2020-12-05 06:33:45
Rugged, majestic, pristine—this spectacular stretch of wilderness is where the wild things roam freely: elk in the fields, bald eagles in the treetops, and trout in the cold streams. Gaze up at the night sky. The constellations are crystal clear here, where it’s so dark you can see the stardust of the Milky Way in the International Dark Sky Park. Take your pick from incredible adventures any way you want them: by foot, raft, horseback, mountain bike, horsedrawn wagon, or hang glider. WILDERNESS ADVENTURES & LOCAL HISTORY Built for outdoor recreation and adventure, the Pennsylvania Wilds features state parks, exquisite architecture, and historic insights into industries that built the region. Explore the Pennsylvania Wilds’ breathtaking vistas, quaint towns, and unique museums. Cameron County’s Sinnemahoning State Park puts you in the middle of 1,910 acres of natural habitat and beautiful landscapes. Along with water recreation, fishing, and hiking, you can observe an abundance of wildlife—from bobcats and bears to elk and bald eagles. Near Wellsboro, you’ll find Pine Creek Gorge, flanked by two state parks on each side: Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. At almost 50 miles long and over 1,000 feet deep, “the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania” offers some of the best scenery in the entire state. Stargazers will adore Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport. Surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest, Cherry Springs State Park features remarkably dark skies that are perfect for stargazing. Be sure to check out the park’s educational astronomy programs. Emporium’s Hygrade Inn offers hotel luxury in a historic home. Built in 1880, it was once the home Bernard Erskine, founder of Sylvania (originally Hygrade Sylvania). Marvel at Victorian-era architecture at Williamsport’s Millionaires’ Row. Once the homes of lumber barons, these landmark properties have been maintained and transformed into restaurants, offices, private homes, and bed and breakfasts. Take a self-guided walking tour through the Smethport Mansion District. Explore 30 properties and learn about the history, architecture, and culture of Smethport’s lavish past. Go to Coalport to learn about the area’s once-thriving coal-mining industry at the Coalport Area Coal Museum. With artifacts donated by families of former coal miners, you can see tools, photos, and more from local Pennsylvania mines. Located in a former Piper Aircraft Corporation manufacturing plant, Lock Haven’s Piper Aviation Museum is dedicated to preserving the corporation’s place in aviation history. Tour the museum to learn about the company’s history, its manufacturing process, and to see multiple vintage aircraft on display. HIGHLIGHTS Elk Country Visitor Center, Benezette Stroll along observation trails to view the largest elk herd in the northeastern United States, and then learn more about these animals through educational exhibits and a 4-D show. Kinzua Skywalk, Mt. Jewett Once the world’s highest and longest railroad bridge, this skyhigh pedestrian walkway extends over the Kinzua Gorge, offering panoramic vistas of the valley 225 feet below. Bilger’s Rocks, Grampian Explore the forested trails and passageways that meander through dramatic rock formations, outcroppings, crawl spaces, and arches at this park. Doolittle Station, DuBois An 1880 B&O replicated rail depot, animatronic dinosaur museum, and numerous culinary experiences—Boxcar Brew Works, Rail Car Pizza, The Parlor Car, and The Diner Car—await at this multi-faceted destination. Cook Forest Sawmill Center for the Arts, Cooksburg Community theater groups from all around come to this performing arts venue housed in an old mill and set amid the natural beauty of Cook Forest State Park. World of Little League Museum, Williamsport Explore the history and legacy of Little League Baseball and Softball with artifacts, images, interactive exhibits, and immersive media. Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center, Punxsutawney Delve into the world of Punxsutawney Phil, the world-famous weather-predicting groundhog. See how shadows are made, explore a burrow, watch Groundhog Day footage, and pick up a souvenir.
©Miles Partnership. View All Articles.