You know all about the seven wonders of the world, but you might be less familiar with wonders in our own backyard. From ancient plants, to musical boulders, massive viaducts, and more — read on to find out the most amazing wonders of the world in Pennsylvania.
1. The Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area
This is one of the lesser-known (but unbelievably cool) things about Pennsylvania. One of the world's oldest living organisms can be found in Perry County - two separate colonies of box huckleberry. The specimen located within the protected area is estimated to be at least 1,300 years old, while a colony located in the nearby Losh Run is estimated to be at least 13,000 years old. Unfortunately, most of the older colony was destroyed due to road work in the 1970s and is not marked for visitors. When you think ancient organisms, you might think sequoia trees, towering pine trees, or bizarre sea sponges hidden in the depths of the ocean— usually not an innocuous bush that you might pass in the Pennsylvania woods without noticing. Learn more on the official website of Tuscarora State Forest.
2. Ringing Rocks County Park
Get your hammer, bring your friends...this is one of the weirdest experiences you're likely to have in nature. Due to a unique chemical composition, an unusual phenomenon occurs at Ringing Rocks County Park; as you might expect from its name, the boulders emit a ringing sound when you strike them. Stop by the website of Ringing Rocks County Park.
3. Kinzua Bridge
When it was first built in 1882, the Kinzua Viaduct was heralded as the eighth wonder of the world. It was at the time the tallest railroad bridge in the world. In 2003, a tornado caused a large portion of the bridge to collapse, and today it is a popular attraction, having been transformed into a striking display of human artifice and also nature's reclaiming powers; the bridge's fallen structures were left in the valley below as a testimony to what once stood there. You can even walk down the remainder of the bridge - the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk - which features a glass floor. Stop by the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.
4. Austin Dam
Similar to the Kinzua Bridge, Austin Dam is another reminder of the fallibility of human architecture. Due to issues in its construction, the dam only held for 11 years before bursting; a paper mill and most of the town of Austin was destroyed in the devastating accident. Learn more about Austin Dam Memorial Park.
5. Penn's Cave
There are a few caves in Pennsylvania that you can visit, but Penn's Cave is by far the most distinctive thanks to its limestone structures and its unique subterranean rivers. You will enter the cave by boat and travel deep into the 1,300-foot cavern. Check out the official website of Penn's Cave.
6. Tunkhannock Viaduct
When the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct was completed, it was the largest concrete structure in the world, and held the title of the largest concrete bridge in America for at least 50 years after the fact. Though it is certainly gigantic to the naked eye, the majority of its mass is located underground. Find more information on the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct.
7. Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls is colloquially known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania" thanks to its impressive array of giant, beautiful waterfalls. It requires an admission fee, but the ticket is worth the experience. There are few other spots like Bushkill Falls anywhere in the eastern part of the country. Head over to the official website of Bushkill Falls.
What other wonders of the world in Pennsylvania would you like to see added to this list? Share your ideas in the comment section. Then check out these list of 10 easy to reach natural wonders in Pennsylvania.
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