The Ultimate Pennsylvania Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State

Discovering hidden gems in Pennsylvania is kind of like finding out a big, juicy secret. You can't really tell anyone about it, because you made a promise you wouldn't. Then, again, you just want to tell everyone you know. The ultimate hidden gem road trip in Pennsylvania will take you to seven hidden gems across the state, some better known than others, that will make you feel like you know a juicy secret.

Here are the Google Map directions for the hidden gems road trip through the Keystone State. You can add more destinations, change course, or customize the road trip to your needs, timeline, and interests.

1. White Cliffs of Conoy – Marietta

Beautiful white cliffs stand 60 feet over the Susquehanna River, beckoning visits and offering stellar views of the river and beyond. You'll have to follow the 1.5-mile trail that leads straight to the White Cliffs of Conoy. If you climb on the cliffs, be extremely careful of dropoffs, and watch your step. Read more about the White Cliffs of Conoy.

2. ChesLens Nature Preserve – Coatesville

Spanning just under 1,300 acres, ChesLen Preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore among nature. Its picturesque hiking trails will lead you through such stunning natural scenery as meadows brimming with blossoming flowers and wooded areas that will protect you from the full glare of the sun. The nature preserve also features a children's outdoor play area. Find more information, including days and hours, on the official website of ChesLen Preserve.

3. Stoneleigh Natural Garden – Villanova

A fairy tale setting awaits when you visit the outdoor gardens at Stoneleigh Natural Garden in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Meander past such beautiful natural scenery as towering trees, native plants, and colorful flowers. (Wait until you see the artistic shapes of some of the trees.) Don't forget to snap photos of a wooden statue of curious rabbits. The natural garden hosts events throughout the year, so be on the lookout for those, too. Find more information, including days and hours, on the official website of Stoneleigh Natural Garden.

4. Kalmbach Memorial Park – Macungie

Tucked in Macungie in the Lehigh Valley, Kalmbach Memorial Park is the definition of tranquility and natural beauty, and a total hidden gem. Wander along one of its beautiful trails, where you'll pass colorful flowers, a flowing stream, and a waterfall. You can even sit on one of the benches, and soak in the peacefulness. Stop by the official website of Kalmbach Memorial Park for more information.

5. Lacawac Sanctuary – Lake Ariel

Definitely bring along a pair of comfy shoes on this road trip, because you have quite a few stops that allow for scenic hikes in our lovely state. Lacawac Sanctuary boasts a series of trails that will lead you through a wooded area dotted with gardens and nature displays. You'll also pass a natural bog, where you might catch sight of local wildlife. The sanctuary also hosts events throughout the year. Here's the official website of Lacawac Sanctuary.

6. Montour Preserve – Danville

For our next stop on this hidden gems tour de force of Pennsylvania, you'll definitely want to bring a pair of long pants, especially if you want to do a little fossil digging. Yep, you can dig for fossils at Montour Preserve and take home what you find. Just make sure you bring a bucket and anything else you may need to dig. You may be able to find quite a few fossils that date back as many as 400 million years. The preserve also features hiking trails, a lake that's perfect for kayaking, and an abundance of local wildlife.

Check out the official website of Montour Preserve.

7. Isle of Que

A tiny 5.5-mile long island, Isle of Que is right next to the charming town of Selinsgrove. (You might want to carve out time to visit Selinsgrove, too.) Go boating on the Susquehanna River, or stroll around the neighborhood. The riverbank also provides a picture-perfect spot for watching the sunrise or the sunset. Check out our article on Isle of Que for more information.

Have you been to any of the destinations on the hidden gems road trip in Pennsylvania? What did you think? What are your favorite hidden places to visit in the Keystone State? Let us know in the comments below! If you're into exploring beautiful hidden gems in PA, you might also want to plan a visit to these seven natural wonders in Pennsylvania you can witness for free... some are total unexplored treasures!