Many young people in Pennsylvania may feel there are not many things to do in the summer. Most people either feel that they live in the middle of nowhere (which they probably do) or they are sick of doing the same old, same old. Luckily, there are lots of fun things to do and beautiful places to visit here in Pennsylvania and I have compiled a list to get you started. So, here are a few places that you can load the car up with snacks and a few friends and head out to for the day. (Also while on a budget).
1. Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Tioga County
Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, is an 800 foot deep canyon in the Tioga State Forest. The park includes miles of hiking trails. The best views can be found on the West Rim Trail. Get some friends or family together, or your dog and head to Pine Creek Gorge for a fun filled day of nature.
2. World's End State Park, Sullivan County
World's End is a 780 acre park located just south of Forksville. There are an assortment of fun activities to do there. Hiking is one of the most common activities with over 20 miles of trails. Also, bring your picnic basket and eat a meal alongside the Loyalsock Creek. You can also go swimming or whitewater boating in certain parts of the creek. Lastly, if you are feeling more adventurous, you can spend the night on the camping grounds of World's End. Camping on the grounds includes group tenting, a trailer campground, as well as cabins.
3. Indian Echo Caverns, Hummelstown
As you pull into the parking lot you will come upon a petting zoo where you can stop and play with the goats and sheep before making your way to the cave. Previously known as, Wilson Cave, after a man by the name of William Wilson. He was a hermit who retreated from society after his failure to stop the execution of his sister after the murder of her two sons. He traveled westward until he made his home in the caves. Indian Echo Caverns is open daily year round. A show cave, meaning it is open to the public, was commercialized in the 1920's. There are guided tours, lasting about 45 minutes, taking guests through the cavern. The northern and eastern caverns meet in the middle in what is called the "Indian Ballroom" with ceilings stories high.
4. Kinzua Bridge State Park, McKean County
The Kinzua Bridge State Park allows visitors to tour the Kinzua Bridge "skywalk." The bridge was once the tallest railroad bridge in the world at 301 feet high, as well as the longest at 2053 feet long. In 2003, the bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado. In 2011, the Kinzua Bridge was reopened as a pedestrian walkway, allowing visitors to venture out 600 feet onto the platform and peer down through a partial glass platform. You can see for miles around and look over the edge to see the fallen bridge pieces still left on the ground.
5. Mt. Washington View of Pittsburgh
One of the most visited neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, Mt. Washington's Grandview Avenue, provides a unique vantage point of the Pittsburgh skyline. Better known as "Restaurant Row" there are multiple restaurants, including ice cream shops, baked goods, and delicious breakfast. (There are also other fun stops to make in Pittsburgh while you're there)
Some young Pennsylvanians may be starting to feel that the Keystone State is a boring place to live, but there are lots of fun things to do if you just venture out and look for them. So, load up the car and take a drive to a fun and adventurous place and make a memory.
