Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2025
The Alleghenies (AL)
2024-11-28 11:42:47
The Allegheny Mountains take center stage in this historic region. The summits — and the towns between them — offer a feast for your senses, from the baritone whistle of trains chugging along historic railroads to the crunch of autumn leaves as you hike a wooded trail. Glimpse the past as you stroll by gingerbread Victorians, relax in historic hotels, or uncover precious antiques. Whether seeking a bike ride along old rail-trails, a lazy float down the Juniata River, or a peek into American history, it’s all here.
River Retreat in Mifflintown
Nestled along the scenic Juniata River, the second-largest tributary of the Susquehanna River, Mifflintown offers an idyllic waterfront escape for tubing, boating, fishing, and swimming. In the Juniata River Valley, choose from 10 access areas for canoeing and kayaking.
Stay right on the waterfront at River’s Edge RV Park & Campground, where you’ll find spacious sites, direct river access, and modern amenities such full hook-ups, a shower facility, riverfront deck, and game room.
Nearby, Buttonwood Campground offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a packed schedule of kid-approved entertainment, including seasonal activities, crafts, games, and themed parties. Enjoy even more perks for the whole family like a dog run, laundry facility, hot showers, and an on-site winery.
Waterfront Getaway at Raystown Lake
The largest lake contained entirely within Pennsylvania’s borders, Raystown Lake offers adventures on land and water, from hikes and mountain biking to boating and fishing. Stay in a cozy cabin, a yurt, or the main lodge at Lake Raystown Resort in Entriken, or bring your camping set-up to Seven Points Campground in Hesston for a stay in natural beauty. In Hesston, mountain bikers won’t want to miss the thrilling singletrack trails with the 36-mile Allegrippis Trail System, and boaters will find everything they need at Seven Points Marina, from boat rentals to dock services. Or, take in peaceful views of the lake with a ride on the Proud Mary Showboat in Entriken.
See Nearby
In Altoona, learn about the history of “Railroad City” with exhibits at Railroaders Memorial Museum and see the engineering marvel of the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, completed in 1854. In Martinsburg, pick up fresh fruits, deli meats, and baked goodies at Peach Hill Orchard.
Stop in Johnstown
Ride the Johnstown Inclined Plane, the world’s steepest vehicular incline, restored and reopening in 2024. Test your mettle on the adjacent downhill biking trails. Enjoy dinner with a spectacular view from Asiago’s Tuscan Italian. Head downtown to the famous Spider-Man mural, the world’s only Marvel-approved public art. Don’t miss Cambria City, Johnstown’s colorful arts and cultural district.
BIKE THE GHOST TOWN TRAIL
This 49-mile long “rails to trails” trail is named for the long-gone coal-mining communities that once dotted its right-of-way. Features include two massive iron furnaces, old coal-loading tipples, boney (coal-refuse) piles, and other traces of industrial history along with gorgeous scenery in the Blacklick valley Natural Area—mountain streams, stands of rhododendron, dozens of wildflower species, and cool woodlands.
Exploring Bedford
With a luxurious spa, historic golf course, and plush guest rooms, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort is a welcome reprieve for travelers looking to unwind on their vacation. Wander through an 18th-century village with workshops and log cabins at Old Bedford Village, or peruse the exhibits housed within a log fortress at Fort Bedford Museum to see how this area was involved in the French & Indian War. And be sure to take a selfie in front of The Coffee Pot, an 18-foot coffee pot built in 1927.
Sights Close by:
During summer months, rent a paddleboat or lay out on the sand beach at Shawnee State Park in Schnellsburg. In Manns Choice, drive through the red-painted Herline Covered Bridge dating to 1906, and then take a guided tour into the heart of Coral Caverns to see stalactites and other cave formations illuminated with colored lights, as well as a fossilized coral reef. Pack a picnic and head to Sideling Hill State Forest Picnic Area in Breezewood for gorgeous views or savor a massive “Tower Burger” at Tower Ridge Inn Bar & Grill in McConnellsburg.
College-Town Trip in State College
This quaint college town is packed with hidden gems. Stroll along walking paths through 10 acres of blooming gardens within the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens of The Arboretum at Penn State. Then explore exhibitions - including The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art, on display Feb. 12–May 11, 2025 — at the Palmer Museum of Art. Catch live music at The State Theatre and browse records and used books at Webster’s Bookstore Café.
For a bite to eat, fill up on modern diner food (like a doublestack burger alongside a boozy milkshake) at The Corner Room or sip on craft beers paired with upscale pub grub (think short rib nachos and salmon BLT sandwiches) at Happy Valley Brewing Company. Then stop by the college-run Penn State Berkey Creamery, dishing out specialty ice cream, sherbet, and even cheese.
UNEXPECTED FINDS NEARBY
Less than 20 minutes from State College, Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery in Centre Hall offers beautiful grounds to enjoy a picnic (and a bottle of wine from the tasting room). Or, stop in Granville at Burnt Timbers Winery, where the tasting room is housed in a charming 1850s barn.
In Mifflintown, watch blockbuster hits in a vintage setting at the seasonal Midway Drive-In Theatre and fill up on tacos, pupusas, and tostones at Guante Family Restaurant.
From the Spanish American War to WWII and beyond, hear the stories of Pennsylvania’s soldiers and how they contributed to global events at the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg.
At Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, watch as sprint, modified, and late model cars zoom around the half-mile dirt racetrack. (Bring your camping gear for an overnight stay.)
After a day of hiking or ATV riding, refuel with an elk burger or house-smoked ribs at Milroy’s New Lancaster Valley Wilderness Lodge, housed in a former CCC mess hall.
©Miles Partnership. View All Articles.