A quick guide to Blair County: A nature lover’s favorite destination

By Sarah Taylor

In Blair County, there’s fun for everyone. With endless outdoor spaces and plenty of small town activities, it’s impossible to be bored. Plan your next vacation to Blair County and see everything the county has to offer. Here’s just a taste of what you can expect.

Walk on history

In Blair County, there’s always a sliver of history mixed with nature.

For example, Rails-to-Trails of Central Pennsylvania has transformed former railway lines into scenic trails like the Lower Trail and the Bell’s Gap Trail, offering miles of free pathways for outdoor exploration. On these former active railroads, visitors and residents can hike, jog, go horseback riding, birdwatch or cross-country ski. The Lower Trail follows the old Pennsylvania Railroad along the Juniata River, providing quick access for fishing, kayaking or canoeing in the river.

The Lower Trail is now also the new September 11th National Memorial Trail, also known as the 9/11 Trail. This network of trails and roadways stretches nearly 1,300 miles (2,100 km), connecting the Flight 93 National Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial, and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. It’s a tribute to those who perished in the September 11, 2001 attacks and to those who responded to them. Designated as a National Memorial Trail in October 2021, it is one of a kind among the 11 National Scenic Trails, 19 National Historic Trails, and the sole National Memorial Trail nationwide.

A trail along the famous Horseshoe Curve — a railroad engineering marvel that connected Philadelphia to the West in the 1850s — allows mountain bikers to view the historic icon while finding their dose of adrenaline.

Hollidaysburg Borough Website | Image Credits: Ben Jumper

Casual outdoor experiences

For those seeking a casual experience in nature, Chimney Rocks Park is extensively developed for ease of access. The park offers trails, picnic areas and overlooks, and is a safe excursion for those with children. In Tyrone, Tytoona Cave offers adventure- junkies on a time crunch a short cave exploration. Just be sure to bring flashlights!

Water hotspots

Land activities aren’t the only adventure opportunities in Blair County. Swimming, canoeing and fishing are popular in Canoe Lake at Canoe Creek State Park. The park hosts wetlands, old fields and mature forests, providing ideal habitats for birdwatchers. The Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway crosses through Blair County, providing a perfect place to leisurely kayak.

Canoe Lake | Image Credits: The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

History in Blair County’s towns

While Altoona is Blair’s biggest city and hosts a variety of community events, there are plenty of iconic small towns — like Williamsburg, Martinsburg and Roaring Spring — with local folk art, bakeries and small shops. Hollidaysburg and Tyrone act as a middle ground between the big and small towns, with plenty of historic sites and restaurants.

In Altoona, visitors can go to the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum to celebrate the legacy of the railroad industry. Meanwhile, the Baker Mansion provides a glimpse into Victorian-era architecture and lifestyle.

Baker Mansion | Image Credits: Baker Mansion History Museum

Arts, dining and entertainment in Blair County

To sample Blair County’s art scene, check out institutions like the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, which features regional and national exhibitions, and Mishler Theatre, a historic venue in downtown Altoona that hosts performances ranging from plays to concerts.

Blair County’s dining options are plentiful, too. In Duncansville, a local favorite, Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing Co., is renowned for its hearty Italian-American fare and house-brewed beers. Another favorite is Tyrone’s Austin’s Texas Hot Dogs, a beloved institution famous for its classic hot dogs topped with tangy chili sauce and mustard.

For shopping, in Altoona, Logan Valley Mall remains a hub, featuring a range of well- known retail outlets and dining options, making it a go-to destination for residents and visitors.

Exterior of Logan Valley Mall | Image Credits: Pennswood Commercial Realty LLC

Experience the Blair flair

Blair County attracts visitors from near and far and, with over 43 outdoor recreation businesses and 54,912 acres of state game lands, it’s no surprise that Blair’s tourist visitors spent over $326 million in 2021 alone.