Possessing the historic city of Philadelphia which is highly regarded as the “birthplace of American democracy,” Pennsylvania is one of the original 13 states and a favorite destination among American tourists. This historic city was recently named the first U.S. World Heritage City, an elite designation, indeed. “America’s birthplace” officially joined an impressive list of other World Heritage cities, including Florence, Paris, Jerusalem, St., Petersburg, and Prague. The history of Pennsylvania is replete. Visitors and residents enjoy the state’s many historical offerings while witnessing its commitment to preservation and sustainability in the form of numerous national and state parks, including:
Valley Forge National Historical Park on the Appalachian Trail
Immortalized as a monument to the historic events that took place during the 1777 American Revolutionary War, Valley Forge Historical park is famously known as the site where the Continental Army, under the leadership of George Washington, banded together to fight the British. Visitors enjoy perusing the historical site which annually hosts themed events bringing history to life through reenactments and storytelling. Visitors of the gorgeous park may enjoy nature hiking, fishing, biking and picnicking.
Penn’s Cave: A Wildlife Park
Once inhabited by Native Americans, Penn’s Cave is a nature preservation that allows visitors to explore the magnificent depths of America’s only all-water cavern. Guests may enjoy a guided boat tour of the cave followed by a wildlife park tour observing the park’s untamed nature and glorious mountainous animals.
Jennings Environmental Education Center
Guests may enjoy a cornucopia of nature and wildlife as they traverse the elaborate woodland and prairie trail systems of Jennings Environmental Education Center. The bustling state park resolves to increase environmental awareness and educate tangibly by allowing the public to encounter nature first hand through its 300 acres of prairie and forest. Guests enjoy perusing the park’s protected plant species including the prairie flower and blazing star.
Cook Forest State Park
A national gem, Cook Forest State Park spans 7,182 acres and is classified by the National Park Service as a National Natural Landmark. The park is often referred to by its moniker, “The Black Forest,” and visitors are are enchanted with it’s forested beauty dotted with virgin white pine and hemlock timber. Visitors may hike the vast natural wonder which is idyllic situated near an abundance of recreational outlets including, golfing, horseback riding and petting zoos.
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Created with the vision of creating a sustainability across five counties in order to conserve as much green space as possible, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor accomplishes the goal of preserving history in the East Coast across the Pennsylvania counties Bucks, Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon and Luzerne. The D&L trail spans 165 miles and serves as a connection between all five counties. Guests may travel from one town to the next utilizing the trail system and explore the many wonders the D&L has to offer including, shops, various B&Bs, river rafting, biking and revisiting the historical mining and Industrial eras which left behind a complex system of canals and vast railroad system.
Susquehanna River/ Getaway Heritage Area
River rafting enthusiasts won’t want to miss an adventure paddling down Susquehanna River. The 464-mile river is the longest in the East Coast and offers guests the chance to explore the area by way of water. Adventurers may customize their own paddling adventure perhaps making their way to the Lower Section of Susquehanna River starting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and ending in Maryland, a 53-mile long adventure that is dotted with incredibly scenic wildlife.
Pine Creek Gorge (Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania)
Photo courtesy tiaudubon.org
A stunning gorge in Pennsylvania boasting unscathed majestic beauties including waterfalls and rich topography, it is no wonder that the Pine Creek Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Visitors flock to the state park every year to partake in camping, picnicking and biking along the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
With a deep history and commitment to preservation, it’s easy to get #hookedon Pennsylvania. To learn more about Pennsylvania recreation, history, and travel to this extraordinary state, visit TripAdvisor or the state of Pennsylvania’s official website.
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