.sandcastlewaterpark.com/
There are pools for adults and kids as well as food shops, a Formula 1 Speedway, gift shop and arcades, sand volleyball, and an old fashioned boardwalk.
3 – Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
1 Museum Rd. Washington, PA 15301
724-228-9256
http://pa-trolley.org/
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum came to Chartiers Township, Washington County in February 1954 with three trolleys and a dream that was born in 1941. Today, that dream is a reality.
This fascinating museum is a unique treasure in the area. Visitors take a four-mile scenic trolley ride aboard antique street cars and receive a guided car barn tour.
Valleys of Susquehanna
1 – Liberty Splashland
200 Prince St Northumberland, PA 17857
570-473-1993
http://www.libertysplashland.com/
Liberty Splashland features a 6,400 square foot swimming pool with shallow end, lap lanes and deep well, 1 meter diving, Drop Slides, Dump Tower, Spray Zone Sprayground, and Sand Volleyball.
2 – Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland
18628 US Route 15 Allenwood, PA 17810
570-538-1869
http://reptiland.com/
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland is a world-class specialized zoo offering an unparalleled educational adventure for the whole family! Explore the world of mambas, cobras, vipers, pythons and other rare and beautiful snakes, and experience giant alligators, gentle tortoises, curious lizards, and colorful frogs on this zoological journey.
3 – Knoebels Amusement Resort
391 Knoebels Blvd Elysburg, PA 17824
800-487-4386
http://www.knoebels.com/
Strap in and get ready for some of the best amusement park rides anywhere! Enjoy the Grand Carousel, one of the very few where you can still catch the Brass Ring! Check out the two world-class roller coasters!
Pocono Mountains
1 – Fernwood Resort
2157 River Road East Stroudsburg, PA 18302
570-588-6661
http://www.fernwoodresortpoconos.com/
Fernwood Resort is a stunning Pocono Mountain resort retreat that provides a picturesque backdrop for your vacation memories. Fernwood offers a host of activities and amenities for that resort vacation getaway, family reunion or business traveller.
2 – Woodloch Resort
731 Welcome Lake Road Hawley, PA 18428
1-800-966-3562
http://www.woodloch.com/
A four-season resort located in the picturesque Pocono Mountains Lake Region, Woodloch is a convenient and scenic drive from New York, Philadelphia, Maryland and Connecticut.
The exclusive property, features 57 finely appointed guestrooms and suites, a 40,000-square-foot spa, exceptional dining, outdoor adventures, complete fitness programs and educational forums.
3 – Big Creek Vineyard
Keller Road. Kresgeville, PA 18333
610-681-3959
Visit the Vineyard or Jim Thorpe Shoppe for a wine tasting and learn what makes it unique.
There’s so much to see and do! A visit to the winery in Kresgeville or the shop in Jim Thorpe can be so much more…Like biking, golf, swimming, white water rafting, kayaking & canoeing, hiking, ziplines, skiing and paintball.
The Alleghenies
1 – Lakemont Park & The Island Waterpark
700 Park Ave. Altoona, PA 16602-5980
814-949-7275
http://www.lakemontparkfun.com/
Opened in 1894 as a trolley park, Lakemont Park has overcome many obstacles to become the 8th oldest amusement park in the United States. One of Lakemont’s most prized possessions is the world’s oldest roller coaster, Leap-the-Dips.
2 – Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
222 Penns Cave Rd. Centre Hall, PA 16828
814-364-1664
http://www.pennscave.com/
America’s only all water cavern and wildlife park.
Glide through the all-water limestone cavern on the tour, given entirely by boat. Take a ride on the wild side through the farm, nature, and wildlife park tour.
3 – Gravity Hill
Bethel Hollow Rd. New Paris, PA 15554
(800) 765-3331
http://www.gravityhill.com/
Your car will roll uphill and water will flow in the opposite direction at this spot where gravity is in disarray. You won’t believe your eyes at Gravity Hill!
Philadelphia & Countryside
Horse-Shoe Trail
Routes 23 and 252 Valley Forge, PA 19481
610-469-1916
http://www.hstrail.org/
The Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy is a 100% volunteer run organization with the mission to maintain and protect all 148 miles of the H-ST from Valley Forge, PA to its junction with the Appalachian Trail, north of Harrisburg.
Brandywine Outfitters
2096 Strasburg Rd. Coatesville, PA 19320-5231
610-486-6141
Brandywine Outfitters Inc. will carry you and your family and friends out of time on a scenic canoe trip down the Brandywine River.Whatever your canoeing pleasure, Brandywine Outfitters can make it a day to remember. Large groups are welcome.
Boathouse Row
1 Boathouse Row Philadelphia, PA 19130
http://www.boathouserow.org/
Located along the east bank of the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row consists of 15 boathouses made to house social and rowing clubs and their racing shells. From the oldest continuously existing…
Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing
Columbus Blvd. at Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-925-7465
Available for skating lessons, birthday parties, group outtings and special holiday hours.
Lehigh Valley
Canal Boat Ride at Hugh Moore Park
30 Centre Sq. Easton, PA 18042-7743
610-515-8000
http://www.canals.org/
Located in historic Easton, Pennsylvania, the National Canal Museum features the state’s only mule-drawn canal boat ride. It’s also the only museum in the country dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals!
Dutch Springs
4733 Hanoverville Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18020-9479
610-759-2270
http://www.dutchsprings.com/
For adventure on land, tackle Sky Challenge, our climbing wall and high ropes adventure course! Dutch Springs is a great site for birthday parties, family reunions, company picnics, church groups, field trips, camp day trips and more! Teambuilding opportunities are also available through our North Star Adventure program!
Lost River Caverns
726 Durham Street Hellertown, PA 18055
610-838-8767
http://www.lostcave.com/
Gilman’s Lost River Caverns and store at the Cave have been in business continuously since 1930. Offering a full line of products for all aspects of jewelry making including findings, gem stones, metals and tools, lapidary and lapidary equipment, metal detectors and much more.
Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary
240 Sunnyside Rd. Easton, PA 18042
610-258-6574
http://www.natlands.org/preserves-to-visit/list-of-preserves/mariton-wildlife-sanctuary
The 200-acre Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary and Wilderness Trust is perched on the steep slopes of Bougher Hill overlooking the scenic Delaware River. Hiking trails lead visitors through a variety of forest types and meadow areas that are home to abundant wildflowers and wildlife.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
101 Doe Mountain Ln. Macungie, PA 18062
610-682-7100
http://www.bcmountainresort.com/
Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center is nestled on over 330 wooded acres in scenic Berks County, Pennsylvania. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing in the winter, and hiking, biking, boating, disc golf, tennis and nearby golf during the spring, summer, and fall.