I Love Pennsylvania—But These 5 Places Are a Hard ‘No’ for Me

There is so much to love about Pennsylvania, but are there certain attractions that I will avoid? Absolutely! I skip these destinations due to my personal preferences more than anything else. For instance, due to my acrophobia (fear of heights), I will never ride Steel Curtain at Kennywood, the tallest rollercoaster in PA, and I am okay with that. Of course, we all have our favorite places that we can’t get enough of, and those overhyped destinations in Pennsylvania that are hard “nos,” too. Check out my list of places in Pennsylvania that will never be on my “things to do list.” 

1. Lehigh Gap East Loop via Appalachian Trail

Call me the faint of heart, but as much as I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking the Leigh Gap Trail is not on my list. The challenging trek features steep sections, an elevation gain of over 950 feet, and challenging rock climbing. As much as I would love to admire the awe-inspiring views from Kittatinny Ridge, I will instead live vicariously through the more seasoned hikers who conquer this trek. Adventurous hikers, this three-mile loop trail is great from March to December, and it’s not recommended for pups or the little ones. Be sure to wear your sturdiest boots, as you will need them for this bucket-list-worthy hiking adventure in Pennsylvania. 

2. Pennhurst Asylum

I haven’t been on that many ghost tours. Frankly, I would rather not spend my time discovering ghosts. Instead, I prefer to allow them to find their way in our chaotic world, or even better, find their peace. So, it should come as no surprise that I have never been to Pennhurst Asylum, one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania. The former institution is known for its extreme paranormal anomalies and the sad story of its mentally ill patients. For folks brave enough to step inside this bone-chilling abandoned asylum, there are tons of activities here, including a terrifying haunted attraction, tours, and overnight paranormal investigations. 

3. Steel Curtain at Kennywood

As mentioned above, the Steel Curtain is an “absolute no” for me. I have ridden enough roller coasters in my life to know which ones I can handle with my fear of heights. This record-setting 220-foot high-flying machine challenges riders to put their “nerves to the test.” No thanks, my nerves are perfectly fine and require no further testing. The ride? It’s a high-adrenaline coaster that reaches over 75 miles an hour, featuring nine upside-down twists and turns. If this sounds like your kind of fun, then head to Kennywood in Steelers Country. The iconic amusement park is not only listed as a national landmark, but it’s also one of the oldest parks in Pennsylvania. With its mix of classic rides and new high-flying coasters, Kennywood is worth visiting. And Steel Curtain sounds like a lot of fun for folks searching for their next big thrill.  

4. The Silence of the Lambs House, aka Buffalo Bill's House

Perhaps I should blame my parents for allowing me to watch "The Silence of the Lambs" as a kid. Because I was so spooked by this classic horror movie, I can’t ever watch it again. Hannibal Lecter and Buffalo Bill are the psychopathic characters that nightmares are made of, and unfortunately, they still live rent-free in my head. No surprise, I am not rushing to visit the Silence of the Lambs House. 

The 1910 Queen Anne Victorian house is a lovely hideaway furnished with antiques, and it’s the actual house in the movie. Die-hard fans can experience movie magic while spending the night at this four-bedroom themed vacation rental. It’s surrounded by waterways, hiking trails, plus it’s only 25 miles from Pittsburgh. While the retreat sounds like a great place for a family of eight, all I can think of is waking up to Lecter wearing his terrifying mask, holding a scalpel, eager for his next meal. Yikes!  

5. Presque Isle State Park: Peak Season and Holiday Weekends

Some folks will avoid popular attractions due to overcrowding or because they’re extra touristy. I am not against experiencing these overhyped destinations in Pennsylvania at least once. Who knows, you might end up falling in love with them. For instance, Presque Isle is the most popular state park in Pennsylvania, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Erie. But during peak season and on holiday weekends, this gorgeous destination attracts millions of beachgoers. 

The good news? You can find peaceful pockets like Short Jetty Beach to relax and escape the crowds. Sure, there is no swimming here, but you can enjoy sunbathing, picnicking, playing in the sand, and getting your feet wet in the tranquil waters. Is Presque Isle State Park a hard no for me? No, but I will avoid the beaches on holiday weekends and in the summer months.   

Folks, we are all unique, and we enjoy different things, and none of these places are off-limits. Simply put, my idea of fun may not align with yours. If you enjoy any of the places listed above, let me know on our nomination page. Or share some of your favorite destinations in Pennsylvania, and the attractions that are an “absolute no” for you. And when you’re feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more hidden gems in Pennsylvania.