Visiting Pennsylvania's Little-Known Destinations: Find Nature and History Off the Beaten Path

The Allure of This Northern State

Pennsylvania contradicts itself quite often. Visitors see huge cities like Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh and think the state is one huge skyline, full of high-rises, apartments, factories, and shops. Yet, when those same people visit the beautiful woodlands, quiet valleys, small towns, and farmlands, they think they've somehow entered another state with no warning. These back roads and hidden valleys are the places most worth seeing, places very few people think to visit. Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful, mysterious northeastern states to explore for many different reasons. There are so many choices. Whatever you want to see or do can be found here, from biking, water sports, nature, scenery, history, great food (try anything Pennsylvania Dutch!) and even attractions the kids will find interesting.

The Not-So-Popular Tourist Attractions

Pennsylvania's little-known destinations are numerous and vary greatly in category; the curious traveler just has to know where to look (a map and written directions never hurt, but traveling with someone who knows the area, whether an official guide or just a friend, is even better). Here are some diverse and unique possibilities for those planning to get lost on the mysterious back roads, forests, and less-popular cities of Pennsylvania.

Religion, Culture, and the Big-City Feel