Popular lore says that the magic is really in the journey. Of course, the journey is all part of the fun, right? These nine places in Pennsylvania, though, may make you question that old saying. Once you arrive at these remote spots where you’ll find beauty and tranquility, you may never want to leave.
- Ralph Stover State Park – 6011 State Park Road, Pipersville, PA 18947
All Trails/Jill Kelly Feel as though you’ve journeyed a million miles away at Ralph Stover State Park. The cozy, 45-acre state park offers a a mile of trails that will lead you over a historic footbridge. Rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and picnicking are other popular activities. Journey to the top of the High Rocks Overlook for sweeping views of the park and beyond.
- Hammersley Wild Area – Austin, PA 16720
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli Really want to get away from it all? Journey to Hammersley Wild Area, the most remote area in Pennsylvania. The 30,000-acre unspoiled, natural area does not allow motor vehicles or development of any kind. For picture-perfect views, hike along the Twin Sisters Trail. The 10-mile trail boasts footbridges, waterfalls, a natural pool, and an overlook.
- Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery – 212 Rutter Road, Halifax, PA 17032
Facebook/Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery Sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the area’s best wine at Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery. Nestled in Halifax, the picturesque winery features a tasting room, a homestead, and a restored barn. Choose from such popular wines as Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Armstrong Red. Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fallingwater – 1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464
Facebook/Fallingwater Tucked in rural southwestern Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is, perhaps, Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous architectural design. The charming home, with a waterfall flowing through it, offers guided tours and features outdoor trails. Reservations are strongly recommended. Visit Fallingwater daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (It is closed on Wednesdays.
- Forksville General Store and Restaurant – 22 Bridge Street, Forksville, PA 18616
Trip Advisor/BackMtnDuo Indulge in a charming, old-fashioned experience with a visit to Forksville General Store and Restaurant. Browse the general store, housed in an 1851 building, which features groceries as well as souvenirs. Then, sit down for one of the state’s best cheesesteak sandwiches at Big Mike’s Steaks & Hoagies. Forksville General Store and Restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Kinzua Bridge – 296 Viaduct Road, Mt Jewett, PA 16740
Trip Advisor/NPS Tumbleweeds Walk along the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk for absolutely breathtaking views of Kinzua Bridge State Park. The skywalk, which spans 600 feet, features a glass floor at the end. Daring? Look straight down at the forest floor, a whopping 302 feet below. Other popular activities at Kinzua Bridge State park include hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
- Cherry Springs State Park – 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, PA 16915
Trip Advisor/kristalbentley Drink in unobstructed views of the nighttime sky at Cherry Springs State Park. The park boasts the best viewing of the nighttime sky on the Eastern Seaboard. Cherry Springs State Park provides nighttime viewing areas for amateur astronomers. Avid astronomers can stay, with advanced reservations, at the overnight viewing area.
- Pine Creek Gorge – Watson Township, PA 17740
Flickr/Chris M. Morris Discover the sheer beauty of Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania’s very own Grand Canyon, from above or from the base. The 1,000 foot-deep gorge is more than 50 miles long and can be seen from Colton Point State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park. Or, if you prefer the view from the base, embark on the picturesque Pine Creek Rail Trail.
- Renovo
Flickr/Lighthouse 50 Really want to get away from it all? Renovo, the most remote town in PA, just might be the perfect destination for you. The tiny town of less than 1,300 residents features a smattering of charming antiques shops, quaint restaurants, and easy access to Sproul State Forest. Visit during October for the popular PA State Flaming Foliage Festival.
How many of these places in Pennsylvania have you visited? Which others would you add to the list? Share below! Then, click here to read about the Pennsylvania store that’s in the middle of nowhere but so worth the visit.
All Trails/Jill Kelly
Feel as though you’ve journeyed a million miles away at Ralph Stover State Park. The cozy, 45-acre state park offers a a mile of trails that will lead you over a historic footbridge. Rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and picnicking are other popular activities. Journey to the top of the High Rocks Overlook for sweeping views of the park and beyond.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Really want to get away from it all? Journey to Hammersley Wild Area, the most remote area in Pennsylvania. The 30,000-acre unspoiled, natural area does not allow motor vehicles or development of any kind. For picture-perfect views, hike along the Twin Sisters Trail. The 10-mile trail boasts footbridges, waterfalls, a natural pool, and an overlook.
Facebook/Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery
Sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the area’s best wine at Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery. Nestled in Halifax, the picturesque winery features a tasting room, a homestead, and a restored barn. Choose from such popular wines as Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Armstrong Red. Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Facebook/Fallingwater
Tucked in rural southwestern Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is, perhaps, Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous architectural design. The charming home, with a waterfall flowing through it, offers guided tours and features outdoor trails. Reservations are strongly recommended. Visit Fallingwater daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (It is closed on Wednesdays.
Trip Advisor/BackMtnDuo
Indulge in a charming, old-fashioned experience with a visit to Forksville General Store and Restaurant. Browse the general store, housed in an 1851 building, which features groceries as well as souvenirs. Then, sit down for one of the state’s best cheesesteak sandwiches at Big Mike’s Steaks & Hoagies. Forksville General Store and Restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Trip Advisor/NPS Tumbleweeds
Walk along the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk for absolutely breathtaking views of Kinzua Bridge State Park. The skywalk, which spans 600 feet, features a glass floor at the end. Daring? Look straight down at the forest floor, a whopping 302 feet below. Other popular activities at Kinzua Bridge State park include hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
Trip Advisor/kristalbentley
Drink in unobstructed views of the nighttime sky at Cherry Springs State Park. The park boasts the best viewing of the nighttime sky on the Eastern Seaboard. Cherry Springs State Park provides nighttime viewing areas for amateur astronomers. Avid astronomers can stay, with advanced reservations, at the overnight viewing area.
Flickr/Chris M. Morris
Discover the sheer beauty of Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania’s very own Grand Canyon, from above or from the base. The 1,000 foot-deep gorge is more than 50 miles long and can be seen from Colton Point State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park. Or, if you prefer the view from the base, embark on the picturesque Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Flickr/Lighthouse 50
Really want to get away from it all? Renovo, the most remote town in PA, just might be the perfect destination for you. The tiny town of less than 1,300 residents features a smattering of charming antiques shops, quaint restaurants, and easy access to Sproul State Forest. Visit during October for the popular PA State Flaming Foliage Festival.
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Address: 212 Rutter Road, Halifax, PA 17032Address: 1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464Address: 6011 State Park Road, Pipersville, PA 18947Address: 22 Bridge Street, Forksville, PA 18616Address: 296 Viaduct Road, Mt Jewett, PA 16740Address: 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, PA 16915
