Posted in Pennsylvania
December 05, 2020
Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Pennsylvania’s Most Impressive Caves And Waterfalls
You just can’t beat a good, old-fashioned road trip. Those of us who live in PA know how many amazing spots there are to visit, making it easy to satisfy our wanderlust. This road trip to some of the best waterfalls and caves in Pennsylvania promises a whole lot of natural beauty. You can customize the directions to add or to delete stops, or use it as inspiration to create your own road trip.
Click here to view and/or to customize the directions on Google Maps. (Before you set off on any road trip, call ahead to make sure destinations are open and to check on the hours, so you don’t make any wasted trips.)
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Let's start our road trip at Ohiopyle Falls in Ohiopyle State Park. One of the best things about Ohiopyle Falls, besides the beauty, is that it's easy to reach. You can view it from several outdoor viewing platforms, or stop by the visitor center, where you'll find a huge window that overlooks the falls. If you want to start a new Christmas tradition, stop by the falls on Christmas Eve, when they're illuminated by shimmering lights. Learn more on the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
Cucumber Falls tumbles less than a mile from Ohiopyle Falls, so you won't have to drive far to get here. Follow the signs for Cucumber Falls, and pull into the small parking lot. From the parking lot, you have an overhead view of the cascading waterfall. If you want to see it closer, just walk down the stairs. You can even walk behind the waterfall for really unique views, if you want.
Our next stop takes us to Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park. Penn's Cave is the only all-water cave in the United States, making it a one-of-a-kind adventure. You'll have to walk down some stairs for your tour of this magnificent cave. Unfortunately, the tour is not ADA-accessible. After you've returned above ground, you have an entire wildlife park to explore, if you're up for it. You can even go gem mining or escape the Miners Maze. Find more information on the official website of
Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park.
Bundle up - or at least bring a sweater or a jacket - for your tour through Indian Echo Caverns, which maintains a year-round temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit. After taking a tour of the caverns, you'll find more fun activities on-site that include gem mining and meeting animals at the petting zoo. There are also picnic tables if you want to have a picnic while the little ones play on the playground. Head over to the official website of Indian Echo Caverns for more information.
We'll head to Gifford Pinchot State Park and Rattlesnake Falls next. Follow the one-mile, out-and-back Rattlesnake Falls Trail that leads straight to the cascade. If you're up for more exploration, check out some more of the park, which is popular for hiking, boating, and camping. Learn more on the official website of Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Laurel Caverns, the deepest cave in Pennsylvania, is only open during the summer season, due to bats that hibernate during the winter. However, if you're visiting during the summer months, you'll have the opportunity to take a tour of the cave. If you're a daredevil, try the caving or the spelunking. Visit the official website of Laurel Caverns.
Our final stop brings us to Fallingwater, a home built around a waterfall. You probably already know the home as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces. Plan ahead for your visit, because you'll need to make reservations for a tour. Several types are offered. Stop by the official website of Fallingwater for more information, including to book a tour.
What are your favorite waterfalls and caves in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! If you are a fan of waterfalls, here are 10 waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania to add to your to-do list.
Address: Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: Cucumber Falls, Stewart Township, PA 15431, USA
Address: 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
Address: 368 Middletown Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA
Address: 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339, USA
Address: 1065 Skyline Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Address: 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464, USA
