Pennsylvania’s Playground: The Alleghenies
by Sarah Taylor
If you live in the Alleghenies, there’s an outdoor recreation playground right in your backyard. If you’re a visitor, fill your itinerary with activities on tree-lined trails, tumbling streams and acres of lakes, mountain passes, scenic byways and more.
The Alleghenies are becoming a household destination name, like the Poconos. Covering six counties – Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset – the Alleghenies boast natural beauty and a thriving ecosystem of recreational opportunities. Spanning over 450,000 acres of public land with 1,361 miles of recreational trails, the Alleghenies appeals to nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
The PA Alleghenies | Image Credits: Recreation.gov
So much to offer
The Alleghenies host over 31,232 acres of state parks, 179,520 of state forests, 240,192 acres of state game lands, and 1,361 miles of off-road trails. With the diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities, there’s fun for all ages. Plan a weekend getaway or a family vacation filled with activities like horseback riding, rock climbing, ATV off-roading, archery, river tubing, fishing and so much more. State parks and forests also include perfect spots for camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Even better, the Alleghenies offer four seasons of fun, with weekend fall festivals, downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and more.
Here are just a few highlights from each county:
Bedford County is known for its iconic Bedford Springs that hosts eight mineral springs. Additionally, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort hosts miles of biking trails to Red Oak Lake & Lake Spring, discoverable here.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort | Image Credits: Bedford County Development Association
Blair County’s Tytoona Cave and Chimney Rocks Park are perfect for those looking for a quick, easy day adventure.
Chimney Rocks Park | Image Credits: Explore Altoona
In Cambria County, the Ghost Town Trail and Coal Tubin water activities provide fantastic opportunities for those looking for exceptional adventures.
Ghost Town Trail | Image Credits: Visit Johnstown
In Fulton County, a visitor can split their time between hiking through Cowans Gap State Park and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Fulton Fall Folk Festival.
Fulton Fall Folk Festival | Image Credits: Fulton County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Visitors can spend time in Trough Creek State Park exploring “secret” Scenic spots, like Rainbow Falls, or exploring the local history at the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Huntingdon County.
Trails in Trough Creek State Park | Image Credits: Raystown Lake Region
Visitors and residents alike can pay homage to the brave passengers who lost their lives at the Flight 93 National Memorial and spend the afternoon on a side quest to find all of Somerset County’s covered bridges.
Flight 93 National Memorial | Image credits: Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
