Experience Pennsylvania’s Nature and History

Waterfalls, distinctive trails, and sites of American history give a trip through Pennsylvania a variety of possible focuses. Natural attractions include the gorges and waterfalls of Ricketts Glen State Park, the river landscape of Ohiopyle, and the paved loop trail at Presque Isle. Historic visits include Independence Hall, Gettysburg, and the Flight 93 National Memorial, among others.

Waterfalls and Nature Trails

Glens Natural Area is located in Ricketts Glen State Park and is a National Natural Landmark. It is credited with 21 free-flowing waterfalls that cascade through rocky gorges. The Falls Trail System is also in this natural area. The full Falls Trail loop is 7.2 miles long. A 3.2-mile loop route follows the Highland Trail and passes through the Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen sections to reach most of the waterfalls. The two routes differ in length and course; seasonal trail conditions may change. Check conditions before your visit.

At Ohiopyle State Park, the Ferncliff Peninsula is another designated National Natural Landmark. The 100-acre area was formed by a bend in the Youghiogheny River. The Cucumber Falls Trail leads from Ohiopyle along the river to Cucumber Falls. Here, visitors can take in both a distinctive river formation and a trail leading to a specific waterfall.

At Presque Isle, the paved Multi-Purpose Trail and its extension form a 13.5-mile loop and are designated a National Recreation Trail. Details about the surface, distance, and loop provide clear guidance for anyone planning a longer ride or walk. Presque Isle State Park can be reached via PA 832 northbound or by boat.

Kinzua Bridge State Park also combines visitor information with outdoor orientation: the visitor center and park office offer sweeping views, self-guided exhibits, and information about the surrounding area. Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway is designated as a shared hiking and biking corridor.

Architecture and American History

Fallingwater is a National Historic Landmark and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Guided Architectural Tour includes access to the interior of the house and the entire grounds. Tour times and availability may change, so check before your trip.

The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed at Independence Hall, which is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tours begin every 20 minutes starting at 10 a.m., with the last tour beginning at 4:20 p.m. Check the schedule before your visit. This makes it possible to include the visit in your day’s plans with a specific time slot.

Gettysburg National Military Park offers ranger-led programs about important moments and sites on the Gettysburg battlefield. The battle is considered a turning point in the American Civil War. Gettysburg National Cemetery is also part of the historic setting and is the final resting place of more than 6,000 U.S. soldiers and veterans.

At Flight 93 National Memorial, the national memorial honors the passengers and crew of Flight 93. The Flight 93 Visitor Center Complex includes exhibits, a viewing window, a bookstore, the Flight Path Walkway, and the Overlook. Visitors can also explore the story through outdoor exhibits, a cell phone tour, ranger-led programs, and conversations with rangers and park staff. The different offerings provide several ways to engage with the story.

Plan for Regional Experiences

Pennsylvania’s Bureau of State Parks manages 125 state parks covering more than 300,000 acres for popular outdoor recreational activities. When choosing a hotel location, it may therefore be helpful to decide on the trip’s main experiences first, rather than treating nature trails, architecture, and memorial sites as one single itinerary.

Local produce can also be part of a stay: Pennsylvania has hundreds of farmers markets and local outlets selling fresh farm produce. Market dates vary, so check in advance to see what fits your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Allegheny, Mercer, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wayne, Juniata, Clearfield, Bedford, Washington, Butler, Northumberland, Erie, Blair, Williamsport, Columbia, Pike, Crawford County, Clarion County, Fayette County, Lawrence County, Union County, Wyoming County, Jefferson County, McKean County, Clinton County, Snyder County, Schuylkill County, Montour County, Somerset County, Bradford County, Huntingdon County, Venango County, Cambria County, Perry County, Lycoming County, Elk County, Mifflin, Armstrong, Greene County, Sullivan County, Potter County, Tioga County, Susquehanna County, Fulton County, Indiana County, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, Monroe, Montgomery, Bucks, Carbon, Westmoreland, York, Adams, Delaware, Franklin, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Lehigh, Northampton, Beaver, Centre, Berks, Chester

For the broader travel overview: USA.