12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Pennsylvania This Year
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
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.
1. January – Erie
Erie, PA, USA
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.
2. February – Camelback Mountain Resort
Camelback, 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, 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.
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3. March – Blairsville Riverfront Trail
Blairsville Riverfront Trail, Blairsville River Trail, Blairsville, PA 15717, 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.
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4. April – Salt Springs State Park
Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, 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 why this state park is one of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania.
5. May – Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 799 Pinkerton Run Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15071, 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.
6. June – Greenwood Furnace State Park
Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652, 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.
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7. July – Idlewild Park
Idlewild & SoakZone, 2574 Lincoln Hwy, Ligonier, PA 15658, 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.
8. August – Laurel Hill Lake
Laurel Hill Lake, Pennsylvania 15501, 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.
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9. September – Double Run Nature Trail
Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, 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.
10. October – Allegheny Grille
Allegheny Grille, 40 Main St, Foxburg, PA 16036, 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.
11. November – Split Rock Resort
Split Rock Resort, 428 Moseywood Rd, Lake Harmony, PA 18624, 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.
12. December – Wellsboro
Wellsboro, PA 16901, 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.
Are any of these hidden gems your favorite things to do in Pennsylvania? Are there other secret places we should know about? Let us know in the comments! We would love to hear from you.
Up for an adventure of a different kind? Hit the road on this road trip to the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania. Before you leave, don’t forget the ever-important road trip snacks so you’re properly fueled for your next adventure.
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More to Explore
Things To Do In Pennsylvania
Where are some free hidden gems in Pennsylvania?
Have you ever considered how many museums we have that celebrate history, art, science, and other contributions? Each one offers such a unique experience, and while some require a cost for admission, here are several museums that are free and should be considered some of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania.
- The Zippo / Case Museum in Bradford shines a light on the unique history of what many consider to be the basic pocket lighter.
- Bicycle Heaven in Pittsburgh is the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop. To biking enthusiasts, this may in fact be considered heaven.
- Visitors come with an appetite for learning when they visit the Big Mac Museum in North Huntingdon.
- It’s unique and whimsy, which is why everyone needs to experience for themselves Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum in Orrtanna.
For more information on these and more, take a moment to check out this article on lesser-known museums to visit for free in Pennsylvania.
Where are some places to go for free in Pennsylvania?
Having fun and making memories doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are some of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania that are also natural wonders, and best of all, they won’t break the bank.
- Known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is a breathtaking natural beauty in Colton Point State Park.
- Don’t forget your hammer when you visit Ringing Rocks County Park in Upper Black Eddy. You must see and hear for yourself to believe this place!
- While you can’t take a dip, you’ll still love the beauty of Seven Tubs Nature Area in Wilkes-Barre