10 Incredible Hidden Gems In Pennsylvania You’ll Want To Discover This Year
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
With so many amazing attractions and one-of-a-kind destinations in Pennsylvania, we tend to look over quite a few through no fault of our own. Some of the best lesser-known gems in Pennsylvania will take us to remote spots and deep into nature while others promise a glimpse into yesteryear. When you’re not sure where to program your GPS for your next adventure, consider one of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania.
Hammersley Wild Area, Austin, PA 16720, USA
Escape to the most remote area of the state with a visit to Hammersley Wild Area, one of the hidden beautiful places in Pennsylvania. The remote area does not allow motor vehicles, and chances are you won’t get great cell reception, if any at all. What you will enjoy, however, is some of the quietest, most beautiful landscapes in Pennsylvania. Explore one of the hiking trails that winds through this 30,253-acre wild area.
Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA
With 124 state parks in Pennsylvania, a few hidden gems can easily be overlooked. Salt Springs State Park just might be one of the best kept secrets in Pennsylvania, and it’s worth a visit in any season. The scenic trails wind pass such beauty as waterfalls, lush forest trees, and fern floors. Bring along a picnic and make a day of it. If you’re visiting after it snows, go cross-country skiing or sledding.
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Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
On those hot summer days, bypass the traditional waterparks, and make your way to Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, nestled in Ohiopyle State Park. One of the most unique places to visit in Pennsylvania, the natural waterslides are made of 300-million-year-old sheets of sandstone. Be prepared for some bumps and bruises, and take precautions as there are no lifeguards.
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Pine Creek Gorge, Watson Township, PA 17740, USA
Go off the beaten path in Pennsylvania when you journey to Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania natural wonder measures 47 miles long, one mile wide, and 1,450 feet at its deepest point. View it from Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park, both of which have scenic overlooks and trails that promise sensational views. Worthy of a spot on your bucket list, Pine Creek Gorge is a must-visit in all four seasons. However, try to visit during the peak of the fall colors for a truly mesmerizing experience.
Columcille Megalith Park, 2155 Fox Gap Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, USA
Columcille Megalith Park just might be Pennsylvania’s answer to Stonehenge. One of those cool places to visit in Pennsylvania, the one-of-a-kind park features more than 90 unique stone formations. A stroll through the park promises an idyllic opportunity for quiet reflection. Save time, too, to sit in the park’s tiny chapel.
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Chanticleer, a pleasure garden, 786 Church Rd, Wayne, PA 19087, USA
Stroll along wandering paths at Chanticleer Garden, one of the top hidden beautiful places in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania garden, open seasonally, will make you swear you’ve stepped onto the pages of a fairy tale. Nestled less than 30 minutes from Philadelphia, the enchanting garden features flowing streams, colorful flowers, and stone benches. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to sit back, relax, and drink in the beauty of your surroundings.
White Cliffs of Conoy, Marietta, PA 17547, USA
A 1.5-mile path leads straight to the White Cliffs of Conoy, one of the most unique places to visit in Pennsylvania. Reminiscent of the White Cliffs of Dover in England (and from where it got its name), the cliffs sit 60 feet above the Susquehanna River and were formed as the result of limestone being dumped from nearby quarries. If you visit, be careful of steep drop-offs, and don’t forget your camera.
Baldwin's Book Barn, 865 Lenape Rd, West Chester, PA 19382, USA
Even if you’re not a book lover, you’ll probably become one with your first visit to Baldwin’s Book Barn, one of the most unique places to visit in Pennsylvania. The beloved book store, tucked in a stone building that dates back to the 1800s, boasts a collection of more than 300,000 titles, predominately used, rare, and out-of-print. Carve out plenty of time for your visit to this five-story bookstore, where you can find a hidden nook to sit and read for a bit.
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American Treasure Tour Museum, One American Treasure Way, Oaks, PA 19456, USA
Go on a journey through the ages with a visit to the American Treasure Tour, a hidden gem museum in Pennsylvania that celebrates pop culture. Sit back and enjoy a tram ride that will whisk you back in time. You’ll pass memorabilia that includes such beloved characters as Donald Duck, Raggedy Ann, and the Simpsons.
Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center, 94 Sanctuary Rd, Lake Ariel, PA 18436, USA
Bring along your kids and pooches for a day spent exploring Lacawac Sanctuary, a beautiful natural wonder in Pennsylvania. Open all year, the Pennsylvania sanctuary is best explored by hiking trails that meander past local wildlife, colorful wildflowers, and over wooden footbridges.
Do you agree these are some of the best gems in Pennsylvania? What other hidden gems in Pennsylvania do you recommend everyone add to their bucket list? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for more exploring, follow this road trip to these must-visit hidden gems in Pennsylvania. Before you set off on your next adventure, make sure you have a good camera to take with you.
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