Pennsylvania
Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The One Pennsylvania Cave That’s Filled With Ancient Mysteries

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Avella, Pennsylvania, offers a glimpse into prehistoric human life with its 19,000-year-old artifacts and historic demonstrations.

Published Aug 13, 2021

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Have you ever wondered what life was like at the beginning of human civilization, especially in Pennsylvania? How different and how much harder every day must have been for those early inhabitants? We can probably get a pretty good idea of what it must have been like from books and drawings. However, when you visit this Pennsylvania cave, you'll get a glimpse at everyday life for humans during the prehistoric era.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Avella is North America's oldest site of human habitation, dating back more than 19,000 years.

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

Don't expect your typical cave when you visit Meadowcroft. The Heinz History Center (which runs the historic site) calls it "a massive rock overhang" used by the early hunters and gatherers.

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

Albert Miller got the first inkling of something special beneath the ground on his farm when he discovered a prehistoric tool in 1955. However, he decided to find a professional to investigate what he'd found.

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

That happened in 1973 when Dr. James Adovasio, an anthropology professor at the nearby University of Pittsburgh, visited and checked out the tool. From there and for the next six years, Dr. Adovasio and his team worked hard to...

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

Excavate the site. Their findings during that time were stunning - more than two million artifacts, including what appeared to be remnants of fire pits from the ice age.

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

The rock ledge overhang, which many consider a cave, served as a campsite for prehistoric Americans more than 19,000 years ago.

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

From May through October, the rock shelter and historic village draw visitors from all over Pennsylvania and beyond. Get an up-close look at the rock shelter, and...

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Explore the rest of the historic village. Meadowcroft is also home to a historic village, a prehistoric Indian village, and a frontier trading post.

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

Demonstrations are offered, too, to help bring the villages to life.

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

Stop by the official website of Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village for days, hours, and more information. Or, go here for Facebook.

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Facebook/Meadowcroft Rock Shelter and Historic Village

Do you have a favorite Pennsylvania cave? Let us know in the comments! For more unique adventures, plan a visit to these eight caves in Pennsylvania that are like entering another world.

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The One Place In Pennsylvania That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth

Loyalsock State Forest in Pennsylvania offers a magical experience with lush greenery, towering trees, and numerous trails and vistas.

Updated Jun 5, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

We can step straight into a magical world of hobbits, elves, and good versus evil when we visit Loyalsock State Forest, one of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania. Or, at least we can feel as though Merry, Pippin, Frodo, or Legolas might be traveling through the state forest, carpeted with lush green and protected by towering trees. Are you ready for a trip to Pennsylvania's very own Middle Earth (and, in some spots, the Shire)?

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Loyalsock State Forest spans more than 110,000 acres through three counties: Bradford, Lycoming, and Sullivan.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Pennsylvania's Loyalsock State Forest is simply enchanting. But why take our word for it? Visit and see for yourself.

Regardless of where you travel through the majestic state forest, you'll find yourself surrounded by protective trees. A stream — Loyalsock Creek — meanders through most of the park.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

The sprawling natural wonder lays claim to five breathtaking natural and wild areas. Kettle Creek Wild Area, one of them, spans more than 2,500 acres. It attracts campers who want an authentic, primitive camping experience.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Explore the forest on horseback, by mountain bike, or on foot. With more than 200 miles of trails — both marked and unmarked — Loyalsock State Forest's trail system is a dream for hikers.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Admire the vibrant wildflowers that line Jacoby Falls Trail, a spectacular hike that will lead you straight to the breathtaking waterfall.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Cross footbridges along your journey, stopping to admire the views of the forest from one of the many vistas that dot the area. Canyon Vista, Bodine Mountain Vista, and Indian Trail Vista are among the popular overlooks.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Prefer exploring by water? Climb into a kayak or a canoe for a leisurely ride down Loyalsock Creek.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Enjoy a relaxing picnic at one of the waterfront picnic areas scattered through the forest. Bear Wallow Pond features a picnic pavilion.

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Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Journey to Middle Earth right here in Pennsylvania. Loyalsock State Forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset. (Camping is permitted.)

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Flickr/Karen Christine Hibbard

Have you been to Loyalstock State Forest? Do you agree that it's Pennsylvania's most beautiful forest? What other spots in Pennsylvania remind you of Middle Earth? Let us know in the comments! To feel as though you've stepped into a magical wardrobe, journey to Rothrock State Forest.

Ready to explore some more? Slip on your hiking shoes, and follow one of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania. You can find them all on All Trails.

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

The Most Beautiful Canyon In America Is Right Here In Pennsylvania… And It Isn’t The Grand Canyon

Pine Creek Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, offers breathtaking views and hiking trails, making it a must-visit natural wonder.

Updated Nov 16, 2023

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Pennsylvania, it's probably fair to say, is synonymous with natural wonders - from the waterfalls at Bushkill Falls (dubbed the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania) to the dark sky over Cherry Springs State Park. It's also home to what might be the most beautiful canyon in America - Pine Creek Gorge. If you've never been, you'll probably want to add it to your bucket list. After all, this is one natural wonder that all Pennsylvanians should experience at least once.

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You've probably heard of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania; that's Pine Creek Gorge, a natural wonder in Wellsboro that you really have to see to appreciate.

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With its massive measurements - nearly 50 miles long and approximately 1,450 feet deep - and scenic beauty, the canyon draws visitors from all over Pennsylvania and beyond.

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Michael Kelly / Google Reviews

For the best aerial views of the canyon, visit Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. Both offer scenic vistas with sweeping views of the gorge below.

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Boris Smola / Google Reviews

This is one of those natural attractions that is breathtaking in all four seasons. However, if you really want to be blown away, visit during the peak of the fall foliage.

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While the scenic vistas offer sensational views, you might want to do a bit more exploring, too. The canyon has several hiking trails, including the Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park.

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Be prepared for a challenging trek down to the canyon floor. You'll be rewarded with such natural beauty as gushing waterfalls.

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The two-mile trail is out and back, so you'll go down to the canyon floor and return to the top again.

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One of the best ways to experience the bottom of Pine Creek Gorge is on an old-fashioned wagon ride with Ole Covered Wagons.

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Learn more on the Leonard Harrison State Park website or visit the Colton Point State Park website.

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One of our favorite natural wonders in Pennsylvania is the Pine Creek Gorge. Go on an adventure with Keystone Curiosity in this video talking about the "Grand Canyon in Pennsylvania:"

Do you agree that Pine Creek Gorge might be the most beautiful canyon in America? Let us know in the comments! After visiting the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, how about another adventure? You can't go wrong with a visit to the smallest state park in Pennsylvania.

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