2022-12-07 10:02:23
Action-Packed Getaway at Raystown Lake The largest lake contained entirely within Pennsylvania’s borders, Raystown Lake offers plenty to keep you busy, from hikes and mountain biking to boating and swimming. Check in at Lake Raystown Resort in Entriken, where you can stay in a cozy cabin, a yurt, or the main lodge. Or if you prefer to sleep closer to nature, pitch your tent at Seven Points Campground in nearby Hesston. Day 1 Take your mountain bike out on Hesston’s Allegrippis Trail System, boasting 36 miles of singletrack trails for every skill level, from novice to pro. Then get on the water aboard the Proud Mary Showboat for a unique view of the lake: Take a sightseeing tour or, for a truly memorable meal, choose a dinner cruise. Day 2 Dip your toes in the water, starting with the sandy Seven Points Beach in Hesston, where you can swim, picnic, or just relax. Then stop at Seven Points Marina to rent a pontoon boat to suit your needs, take a houseboat for the night, or launch your own boat from one of its docks. Day 3 Grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich at Standing Stone Coffee Company as you make the trek to the Ridenour Overlook in Huntingdon for its stunning views of the Raystown Lake Dam and the Juniata River. Next, head to Trough Creek State Park and hike to Rainbow Falls, where on most sunny days the mist from the falls catches the light to produce a rainbow. More Places to Explore in This Region Port Royal Speedway Half-mile dirt racetrack for sprint, modified, and late model cars, offering on-site camping during events. Port Royal Discovery Space Science museum with Marine Life Center exhibit and The Rivet, a hands-on makerspace with guided instruction. State College Penn State Berkey Creamery Penn State-run creamery dating back to 1865 serving ice cream (with flavors such as Alumni Swirl and Happy Happy Joy Joy), sherbet, and other dairy delights including cheese. State College Historic Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park Underground boat tours through the country’s only all-water cavern and bus tours on the farm-nature-wildlife park. Centre Hall Sideling Hill Picnic Area Picnic area with horseshoe pit located on U.S. Route 30 at the summit of Sideling Hill Mountain. Breezewood Rock Run Recreation Area Off-roading area with more than 140 miles of trails, plus primitive, 30-amp, and 50-amp campsites. Patton DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash More than 30 rides and attractions, classic Italian cuisine, and an Italian-themed water park. Tipton Wild Annie’s Food truck-turned-restaurant serving up gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and fries loaded with toppings. McConnellsburg Old Bedford Village An immersive history experience with costumed interpreters and 36+ period workshops and log cabins. Bedford Find Some Peace & Quiet If you’re seeking rest and relaxation on your getaway, the stillness, abundant natural beauty, and simple pleasures of The Alleghenies offer themselves for your enjoyment. The Arboretum at Penn State in State College boasts unique attractions like the Grove of the Ancients, featuring plants from the time of the dinosaurs. Soak up the breathtaking views at the Mt. Nittany Vineyard and Winery, then head over to the tasting room. At the Wildfire Ranch Spiritual Retreat in Spring Mills, take riding lessons and commune with the ranch’s trained therapy horses. Spend the night at Buttonwood Campground in Mifflintown for fresh country air amid a backdrop of rolling farmland. At Shaver’s Creek in Petersburg, observe nature up close at the aviary, pollinator gardens, and herpetarium (a reptile and amphibian exhibit). In Patton, Prince Gallitzin State Park and its 1,635-acre lake are beloved by campers, boaters, and fishing enthusiasts. And along the Little Juniata River, try your hand at fly fishing, casting your lure in search of brown trout. Historic Moments If your ideal road trip includes standing where history was made, look no further than this tour highlighting several of The Alleghenies’ richest historical sites. Including several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bellefonte Historic District is a window into the 1870s. Stop at the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society for its collection of authentic rail cars. At the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, survey the state’s military history through the ages. Altoona’s Horseshoe Curve offers a breathtaking display of engineering, as this dramatic stretch of railroad track allowed trains to conquer the Allegheny Ridge, a feat when the link was completed in 1854. Then, ride 895.5 feet to the top of Yoder Hill on the newly renovated Johnstown Inclined Plane, slated to reopen spring 2023. Finish your tour by immersing yourself in Johnstown’s community and culture at the Heritage Discovery Center.
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