Pennsylvania is home to some pretty familiar – and famous – spots. Pine Creek Gorge (the Grand Canyon of PA, of course). Gettysburg National Military Park. Valley Forge. And the list goes on and on. But even those of us who have lived here our whole lives can’t possibly know every place in PA. Here are 10 underrated places in Pennsylvania that you may not have heard of.
- Hammersley Wild Area – Austin, PA 16720
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli Want to escape from the stresses of everyday life? Hammersley Wild Area - the most remote place in Pennsylvania - is where you want to go. Spanning 30,000 acres in Clinton and Potter Counties, the spectacular protected natural area features footbridges, scenic overlooks, and waterfalls. Even better? Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
- Jakes Rocks – Mead Township, PA 16365
Flickr/Andy Arthur Hidden in Allegheny National Forest, Jakes Rocks boasts hiking trails and a breathtaking scenic overlook. The hike to Jakes Rocks takes less than 15 minutes for most people due, in large part, to the paved hiking path.
- Chanticleer Garden – 786 Church Road, Wayne, PA 19087
Facebook/Chanticleer Garden Charming gardens, like Chanticleer Garden, can be found all over PA. This hidden gem encompasses 27 pristine acres of plants, flowers, lush green, and streams. Explore the different types of gardens, including the teacup garden, the pond garden, and the Asian garden. Chairs and benches are strategically located throughout the garden, to give you time to sit down and admire your surroundings.
- The Stoogeum – 904 Sheble Lane, Ambler, PA 19002
Facebook/The Stoogeum If you love Moe, Larry, Curly and Shemp, you probably already know about the Stoogeum. The three-story museum houses more than 100,000 pieces of Stooge’s memorabilia. It also serves as the headquarters of the Official Three Stooges Fan Club. Explore exhibits focusing on original movie posters, movie props, costumes, and artwork.
- Little Buffalo State Park – 1579 State Park Road, Newport, PA 17074
Flickr/lil moe 72 Snuggled in Newport, Little Buffalo State Park beckons outdoor lovers with its plethora of activities available all year around. The 923-acre state park allows hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating in the summer. Winter activities include cross country skiing and ice skating.
- Columcille Megalith Park – 2155 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013
Columcille Megalith Park Can’t get to England to visit Stonehenge? Columcille Megalith Park has often been referred to as PA’s own version of the English natural wonder. The PA park - filled with a collection of stone structures - was created by Bill Cohea. Stroll through the park that’s home to 80 different structures, including the St. Columbia Chapel.
- Benezette
Flickr/Richard Yuan Carefully drive through Benezette - Elk Country - because elk roam just about everywhere. Stop by the Elk Country Visitors Center to learn more about the majestic creatures and to view them from observation areas. Or, simply have a meal in town where you can watch the elk wandering from your seat.
- Powdermill Nature Reserve – 1847 PA-381, Rector, PA 15677
Facebook/Powdermill Nature Reserve Pure natural beauty awaits at Powdermill Nature Reserve. A part of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the nature reserve welcomes visitors all year around. Explore the woodlands, streams, and ponds along one of its numerous hiking trails.
- Promised Land Lake – 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, PA 18426
Facebook/Promised Land State Park Nestled in Promised Land State Park, Promised Land Lake is hugged by two sandy beaches. Sunbathe in the soft sand. Have a picnic at one of the pavilions. Or, go fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.
- Isle of Que – Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Facebook/The Isle of Que Arrive at the tranquil 5.5 mile Isle of Que via the bridge that connects it to the picturesque town of Selinsgrove. Spend the day exploring the tiny island on foot. Go boating on Penns Creek. Or, just sit back on the banks of the creek and watch the sunset.
What other underrated places in Pennsylvania deserve a spot on a second part of this list? Click here to read about the 10 hidden gems in PA you’ll definitely want to check out in 2018.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Want to escape from the stresses of everyday life? Hammersley Wild Area - the most remote place in Pennsylvania - is where you want to go. Spanning 30,000 acres in Clinton and Potter Counties, the spectacular protected natural area features footbridges, scenic overlooks, and waterfalls. Even better? Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
Flickr/Andy Arthur
Hidden in Allegheny National Forest, Jakes Rocks boasts hiking trails and a breathtaking scenic overlook. The hike to Jakes Rocks takes less than 15 minutes for most people due, in large part, to the paved hiking path.
Facebook/Chanticleer Garden
Charming gardens, like Chanticleer Garden, can be found all over PA. This hidden gem encompasses 27 pristine acres of plants, flowers, lush green, and streams. Explore the different types of gardens, including the teacup garden, the pond garden, and the Asian garden. Chairs and benches are strategically located throughout the garden, to give you time to sit down and admire your surroundings.
Facebook/The Stoogeum
If you love Moe, Larry, Curly and Shemp, you probably already know about the Stoogeum. The three-story museum houses more than 100,000 pieces of Stooge’s memorabilia. It also serves as the headquarters of the Official Three Stooges Fan Club. Explore exhibits focusing on original movie posters, movie props, costumes, and artwork.
Flickr/lil moe 72
Snuggled in Newport, Little Buffalo State Park beckons outdoor lovers with its plethora of activities available all year around. The 923-acre state park allows hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating in the summer. Winter activities include cross country skiing and ice skating.
Columcille Megalith Park
Can’t get to England to visit Stonehenge? Columcille Megalith Park has often been referred to as PA’s own version of the English natural wonder. The PA park - filled with a collection of stone structures - was created by Bill Cohea. Stroll through the park that’s home to 80 different structures, including the St. Columbia Chapel.
Flickr/Richard Yuan
Carefully drive through Benezette - Elk Country - because elk roam just about everywhere. Stop by the Elk Country Visitors Center to learn more about the majestic creatures and to view them from observation areas. Or, simply have a meal in town where you can watch the elk wandering from your seat.
Facebook/Powdermill Nature Reserve
Pure natural beauty awaits at Powdermill Nature Reserve. A part of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the nature reserve welcomes visitors all year around. Explore the woodlands, streams, and ponds along one of its numerous hiking trails.
Facebook/Promised Land State Park
Nestled in Promised Land State Park, Promised Land Lake is hugged by two sandy beaches. Sunbathe in the soft sand. Have a picnic at one of the pavilions. Or, go fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.
Facebook/The Isle of Que
Arrive at the tranquil 5.5 mile Isle of Que via the bridge that connects it to the picturesque town of Selinsgrove. Spend the day exploring the tiny island on foot. Go boating on Penns Creek. Or, just sit back on the banks of the creek and watch the sunset.
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Address: 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, PA 18426Address: 1847 PA-381, Rector, PA 15677Address: 2155 Fox Gap Road, Bangor, PA 18013Address: 904 Sheble Lane, Ambler, PA 19002Address: 1579 State Park Road, Newport, PA 17074Address: 786 Church Road, Wayne, PA 19087
