Pennsylvania(PA) is famous for its important historical sites and big cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. But there’s much more to discover beyond these well-known places. This state is full of unique places that many people don’t know about. These places are special because they are different and can give you an experience you won’t forget.
Pennsylvania has many such secrets waiting for you to explore. In this blog post, we’re going to share a list of the top 17 hidden gems in Pennsylvania along with their locations, pictures and tips. These include everything from a cool, old highway covered in graffiti to breathtaking views in a place called Pine Creek Gorge, and even a magical garden right in Philadelphia.
We picked these places because they are not just beautiful or interesting, but also because they have exciting stories to tell. So, get ready to explore Pennsylvania in a new way. Whether you want a peaceful break from busy life, a glimpse of the past, or a chance to see untouched nature with your family or solo, this list has something for everyone.
17 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania
17. The Village of St. Peters
Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania
What to Expect: St. Peters is a small, charming village known for its unique stone buildings and quiet, peaceful surroundings. It feels like stepping back in time.
Fun Fact: The village is surrounded by woods with lots of walking trails.
Visitor Tips: Bring a camera to capture the quaint buildings and beautiful nature.
16. Kinzua Bridge State Park
Location: Northwestern Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This park was once home to one of the longest railroad bridges. Although the bridge was partly destroyed by a tornado, you can still walk on the remaining section and look down through the glass floor.
Fun Fact: The bridge was so long that it was called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” when it was built.
Visitor Tips: Don’t forget to visit the visitor center to learn more about the bridge’s history.
15. Columcille Megalith Park
Location: Near Bangor, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: Step into a serene landscape at Columcille Megalith Park, where large, majestic stones stand arranged in formations reminiscent of the famed Stonehenge. This tranquil park offers a quiet escape into nature.
Fun Fact: The design of the park is influenced by the spiritual vibes of the Isle of Iona, located off Scotland’s coast, known for its sacred history and breathtaking scenery.
Visitor Tips: For the best visibility and experience, visit on a clear, sunny day when the stones cast dramatic shadows on the lush grass.
14. Austin Dam Ruins
Location: Northcentral Pennsylvania
What to Expect: The ruins of this dam are a reminder of a massive flood in 1911. It’s an interesting place to see how nature has started to take over the old structures.
Fun Fact: When the dam broke, it released enough water to cover a large city in over 30 feet of water.
Visitor Tips: Wear good shoes as the area around the ruins can be uneven and rocky.
13. Kecksburg
Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania
What to Expect: Kecksburg is famous for a mysterious event where something, believed by some to be a UFO, crashed in the woods in 1965.
Fun Fact: People still argue about whether it was really a UFO or just a meteor.
Visitor Tips: Visit during the annual UFO festival for extra fun and stories.
12. Gravity Hill
Location: Near Bedford, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: At Gravity Hill, cars seem to roll uphill instead of down. It’s a weird but fun optical illusion.
Fun Fact: This hill is one of several “gravity hills” around the world.
Visitor Tips: Try stopping your car at the bottom of the hill and watch it mysteriously roll uphill.
11. The Coffee Pot
Location: Bedford, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This big building looks just like a coffee pot! It used to be a diner but now it’s a fun roadside attraction. This is one of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania.
Fun Fact: It was built in 1927 to attract visitors to a nearby gas station.
Visitor Tips: Great spot for a quirky photo.
10. Jim Thorpe
Location: Northeastern Pennsylvania
What to Expect: Jim Thorpe is a picturesque town with beautiful old buildings and a rich history. It’s often called “The Switzerland of America” because of its stunning mountain scenery.
Fun Fact: The town is named after Jim Thorpe, a famous athlete who never actually lived there.
Visitor Tips: Visit during the fall to see the spectacular autumn colors.
9. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This outdoor art gallery is covered in mosaics made from broken glass, ceramics, and other recycled materials. It’s like walking into a giant, colorful puzzle.
Fun Fact: The artist, Isaiah Zagar, has been decorating the walls since the 1960s.
Visitor Tips: Look closely at the walls to spot hidden messages and figures.
8. Laurel Caverns
Location: Fayette County, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This large cave system has beautiful rock formations. You can go spelunking (cave exploring) and see the different geological features up close.
Fun Fact: The caverns are over 400 million years old.
Visitor Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as it gets chilly inside.
7. Eckley Miners’ Village
Location: Northeastern Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This preserved village tells the story of coal miners and their families. Walking through the village is like traveling back to the 19th century.
Fun Fact: Many scenes from the movie The Molly Maguires were filmed here.
Visitor Tips: Check out the miners’ homes and the old schoolhouse.
6. The Ghost Town Trail
Location: Cambria and Indiana Counties, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This trail takes you through areas that were once bustling with coal mining activity but are now quiet and abandoned. It’s great for hiking and biking.
Fun Fact: The trail is 46 miles long and has several ghost towns along the way.
Visitor Tips: Bring water and snacks, and wear good walking shoes.
5. The Seven Tubs Nature Area
Location: Near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This nature area features natural rock tubs and waterfalls, formed by flowing water over thousands of years.
Fun Fact: The tubs are natural swimming holes in the summer.
Visitor Tips: Don’t forget your camera; the scenery is breathtaking.
4. Pine Creek Gorge
Location: Northcentral Pennsylvania
What to Expect: Often called the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” this gorge offers stunning views and great hiking trails.
Fun Fact: The gorge is over 1,000 feet deep and more than 40 miles long.
Visitor Tips: Visit the overlooks at Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks for the best views.
3. Graffiti Highway
Location: Centralia, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This abandoned stretch of road is completely covered in colorful graffiti. It’s an interesting place to see how an area can change into a canvas for public art.
Fun Fact: The highway was abandoned due to an underground mine fire that has been burning since 1962.
Visitor Tips: Be respectful of the art and the environment when you visit.
2. The Secret Valley
Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This beautiful valley is less known but offers tranquil scenery and a perfect escape from the busy city life.
Fun Fact: The valley is known for its lush landscapes and small, hidden waterfalls.
Visitor Tips: Great for a peaceful day of hiking and picnicking.
1. The Allegheny Observatory
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What to Expect: This observatory is not only a hub for astronomical research but also offers public tours where you can look through telescopes and learn about the universe.
Fun Fact: The observatory played a crucial role in developing the technology used for GPS today.
Visitor Tips: Book a night tour for a chance to see the stars like never before.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog on 17 Must-Visit Pennsylvania Hidden Gems by Travel Awaits You. These places prove that Pennsylvania is not just about Liberty Bells and chocolate factories, but also about quiet, undiscovered places where you can make memories that last a lifetime.
Thanks for reading 🙂