12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Pennsylvania This Year
Living in a state as huge as Pennsylvania means that we can easily overlook a few gems. That’s also part of the allure of living here. We’re always discovering something new and uncovering hidden gems. These hidden gems in Pennsylvania – one for each month of the year – deserve a spot on your bucket list. Visit them all or check out a few.
We’ve all heard of Erie, but this vibrant summer town transforms into an absolute winter wonderland during the coldest season of the year. That makes it a hidden gem worth checking out this winter. Enjoy a day cross-country skiing at Presque Isle State Park. Visit the animals at the Erie Zoo, and dine in an igloo. Read more about the snowiest town in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Erie, PA, USA
Spend the day soaring down the mountain at Camelback Mountain Resort, a popular winter destination for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. For a one-of-a-kind winter adventure, keep an eye out for nighttime tubing. Learn more about this snow tubing mountain in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Camelback, 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, USA
The weather can be finicky during March (and, let’s face it, all year long), which makes a stroll along the Blairsville Riverfront Trail ideal. This hidden gem trail is beautiful in all seasons. It tallies 3.5 miles and meanders through Indiana County. Take a peek at the natural beauty that awaits along this trail in Pennsylvania.
Blairsville Riverfront Trail, Blairsville River Trail, Blairsville, PA 15717, USA
Carve out at least a day to explore Salt Springs State Park. With its emerald green forest, cascading waterfalls, and wooden boardwalks, however, you’ll likely return again…and again. Stay in one of the cottages or pitch a tent if one day simply isn’t enough. Camping is offered all year. Read more about this hidden gem state park in Pennsylvania.
Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA
April’s showers bring May’s flowers, which makes a visit to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden picture-perfect this month. Wear comfy shoes, and plan to spend at least a few hours at this sprawling garden that features fairy tale footbridges, a life-sized bird’s nest, and countless colorful, blossoming flowers. Read more about this botanic garden in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 799 Pinkerton Run Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15071, USA
Some of Pennsylvania’s state parks are hiding a lovely summer secret – sandy beaches. Greenwood Furnace State Park beckons beachgoers all summer long with its 300-foot sand beach, which leads straight into the cool water. The beach features a snack bar, picnic tables, and volleyball. Read more about this beautiful swimming hole in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652, USA
Temperatures usually soar in July, which means finding as many fun ways as we can to stay cool. Idlewild Park & SoakZone in Ligonier promises fun for the whole family. Spend some of the day in the cool water at the waterpark then head over to the amusement park for good eats and fun rides. Read more about this old-fashioned amusement park in Pennsylvania.
Idlewild & SoakZone, 2574 Lincoln Hwy, Ligonier, PA 15658, USA
Soak up August’s rays on the sandy beach at Laurel Hill State Park, a hidden gem state park in Pennsylvania. With a full menu of amenities, including a snack bar, the beach can get quite busy during the hottest days of summer. However, if you arrive early, you can likely snag a quiet spot on the sand to relax and unwind. Read more about this gorgeous lake in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Laurel Hill Lake, Pennsylvania 15501, USA
As summer bids farewell, we welcome autumn in September. Fall provides an idyllic backdrop for a scenic hike, and one of the prettiest is Double Run Nature Trail at Worlds End State Park. The 1.2-mile trail wanders past colorful trees, cascading waterfalls, and flowing streams. Read more about this picturesque fall hike in Pennsylvania.
Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USA
Dig into a delicious meal at Allegheny Grille, a beautiful restaurant in Foxburg that overlooks the Allegheny River. The only thing that rivals the food at this Pennsylvania restaurant is the view of the fall foliage. Take a peek at the deliciousness and fall beauty that await at this riverfront restaurant in Pennsylvania.
Allegheny Grille, 40 Main St, Foxburg, PA 16036, USA
Watch snow tumble down from your cozy room at Split Rock Resort. The family-friendly resort promises something for everyone – an indoor waterpark, an arcade, a bowling alley, and several restaurants that dish up some of the best food around. Read more about this winter resort in Pennsylvania.
Split Rock Resort, 428 Moseywood Rd, Lake Harmony, PA 18624, USA
The darling small town of Wellsboro leaps alive every Christmas with several old-fashioned celebrations – the annual Dickens of a Christmas in early December and Christmas on Main Street. Even if you can’t make it for the celebrations, make sure you stop by to do a bit of shopping, grab a bite to eat, and marvel at this gorgeous town all decked out in Christmas decorations. Plan your visit to this hidden gem Christmas town in Pennsylvania.
Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
What are your favorite hidden gems in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Up for an adventure of a different kind? Hit the road on this road trip to the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania.
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