All Pennsylvanians have at least a few things in common - beyond the fact that we all live in PA, of course. One commonality among us is there are just some things every Pennsylvanian does at least once in their lives. Here are 15 of those things that earn a spot on the ultimate Pennsylvania bucket list.
1. Stand atop Mount Davis.
All true Pennsylvanians stand atop the highest mountain in PA - Mount Davis - at least once in their lives. The good news? You only have to embark on a 4.5 mile, relatively easy hike, to reach the mountain top. Enjoy an awe-inspiring experience at Mount Davis in Elk Lick Township, PA 15558.
2. Visit the 22 waterfalls of Ricketts Glen State Park.
Embrace the sheer beauty of nature's most spectacular masterpiece (x 22) - waterfalls - at Ricketts Glen State Park. See 21 of those waterfalls by hiking the 7.5 mile Falls Trail. Behold the beauty of Ricketts Glen State Park's waterfalls at 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814.
3. Shop at Reading Market Terminal.
Pennsylvanians have been shopping at Reading Market Terminal since the tail end of the 19th century. The sprawling indoor marketplace features vendors selling food from all over the world, flowers, candles, and other handmade goods. Experience a Pennsylvania tradition at Reading Market Terminal 51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
4. Marvel at the elk in Benezette.
A life lived in PA is not complete without a visit to Benezette, the heart of Elk Country, to marvel at the elk in their natural habitat. Hit the hiking trails at the Elk Country Visitor Center to get a closer look at these majestic animals. Trek to the Elk Country Visitor Center at 950 Winslow Hill Road, Benezette, PA 15821.
5. Bird watch at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, an international center focused on raptors, and you just might get a spectacular view of the majestic birds. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is located at 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA 19529.
6. Hike at Pine Creek Gorge.
Get spectacular views of Pine Creek Gorge by hiking one of its numerous trails. The West Rim Trail, for example, stretches 30 miles and provides breathtaking views of the gorge. Pine Creek Gorge is located in Watson Township, PA 17740.
7. Star gaze at Cherry Springs State Park.
Cherry Springs State Park provides unspoiled views of the nighttime sky. Shielded from all light, the state park promises stunning panoramic views of the stars. Star gaze at Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, PA 16915.
8. Take a trip to Horseshoe Curve.
Developed to make crossing the Allegheny Mountains easier for the rail industry, Horseshoe Curve spans 2,375 feet and is a sight to behold at least once. Guests can take the funicular for spectacular views of the curve or stop by the Visitors Center to learn more about the curve's history. Horseshoe Curve is located at 2400 Veterans Memorial Highway, Altoona, PA 16601.
9. Ride on the Duquesne Incline.
It's a Burgh thing but it's also a PA thing. Every Pennsylvanian must ride up the side of Mount Washington aboard the Duquesne Incline. After arriving at the top, head to the observation decks on Mount Washington for spellbinding views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Buy your tickets for the Duquesne Incline at 1197 W Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
10. Tour the Gettysburg National Military Park.
Gettysburg National Military Park starred in a significant part of U.S. history as the site of the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Tour the park. Attend educational events. Or, go horseback riding. Gettysburg National Military Park is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
11. Make a stop a Gobbler's Knob.
All eyes turn to Punxsutawney every February because of one furry little fella. Punxsutawney Phil, the weather predicting groundhog, will share with the world whether there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring.
Get a close up look at Phil in Gobbler's Knob at 1548 Woodland Avenue, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
12. Explore Penn's Cave.
Climb aboard a tour boat that will take you on an hour long adventure in Penn's Cave, a limestone cavern. Above ground, you'll find a wildlife park tour and an off-road Jeep tour. Journey to Penn's Cave at 222 Penns Cave Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
13. Stroll through Fallingwater.
Tour Fallingwater, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous architectural masterpieces, that features a waterfall. Reserve a tour of the home or simply explore the outdoor grounds for a unique adventure. Discover the masterpiece that is Fallingwater at 1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464.
14. Go for a road trip along Route 6.
PA's Route 6, one of the country's most scenic drives, according to National Geographic, promises a unique experience along 427 miles of Pennsylvania roads that will take you past Pine Creek Gorge, Kinzua Bridge State Park, Coudersport Ice Mine, and Cherry Springs State Park.
15. Make music at Ringing Rocks Park.
A natural phenomenon beckons Pennsylvanians - and tourists - to experience the ringing rocks at Ringing Rocks Park. Bring a hammer along. Hit the rocks with a hammer and listen to the melody the rocks make. Hit the rocks at Ringing Rocks Park, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972.
Perhaps these 15 things are just the start of compiling the ultimate Pennsylvania bucket list. What else would you add?
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