Off the Beaten Path | Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state filled to the brim with exciting attractions. It is deeply rooted in the history of our country. There are fun family-friendly attractions, natural scenery and much more. The following attractions are only a few of the places you will want to see during a visit to Pennsylvania

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail

The Appalachian Trail is one adventure that every visitor to the east should experience. The Trail stretches from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Spring Mountain in Georgia, following the crests of the Appalachian Mountains. There is a large stretch of the Appalachian Trail that passes through Pennsylvania and it is worth some time to hike along this stretch. In general the Pennsylvania stretch of the trail is rocky and moderately difficult, excepting the southern part which has gentle grades and is fairly easy.

Fallingwater

Fallingwater is a must see destination for any architecture buffs or art lovers. The house was designed by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater is one of the most stunning examples of Wright's work. It exemplifies his ability to incorporate nature with architecture organically. Visitors to the house see it in its original state, with the original furniture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the original art and furnishings.

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hershey, Pennsylvania is a town where visitors can enjoy a complete chocolate experience. The town was founded by Milton Hershey, the same man that founded Hershey Chocolates. He originally built the town as a model town and community for the employees of his company. Visitors to Hershey can enjoy the amusement park, Hershey Park. Hershey also has pleasant resorts, golf courses and other amazing accommodations. Visitors can find The Hershey Story, which highlights the history of the man and the town, as well as Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Theatre.

Independence National Historic Park

Located in Old City Philadelphia, this 45 acre park is the home of the Liberty Bell as well as Independence Hall. Within this World Heritage Site you will be able to learn about the creation of both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution right in the same place. Franklin Court, also in the Historic Park is the site were Benjamin Franklin's home once stood. Visitors to Independence National Historic Park can enjoy all of this history and 18 other historic structures.

Lancaster Amish Country

Lancaster Amish Country is a truly unique destination within Pennsylvania. In this part of the country the Amish community speaks the very unique language of Pennsylvania Dutch, which is an exclusively Amish language. Visitors to the Amish community in Lancaster Country can tour the one-story schoolhouse where the Amish children have been educated for generations. In addition, you can walk across a 200 year old wood covered bridge.

Mount Washington and the Inclines

If you want to see Pittsburgh, the top of Mt. Washington is an excellent spot. Mount Washington was known as "Coal Hill," since it was originally a site for many coal mines. Mt. Washington stands above the city of Pittsburgh at 367 feet high, and visitors to the top of Mt. Washington can also see the three rivers. At night you can see a full panorama of Pittsburgh. The very best way to get to the top of Mt. Washington is to take one of the two inclines from the bottom. The two inclines are the Mon Incline, which travels from the Station Square shopping complex, and the Duquesne Incline, which still has its original wooden cable cars and its top station features photos and displays of the city's history.

The Pocono Mountains

The Poconos stretch across four counties and encompass 2,400 square miles of wilderness. Within these mountains there are many opportunities for recreation and viewing preserved natural beauty. Visitors to the Poconos will also find plenty of culture, from art galleries to naturalist museums and music festivals. If you want to combine mountain recreation with aquatic recreation you will find lakes, rivers and waterfalls within the Poconos.