Everyone has a bucket list of adventurous activities they want to do in order to make the most of our time here on earth. Maybe you want to visit the Taj Mahal or go skiing in the Swiss Alps. These are certainly impressive adventures, however, you can have incredibly exciting trips right here in Pennsylvania as well. Whether you are seeking some thrills like white water rafting or ziplines, or some interesting historical sites and tours, you can find it in Pennsylvania. Here are some ideas for your Pennsylvania bucket list:
- White Water Rafting on the Upper Yough. Believe it or not, Pennsylvania rivers sport some intense white water rapids. The Upper Yough has a section that drops at a rate of 115 feet per mile. This will challenge even the most experienced rafter. If you are looking for exciting adventures, check out the rafting on the Youghiogheny River.
- Hike the Appalachian Trail. You don’t have to hike from Georgia to Maine to have an adventure on the Appalachian Trail. The Pennsylvania section of the trail features beautiful scenic vistas and some challenging hiking. You can enjoy day hikes or weekend backpacking expeditions. Don’t miss this Pinnacle and Pulpit Rock near Hamburg, PA. This trail has elevations over 1,500 feet. The Delaware Water Gap also offers some stunning hikes.
- Ziplines on Refreshing Mountain. Get a unique perspective on nature by riding on ziplines at high speeds through the forest canopy. You will be suspended high in the air, sliding through the forest on cables. It is an exhilarating experience that you will not want to miss.
- Visit Hershey Park. Hershey Chocolate has had an amazing economic on Pennsylvania’s economy. They also have an exciting amusement park with roller coasters, a water park and a zoo. You can also take the Great American Chocolate Tour to discover how chocolate is made. And, you can stock up on delicious chocolate products as well.
- Play Rocky Balboa and run up the steps at Philadelphia’s Art Museum! You can re-create the famous scene for the iconic film, Rocky. The steps of Philadelphia’s Art Museum are quite a work out. You’ll want to go inside and check out the amazing collection of art while you are there as well.
- Get a stunning view of Pittsburgh from the Duquesne Incline. Ride in this elegant old-fashioned cable car to the top of Mount Washington. You will be treated to amazing views of downtown Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. There are many great restaurants at the top so be sure to make reservations for a fine dining experience. Opened 1877, this inclined is one of the few still in operation to today.
- Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over scenic Lancaster County. You will marvel at the spectacular views of Amish farmlands as you float gently through the sky in a hot air balloon. Refreshments are served on the flight.
- See the Battle of Gettysburg reenacted before your eyes. This battle was one of the defining moments of our country’s history. The Gettysburg National Military Park has preserved the battlefield and offers informative tours. Once a year, dedicated history buffs reenact the battle as it actually occurred. You will see soldiers dressed in period costumes fighting for their lives and locked in an epic struggle. If you love Civil War history, you won’t want to miss it.
- Watch medieval knights joust at Pennsylvania’s Renaissance Faire. At the Mount Hope Winery, fall weekends are filled with merriment and mirth as knights battle, costumed characters sing, and everyone has fun. This 35-acre medieval village features 90 shows daily, 22 different food vendors and many other activities for adults and children. So don your tunic and come enjoy this celebration of a bygone era.
- See the Liberty Bell. When it comes to the founding of our nation, Philadelphia was where it all happened. From Independence Hall, where our Founding Fathers met to create a new government, to the Liberty Bell that announced our freedom, Philadelphia has many important historical sites. You should also check out the Constitution Center, a modern multimedia tribute to our Constitution.
If you are looking for some excitement to spice up your life, be sure to visit these Pennsylvania attractions. You don’t have to travel half-way around the world to check items off your bucket list. There are many incredible adventures waiting right in your backyard.