Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on November 15, 2022(Originally published November 10, 2022)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
No matter how long we’ve lived in Pennsylvania, we’re always just one stroll down the street or drive across town away from discovering new hidden gems. That’s just part of what makes living in Pennsylvania so much fun. When you’ve got a few free days in your itinerary, hit the highway on this road trip to the best little-known hidden gems in Pennsylvania.
Here are the Google map directions for the road trip. Add or remove stops, and customize to your needs and interests. However, whatever you do…have fun!
This epic road trip will take you to some of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania. If you can't carve out time to hit the road, how about adding each of these gems to your Pennsylvania bucket list?
Our hidden gems road trip in Pennsylvania kicks off at the White Cliffs of Conoy, a geological wonder that's perched 60 feet above the Susquehanna River. You'll have to follow a short trail to reach the cliffs that developed over the years and just recently became open to the public. Don't forget your camera, and keep a close watch on kids and pets. The cliffs feature several steep, dangerous drop-offs. Read more about this natural wonder in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
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2. Seven Tubs Nature Area – Wilkes-Barre
Seven Tubs Recreation Area - Pinchot Forest District, 900 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA
Seven Tubs Nature Area offers a picture-perfect way to spend a day - or even just a few hours - outdoors. The 400-acre natural area features a series of natural pools and even a few waterfalls. While swimming in the pools is prohibited, you can explore the pools along one of the scenic trails. Plan your visit to this hidden gem in Pennsylvania by checking out our previous article.
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3. Lacawac Sanctuary – Lake Ariel
Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center, 94 Sanctuary Rd, Lake Ariel, PA 18436, USA
Slip into a pair of comfortable hiking or walking shoes for your visit to Lacawac Sanctuary, home to Lake Lacawac, "the southernmost glacial lake in the hemisphere." The lush natural area features a series of hiking trails that will take you past a natural bog and a beautiful garden.
Plan your trip to this nature sanctuary in Pennsylvania.
Our next stop takes us to one of the best places to retire in the United States. Spend a few hours or an entire day exploring the darling, historic downtown area that's dotted with shops and restaurants. Each season also brings with it its own charm, including hand-painted snowmen that decorate the town during the winter. Get a closer look at this charming small town in Pennsylvania.
5. Historic Hotel Bethlehem – Bethlehem
Historic Hotel Bethlehem, 437 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA
Pamper yourself with a stay at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, known for both its rich history and its supposed hauntings. (Don't worry - the ghosts are friendly.) You might also want to carve out a bit of time to explore downtown Bethlehem, too, during your visit. The historic hotel gets all decked out for the holidays, so Christmastime is a magical time to visit. Learn more about this historic hotel in Pennsylvania.
6. Chanticleer Garden – Wayne
Chanticleer Gardens, 4 Henstock Rd, Arcadia NSW 2159, Australia
Step into an enchanting fairy tale when you visit Chanticleer Garden, a beautiful natural area just outside of Philadelphia. The 27-acre seasonal garden features winding walking paths that lead to a pond garden, an Asian garden, and a teacup garden. Get a glimpse of the adventure that awaits at this fairy tale garden in Pennsylvania.
7. Wolf Sanctuary of PA – Lititz
Wolf Sanctuary of PA, 465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA 17543, USA
We're quite fortunate to have quite a bit of wildlife in Pennsylvania, but we don't have any more wild wolves. However, we can still see these majestic animals up close at Wolf Sanctuary of PA. The hidden gem in Pennsylvania offers tours and also hosts special events, such as professional photography sessions and full moon fundraisers. Read more about this unique place to visit in Pennsylvania.
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8. Haines Shoe House – York
The Haines Shoe House, 197 Shoe House Rd, York, PA 17406, USA
Get a glimpse into what life might have been like for the old lady in a shoe at the Haines Shoe House. Formerly an ice cream shop, the Haines Shoe House has made the transition to a VRBO. Can you think of a better way to end a hidden gems in Pennsylvania road trip than with a night in a larger-than-life shoe? You don't want to forget your camera for this one (or any of the unique places to visit in Pennsylvania we've stopped at on this road trip.) Book your stay at the Haines Shoe House, a one-of-a-kind VRBO in Pennsylvania.
What are your favorite hidden gems in Pennsylvania? Any on this road trip? Let us know in the comments! Ready for more road-tripping fun? Head out on the scenic road trip that takes you to the seven natural wonders of Pennsylvania.
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Things To Do In Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams|November 15, 2022
Where can I find the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania?
You can find hidden gems tucked all over the state. Here are the five best hidden gems in Pennsylvania.
What are some must-visit destinations I should add to my Pennsylvania bucket list?
With so many unique places to visit in Pennsylvania, you won’t have any difficulty starting – or adding to – your bucket list. Here are five unique places to visit in Pennsylvania.
What are some of the best things to do in Pennsylvania?
Exploring Pennsylvania is easy and fun. A bucket list is the best way to make sure you check off all of the one-of-a-kind things to do in Pennsylvania you want to try. Here are five of the best things to do in Pennsylvania.