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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

Safely Explore Woodward Cave In Pennsylvania On A Private Social Distancing Tour

Woodward Cave in Pennsylvania is offering private social distancing tours starting May 9, 2020.

Published Apr 30, 2020

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Most of us are, undoubtedly, itching for life to return to some sense of normal. In the meantime, we're doing all we can to stay safe and to keep busy as we await the return of our favorite attractions. Good news! Some have already returned, including Woodward Cave in Pennsylvania, which is now offering private social distancing tours.

Bring the family to Woodward Cave, in Woodward, for a private social distancing tour that will give you an up-close look at "The Big One" while you remain safe.

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Google Local/Robert Pemrich

Social distancing private tours, which must be reserved in advance, will begin on May 9, 2020. Each tour is restricted to your immediate family or group members.

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Trip Advisor/alexuswebb

It all starts virtually. Pay for your private tour by credit card before you even arrive at Woodward Cave.

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Trip Advisor/alexuswebb

Once you arrive at Woodward Cave, you'll make your way to the entrance of the cave. There, you'll meet your tour guide.

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Trip Advisor/Teresa N.

Your tour guide will wear a mask, as should each member of your group, and will maintain a safe distance as she takes you through the breathtaking natural wonder that opened in 1926.

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Trip Advisor/alexuswebb

Highlights of Woodward Cave include the 200-foot Hall of Statues, the 14-foot high Tower Babel, and the Ballroom. After your tour, consider stopping by the wildflower meadow near the cave.

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Trip Advisor/alexuswebb

Reserve and pay for your private social distancing tour by calling 814-810-0218.

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Trip Advisor/alexuswebb

Click here for the official website of Woodward Cave. Or, go here for Facebook.

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Trip Advisor/betzor42

Do you plan to go to Woodward Cave in Pennsylvania on a private social distancing tour? Join the conversation in the comments! While we might not be able to do everything we want right now, we can definitely start planning for these seven unforgettable adventures around Pennsylvania.

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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.

A winding road through a forest with autumn leaves and a wooden fence under a clear blue sky.
Chuck Taft / Google Reviews

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.

A stone building with a sign reading "Entrance to Views," surrounded by snow and trees, with two people walking nearby.
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.

Scenic overlook with wooden railing, showcasing lush green hills and a valley under a partly cloudy sky.
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.

A scenic view of a river winding through a colorful autumn landscape with hills and trees.
JudyTomB / TripAdvisor

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.

A serene landscape featuring a river surrounded by lush green hills and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Samantha Townsend / TripAdvisor

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

A serene waterfall cascades over rocky steps, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves in a tranquil forest setting.
Dana Hummel / Google Reviews

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.

Aerial view of a horse-drawn cart on a dirt road surrounded by lush greenery and trees. Dust is rising behind the cart.
cecoleman82 / TripAdvisor

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

A scenic view of a winding river surrounded by lush, colorful trees in a misty valley.
rbitner2016 / TripAdvisor


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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