Visiting PA - suggestions for a Zonie?

[lcgeek]

Hello PA Mudders

My family and I are taking an east coast trip in near future...up to NYC, then Niagra, then traveling back down to Pittsburgh to fly back home to AZ. Due to flights and whatnot, we will find ourselves in PA for 2 days. We will be in rental car so not looking to do any wheeling, but open to suggestions of good sights to see, scenic drive, good place to spend the day, etc. Being way out here in AZ, I am clueless on PA
Thanks!

 

[crispy21]

Hershey Park in Hershey PA. Fun amusement park, very family based with great hotels around the area. It is in the centerish of the state.

 

[AaronM33]

if you're driving down from Niagara to Pittsburgh you might wanna check out Pine Creek Gorge aka the PA Grand Canyon. It will be a little out of the way but there are some old growth forests there and some cool outdoorsy stuff to do. Also a little closer to your route than Hershey. Another outdoorsy spot is Raystown Lake, which is Army Corp of Engineers run so the vibe is very pristine and natural. Great boating and fishing there. If you decide to go towards the middle of the state Knoebels Grove in Elysburg offers free admission/pay to ride. Depends what you're more into. Knoebels is small* town family owned vibe. Hershey is more impressive but the whole town is company owned. Both parks are probably four or five hours east of 79. How far are you willing to deviate from a straight shot down to Pittsburgh? Do you want more natural stuff, family/ kids attractions or big city stuff to do? I have been to games and enough events in Pittsburgh to know it's a cool town but couldn't offer any advice on specifics there.

 

[crispy21]

Yes what Aaron said. But a dude from Annville should have mentioned Mount Gretna.

 

[Mtpenn]

Some links to check out

http://pawilds.com

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/kinzuabridg

 

[brosie]

I second the recommendation for Pine Creek. Pine Creek Outfitters http://www.pinecrk.com/ rents canoes, rafts, and all the gear for an adventure through the PA Grand Canyon. They also offer guided floats as well as transportation for you and your boating equipment. Knoebels is also a well kept secret. It has the feel of an old time amusement park and ranks higher in many areas than parks such as Disney per the Golden Ticket Awards http://goldenticketawards.com/2014-park-ride-winners/ AND a heck of a lot cheaper and far less crowds.

 

[lcgeek]

much appreciated gents - will start checking this places out!

 

[brian]

since you're going to be on that side of the state.
kinzua bridge state park:

The park is noted as the site of the Kinzua Bridge spanning Kinzua Creek, original bridge built in 1882, subsequent bridge built in 1900 and destroyed in 2003 by a tornado. At the time it was built, the original (c. 1882) Kinzua Bridge was the highest, at 301 feet (92 m), and longest, at 2,053 feet (626 m), railway bridge in the world, given the distinction of being listed as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (the listing was in 1977). The Erie Railroad company originally owned and operated the bridge.[2]

 

[joabmc]

If you're traveling from NYC to Niagara, taking a pitstop at Watkins Glen would be worth it.
http://nysparks.com/parks/142/details.aspx
My wife and have done Watkins Glen and the Pa Grand Canyon in a day as they are pretty close together. And you'll be in proximity to the Corning Glass factory
http://m.cmog.org/mobile
Which is worth a stop as well.

And if you all have your passports, get over to the Canadian side of the Falls

 

[lcgeek]

Great suggestions - really appreciate them! THANK YOU!!!

 

[AaronM33]

Yes what Aaron said. But a dude from Annville should have mentioned Mount Gretna.

Yes! How could I forget old timey MG & The Jigger Shop?!

 

[jamarquardt22]

Ricketts glenn state park. Hike the falls trail
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/rickettsglen/index.htm

 

[jamarquardt22]

Gettysburg battlefield http://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm

Also Watkins Glen is wine country if your into that

 

[Crusha]

It's already been noted, but...Knoebels, Knoebels, Knoebels!